The other day I posted the gift I made for Corbyn’s teacher as an end of year thank you gift. See Here. I decided at the very last minute the other night to make my own tote bag since I couldn’t find one that was inexpensive and cute. I have to apologize greatly though for these photos you will see. They are dark, some may be blurry since I was rushing and well I’m terrible at photography. You’ll at least get the general idea of how to make the tote, it’s not hard at all.
A few weeks ago I picked up this canvas / twill type material from Goodwill for $1.99, there was a least a yard and a half. And it was new. I also picked a solid cotton fabric to use as my accent color for my straps. You will need to cut the following pieces of fabric in the following measurements:
Straps:
{you will need two of each piece}
Main fabric
24 1/2″ long x 4 1/2″ wide
Accent fabric
24 1/2″ long x 2 1/2″ wide
Bag:
{you will need two pieces}
19 1/2″ wide x 17″ tall
This pic shows my accent fabric as one piece which it was, I just cut it in half.
{You can make this tote in any size you want, this is what I wanted to fit all the goodies inside for his teacher. It ended up being a nice size tote that would be perfect for everyday running around picnic play dates, the library, or small errands. I would make it bigger for a beach tote.}
First thing I did was take the accent fabric and placed it on top of the strap fabric making sure that one edge was lined up and sewed straight down. You can sort of see what size seam allowance I had. I didn’t measure sorry.
I then opened it up and ironed it flat.
Then flipped the strap over and ironed about 1/4″ hem on the main fabric. Then folded it over and ironed again making it a clean hem so when folded it met almost at the sewn seam.
Like this.
I then ironed a hem on the accent fabric so that when it was folded over on to the main fabric it met the edges perfectly.
Like this.
I then sewed down both sides of the strap. This would look better with a double stitch I think, maybe next time.
Now I took my two main tote pieces. I began by creating a clean hem again. I folded it over about 1/4″ to begin and ironed it, then folded it again to create a 1 1/4″ hem. I then stitched it along both the top edge and the bottom edge.
It will look like this.
I originally was going to put this side on the inside of the bag, but really like how clean it looked and decided it would be the outside of the tote. Next you just match up all your sides and sew both sides and the bottom of the main tote pieces.
Now on to the straps. I placed them about 2″ in from the sides of my tote. Pinned them in place and stitched liked you see in the photo. I did turn the end of the strap under to create a clean hem. Do this to both straps. I don’t know if you can see but the bottom of the strap meets up with the stitch that we created with the outside decorative hem.
After the straps are sewn on to the tote I followed this tutorial HERE to create a flat bottom. Basically your pinching the bottom of the bag corners and sewing a triangle then folding it in and stitching it in place on the inside of the bag. See what it creates on the bottom of the bag here in this pic?
Now you have this tote!
I think next time I make it there will definitely be a pocket or two on the front! And possibly some freezer paper stenciling!
Oh so cute! Love the tote. Seems easy enough for me to try! lol
Thanks for sharing!
I LOVE IT! Where can I buy one? 🙂 Have a super fab weekend. Thanks so much for linking up!
This is awesome! I would love to try something like this.
http://www.blissfulsewing.blogspot.com
What a cute bag! Here from I Heart Naptime, and now following 🙂 Tanya