How to Make a Fabric Tote

Whether you're carrying books to the beach or coloring books and crayons for the kids, this tote can handle it all. Made from fabric, you don't have to worry about getting it dirty. Just throw it in the laundry, let it dry and away you go again. This project is easy and inexpensive and takes very little time to complete. You will like it so much, you will want to make two.

Things You'll Need

• Material
• Measuring tape
• Sew machine
• Thread

Instructions

1. Choose material that you like or use a plain material and decorate it later using a fabric paint. Tote bags can be any size you need, so measure the size you would like to have and add two inches to the sides and one inch to the top. Fold the material in half and use your measurement for the width and height with the fold being the bottom of the tote. Cut out the piece. Cut two sections 32 inches long by 5-inches wide for straps.

2. Fold the material with the right sides together. On the main section, sew up both sides. Turn the top edge out and fold over an inch. Iron it all the way around to make sure it is even. Set aside.

3. With the right side facing each other, fold the straps in half long ways. Sew up the entire 32 inches. Turn them right side out.

4. Pin the straps in place. Both ends of the strap go on one side of the tote. One end about 1/3 of the way in from the left side and the other end of the strap 1/3 of the way in from the right side. Make sure the strap is not twisted before you sew it into place.

5. Sew a seam all the way around right at the top edge going right over the strap ends. Then sew a second line at the bottom of the inch you turned over. Make sure these lines are nice and straight because you will see them on the outside of the tote. Turn the tote right side out.

Tips & Warnings

• You can do this entire tote with fabric glue if you don't know how to sew. Just use some hand stitching on the straps and at the top of the side seams to give it more strength.

• You can use a plain material and stencil on your favorite pattern to paint. Or you can use self stick gems to decorate your tote.