I first layed eyes on this lovely tote at Say Yes to Hoboken (right here & here). I knew that I immediately had to do this diy project. For one it's easy. Number two, it's perfect for carring my teacher stuff, beach stuff, groceries...well just about anything and everything frankly. Most importantly though, I heart anything that's striped. If you like to know how to make this tote keep reading!
Materials Needed:
- Sewing Machine
- Thread
- Scissors
- pins
- Iron
- (2) 20"x20" pieces of heavy duty fabric (i.e. canvas) for the outside of your tote
- (2) 20"x20" pieces of fabric for your lining
- (2) 20"x5" pieces of the same fabric that you used for your lining for the handles
(1) First, take the two pieces of fabric for the outside of your tote and place them on top of one another making sure they are on the wrong side out. Then sew them together along the left and right sides...as shown in red in the above picture.
(2) Next, turn the seam you just sewed to the middle, iron it flat and sew straight across the bottom...as shown in red in the above picture.
(3) Pinch and fold the corners into a triangle, measure about 2 inches from the point and sew a vertical line at that point (where the red arrow is). Cut off the excess triangle.
(4) You'll repeat steps 1-3 with the lining fabric but leave about a 3'' open at the bottom to turn right side out.
(5) Now put the two bags right side together inside each other and pin along the top, then sew them together all the way around the top.
(6) Reach through the bottom hole, bring the striped fabric through and turn them both right side out. You should end up with something like what's pictured above. Don't forget to stitch up that hole in the lining once you're done with this step.
(7) Stuff the lining inside.
(8) Feel free to add a pocket.
(9) For each handle take a 20'' by 5'' piece of fabric. Fold it over and sew around three sides, leaving one side unfinished to turn inside out. After you turn them inside out stitch on the outside of the last side.
(10) Now, fold each handle over on top to make it comfortable to hold. Stick pins a couple inches (I did 3") in from the ends and then folded over and sewed the strip together in between those pins.
(11) Next, measure and pin them in place on the inside of the bag. Make sure both handles are the same height so it will be comfortable to hold.
(12) Sew handles on, crossing through the middle...basically sewing a square then sewing an "x" inside that square on each of the handles.
Ta-dah! Oh, and when people ask (because they will), "where did you get that bag" pat yourself on the back and tell them you made it. Enjoy!
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