How to Make a Log Tote

It's the middle of winter and there's a few feet of snow between the house and the firewood pile. A homemade log tote makes it easy to carry several fireplace logs at once. The simple pattern below will create a log tote that can be customized by length.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine
• broom handle
• Nylon, canvas, burlap or suede fabric

Instructions

1. Cut a large rectangle out of a sturdy fabric, measuring 34" by 18". Adjust this size if you want a larger or smaller tote. Fabrics for log totes include nylon, canvas, suede and burlap.

2. Fold the long sides of the fabric by 1/4" and sew a seam down both sides.

3. Cut a broomstick into two pieces measuring 16 1/2 inches in length.

4. Fold over the short end of the fabric toward the sewn seam, leaving a two and half inch piece of fabric folded. Sew one side shut. Repeat this on the other end.

5. Cut a rectangle in the center of the end of the fabric approximately four inches wide and a half inch away from the end of the folded fabric. Stitch a seam around the rectangle. Repeat this on the other end.

6. Insert the broom handle through the open seam at each end. Hand stitch the open end shut.

7. Consider sewing a fabric handle in place of the broomstick handle. Eliminate step 5 and 6 and sew a fabric handle into the top seam on both ends. Double-stitch the handle for security.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang the empty log tote on a wall using a sturdy hook.

• Vinyl and leather are other fabric options but require a heavy-duty machine to sew them. Vinyl and leather can be cleaned easily.