How to Make a Simple Tote or Green Bag

Tote or Green bags are great gifts and fun to make. You can use scrap material or browse the fabric store for novelty fabric that expresses someone's interests or personality. Go green and make a statement for the environment. Tote or Green bags can be used as grocery bags, pocketbooks, knitting bags, sewing bags, beach bags, and the list goes on.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Serger or a good sewing machine that won't bounce around the table! (If using a sewing machine, use a # 16 needle or needle for heavy material.
• scissors or cutting wheel
• heavy material such as cotton twill
• cotton novelty fabric if you wish to make an outside cover
• yard of webbing for the handles (material for webbed belts)
• thread and pins

1. First, decide on the size for your tote or green bag. You will need 2 rectangles of material: 12X14 for a small bag, 14X16 for a medium bag, and 20X24 for a large bag. Of course, you can choose any size you want. Some of my bags are tall and narrow for knitting needles. If using the cotton for an outside cover, cut the same size as the heavy material.

2. Put the rectangles right side together and sew 3 sides. IF using the cotton material for an outside cover, first baste it to the heavy material so it won't slide, then right sides together, sew the 3 sides. The heavy material will become the inside of the bag.

3. 
   Inside Mitered Corner

   Keeping wrong sides out, miter the corners. This is done by running a perpendicular stitch across the corner so it looks like a triangle. (See picture) The purpose is to allow the bag to stand up on a smooth surface.

4. Turn tote bag right side out and serge the opening, so it won't ravel. If using a sewing machine, baste around the material.

5. 
   Inside of Bag With Sewn Handle

   Fold under the top edge approx. 1 inch. Pin in place. Cut 2 pieces of webbing the length you wish the handles to be. position the handles under the top edge, bring up, and pin in place.

6. Stitch 1/4 inch around the top edge and again near the bottom edge. This keeps the handles in place and adds a nice top stitching. Your tote bag is now complete. Enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• Sergers work best because they can handle the heavy material and seams won't ravel.
• Cutting boards and cutting wheels are great for quick cuts.
• Try tapestry material for an expensive look.
• Use vinyl for the inside for wet items.
• Check out the quilting stores for quilting fabric and designer fabrics.
• Try old jeans for a kid's bag.
• If you're ambitious, try adding pockets to the outside. Just cut the pockets and pin to the outside then sew the bag all at once so the pockets are sewn into the seams.
• If you are using a sewing machine, use a #16 needle or needle for heavy material and go slowly!

Resources

• More Articles

[Susanh]

on 6/13/2009 Can't wait to get sewing again. Totes are first on my agenda!

[Pixie1976]

on 6/14/2008 This bag is delightful!

[acole]

on 6/12/2008 Cool. This would be fun to make. Thanks!