How to Make Canvas Bags

Canvas bags are becoming all the rage as we leave behind our plastic bags at the grocery store.

Canvas bags are sturdy, reliable, and earth friendly (reusable).

If your handy with a sewing machine, you can make your own canvas bags with the following instructions.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Home Decor Canvas Fabric
• Sewing Machine
• Matching Thread
• Scissors

1. 
   Cut Fabric

   From Canvas or Home Decor Fabric you will need to cut:
   Two 19"x21" rectangles for outside body of bag
   Two 19"x21" rectangles for lining
   One 6"x21" rectangle for bottom
   Two 5"x22" strips for handles

2. 
   Sew Canvas Bag Straps

   Wrong sides together fold straps in half long wise. Tuck in 1/2" and pin along edge to hold in place. Stitch up both sides of strap edges.

3. Abour 5" on each side of outside fabric, pin handles to top edge. Stitch across to hold in place.

4. 
   Sew Canvas Bag

   Right sides facing, stitch front panels of canvas bag together down each side.

5. 
   Bottom of Canvas Bag

   Pin bottom rectangle in place, right sides facing right side of panel, and stitch around bottom portion of canvas bag.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for lining pieces.

7. Right sides facing, pin outside of canvas bag to lining at top edge and stitch all around top of bag, leaving a 4" gap to pull bag through.

8. Turn right side out, press and top stitch around. Fold in canvas at opening to close and create seam around the top edge.

9. 
   Sew Canvas Bag Corners

   Turn lining side out. To make squared corners fold out bottom corners, centering seams and stitch 3" on each side of seam to form.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a 14 or 16 sized needle for working with canvas.
• Choose home decor fabrics for design.
• Triple stitch bottom of bag for security of holding heavy weight like groceries.
• Have fun with your design.
• Make more than one for shopping or giving to friends.

Resources

• How To Design Handbags
• Joann's Colorful Beach Bag Pattern

[frugalmomi]

on 9/14/2009 This is a good idea and easy to follow article ! Great job!!

[Susanh]

on 6/13/2009 Photos for a sewing project! Thank you!

[FrazzledNanny]

on 5/11/2009 Thank you for the great directions for making a canvas bag. I love your pictures and easy to follow steps. 5*