DIY Craft Tote Bag
- 1). Spread your fabric on a flat work surface and fold it in half evenly along its width, resulting in an 18-inch wide piece that is doubled over. The sides of the fabric that will be on the outside of the finished tote should be facing inward. The "wrong" sides of the fabric should be facing outward.
- 2). Measure a rectangle that is 18 inches long and 12 inches wide. Draw the edges with a pencil or dressmaker's chalk, tracing along the yardstick to create straight lines.
- 3). Pin the two layers of fabric together so you can cut out both pieces at the same time. Place the pins just inside the rectangle you drew on the fabric. Cut out the rectangle, being sure to cut through both layers of fabric.
- 4). Fold back half an inch of fabric along one 12-inch side of each piece of fabric. The "wrong" sides of the fabric should face each other. Sew each strip in place. This finished edge will be the top, or opening, of the bag. A hem will prevent the fabric from fraying and unraveling.
- 5). With the right sides of the fabric together, pin the panels together along the remaining three sides. Do not pin the two hemmed edges together. Make sure the edges are aligned.
- 6). Sew the pinned edges together. Use a sewing machine for maximum efficiency or a needle and thread if you do not have access to a machine. Turn the bag right side out when the seams are complete.
- 7). Measure two pieces of fabric that are each 24 inches long and 3 inches wide, using the yardstick to create straight edges. These will be the handles of the tote bag. Cut out the pieces.
- 8). Pin back half an inch of fabric along all four edges of each fabric strip. The wrong sides of the fabric should face each other. Sew the turned-back strips in place.
- 9). Pin the end of one strip of fabric to one side seam of the bag. Pin the other end of the strip to the other side seam. Repeat with the second strip.
- 10
Sew the straps in place. - 11
Decorate the outside of the tote bag using fabric markers.
