Spring Tote Bag: An Easy Project for Beginners
Get ready for the spring by making this awesome tote bag. The great thing about making your own tote bag is that you can mix and match the fabrics with your wardrobe. Creating this bag is simple, easy and takes no time to make!
Originally uploaded by embrown123e
Materials Needed:
Fabric: 1/2 yd of Light weight canvas, upholstery fabric, denim, or wool
Optional lining: 1/2 yd of Cotton, or cotton blends
Thread: Color to match
Seam allowance: 1/2 inch
Cut the Fabric:
12 inch square for front and back. (Cut 2)
2 in x 16 in rectangle for handles ( Cut 4)
Sew the Tote:
1. Layer the front and back pieces right sides together. Pin. Stitch along the side seam. Repeat on the other side.
2. Press side seam allowance. If you are going to line your tote, leave the seam allowance as is.
4. Pin the bottom raw edges of the front/back with right sides . Stitch the fabric the press the seam allowance open then trim corners.
5. Turn the tote bag inside out fold back the top edge of the fabric by 1 in then press on an ironing board. Tuck the raw edge of the fabric in half toward the inside of the fold and press to form a double hem. If you do not plan to line the tote edgestitch 1/8 in.
For optional lining: Take contrasting fabric and repeat steps 1 though 5.
Make the handles:
6. Layer two handle pieces and pin them right sides together. Stitch along one long edge. Press seam open.
7. Repeat step 6 on the opposite edge. Turn handle right side out with a safety pin and press.
8. Repeat step 6 and 7 on other handle.
Attach the handles:
To stitch the handle outside of the tote press back end by 1/2 in. Mark center front and center back. Measure and mark 3 inches on either side of this mark for handle placement. Pin 1 in below the top edge of the bag. Stitch handle(s) to fabric. Press.
Note: If you rather not see the the handles on the outside of the tote bag. Pin the ends of the handle(s) in the desired locations 1″ below the top edge of the inside of the bag then sew it.
Adding the lining to the tote bag:
Turn the lining wrong side out and slip it into the tote, wrong sides together. Line up the side seams, attach lining by pinning it then topstitch 1/8 in around the top edge of the tote.
Be careful not to stitch the handles to the bag!.
Tip:
Use ribbon or other trims for the handles. Use purchases bias tape to add a decorative edge to the top edge of the tote. Have fun! Use your imagination!
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