How to Sew a Cloth Bag

One of the first projects any novice sewer will learn is how to make a cloth bag. Mastering this basic project will give you the confidence to become versatile in your bag creations, whether it's experimenting with different fabrics and embellishments, working with pockets and closures or adding a lining.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Ruler
• Cutting mat
• Rotary cutter
• Iron
• Pins
• Thread
• Sewing machine

1. Cut the material to the desired dimensions. For example, to make a cloth bag that measures approximately 11 inches wide and 15 inches deep, you will need to cut 2 pieces of fabric that measure 11 1/2 inches by 15 1/2 inches to allow for ¼-inch seam allowances.

2. Measure and cut two pieces of fabric that are 2 inches by 11 1/2 inches. These pieces will be the inside lining of the rim and cover the unfinished ends of the bag's straps.

3. Determine the length of your straps, which is a personal preference, as you can either have straps that are long or short. Cut 2 straps that are at least 3 inches wide by your desired length.

4. Turn down ½-inch of the strap fabric to the wrong side on each of the long ends and crease with a hot iron. Fold the fabric in half, wrong sides together, and stitch down the length of each side. Repeat to make the remaining strap.

5. Baste the straps in place to the right side of each rectangle fabric piece, about 4 inches in from the edge, with the loops hanging down. Pin each 2-by-11-inch piece of fabric to the top of each rectangle fabric piece, right sides together, and straight stitch along the top.

6. Turn the straps so that they are pointing up and sew along the bottom edge of the brim fabric.

7. Match the two rectangle fabric pieces, right sides together, and pin along the sides and bottom. Sew a straight stitch along the sides and bottom. Turn right side out.