You can make a fabric tote bag with just basic sewing skills. Make a smaller version and use it as a summer purse or a larger size for a beach bag to carry a towel, swimsuit and sunblock. The size tote bag you will make from these instructions can be used for a reusable grocery bag or project bag for knitting or other crafts.
Purchase your supplies. You will need ½ yard of a durable cotton fabric and thread to match. Also, purchase 1 yard of decorative cording to match the fabric.
2
Cut two pieces of fabric. Each piece should measure 15 inches wide and 20 inches long.
3
Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together and pin around three sides, leaving one of the 15-inch sides open for the top of the bag.
4
Sew, starting at the top of one of the sides, 1¼-inches down. Sew around the three sides until you reach 1¼-inches from the top of the opposite side.
5
Fold under ¼-inch on both sides at the top of the bag. Press the folds. Fold under another inch and press again.
6
Stitch on both sides, close to the inside fold. This will form two tubes at the top of the tote bag.
7
String the cord into the tubes, forming the handle. Attach a large safety pin to one of the ends of the cord. Guide the safety pin through one of the holes in the tube at the top of the bag. Work it through to the other side and then into the tube of the back side of the bag until you reach the other side of the original hole. Tie the to ends of the cord together. Pull the cord to close the tote bag.
Tips & Warnings
This bag has two holes in the tube. The cord can be cut in half. Guide each half through just half of the tube and tie it to its other end. This makes a bag with two handles.
