There are so many uses for a tote bag.
Sewing tote bags is an easy exercise. Tote bags can be used for so many things too. Use them instead of plastic bags for your groceries to help the environment. Use them as library bags, beach bags or simply to carry your lunch. Make them out of sturdy--but lightweight--cotton or cotton blends so that they fold small to toss into a purse or briefcase.
Instructions
1. Cut out a rectangle of fabric 20 by 40 inches. Cut two pieces of fabric 6 inches wide by 24 inches long for short straps. If you want long straps so you can put the tote over your shoulder, make the straps 36 inches long. This will create a tote bag that is approximately 15 inches high, 11 inches wide and has a base of 8 inches.
2. Fold the fabric so that the short edges are touching. Pin the two sides. Sew the two side seams with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. On the open edge of the bag, fold the fabric back 1 inch and pin. Sew all the way around the top fold with a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
3. Stand the bag up and create a flat bottom. Using the corner tip of the bag as a guide, push the corner flat so that the side seam is touching the bottom of the bag. Measure 4 inches in and draw a line across the corner. Pin across the line. Repeat on the other corner. If you want the bottom of the tote to be wider, simply measure in more. Sew across the line and remove the pins. Cut the corner off 1/2 inch to the outside of the sewing line.
4. Fold the strap in half lengthwise and iron to create a crease. Open fabric flat. Fold the outer edges of the fabric in 1 inch on either side. Iron to crease. Refold the the fabric in half. You should now have a 2-inch-wide strap with raw edges hidden on the inside. Pin the length of the strap and sew a 1/4-inch seam allowance and then resew a 1/8-inch seam allowance for added strength. Remove the pins. Repeat for second strap.
5. Turn the bag right side out and push the corners flat with your fingers. Lay the bag so that the top is flat. Decide where you want the straps located and then put one end of the strap inside the top of the bag about 2 inches down from the top. Pin it in place. Do the same with the opposite end of the strap ensuring the strap is not twisted. On the outside of the tote bag near the top, sew a small rectangle over the spot where the strap is and then an "X" inside the square. This will make sure the straps are secure. Repeat for other side of strap. Repeat the pinning and sewing of the other strap.
Tags: seam allowance, 2-inch seam, 2-inch seam allowance, across line, fabric inches, inches long, inches wide
