How to Make a Canvas Tote Bag

Making a canvas tote bag is a simple process. Although it would be easiest to do with a sewing machine, it is possible to sew by hand. The following instructions can be used to make a tote bag out of canvas, denim or any other material of your choice. Once you have the basic tote completed, you can choose to add embellishments or pockets. You can also vary the size of your tote based on your needs. This tote will be 1-foot and 6-inches wide and 1-foot and 7-inches deep when complete.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1.5 yards of material
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Iron
• Tape measure
• Flat surface to work

How to Make a Canvas Tote Bag

1. 
    

   Measure the material and mark out two rectangles. Each rectangle needs to be 1 foot 8 inches by 1 foot 7 inches. Cut out each rectangle, and set the left-over material aside to use for the straps.

2. Take the first rectangle and lay it on a flat surface. The short sides of the material are going to be the top and bottom of the tote. Take the edge that is going to be the top and fold it down one inch. Secure the fold with the straight pins. Iron the seam so that it remains creased. Using your sewing machine, sew straight across the edge. Do the same on the second piece of material.

3. Lay one piece of material down on a flat surface with the outside facing up. Place the second piece of material on top of the first with the outside facing down. Use your straight pins to attach the two pieces of material to each other.

4. 
    

   Sew the two pieces of material together leaving about ½-inch seam on either side. Sew around the three sides of the material, which will be the bottom and two sides.

5. Turn the tote inside out. The sewed edges should all be inside the bag, and the outside of the bag should have a finished look.

How to make the Straps

6. Take the extra material from making the bag. Lay it on a flat surface and measure out two pieces, 1 foot 8 inches long and 3 inches wide. Cut the material once it is measured.

7. 
    

   Take one strap and hold in each edge ½ an inch. Iron the seam to crease it. Hold the entire piece of material in half lengthwise. Use your straight pins to hold the material.

8. Sew along both edges to secure the hold on one side and to seal the material on the other.

9. Sew one end of the strap to the inside top of one side of the tote bag. Create a loop with the material, and sew the other end onto the same side of the tote bag.

10. 
     

    Repeat the process with the second strip of material. Sew the second strap onto the opposite side the tote bag so that the bag has two straps to carry it.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use the same process to create any size tote.
• This is an ideal project to use when teaching a young person to sew.
• Always be careful when using a sewing machine and iron. Don't let small children around a hot iron.

Resources

• sewing patterns and ideas