How to Make a Fabric Bag

Cloth bags are everywhere! You see them used for purses, tote bags, and the very trendy recyclable shopping bags for a greener tomorrow. You can easily make them. I will tell you how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric...less than a yard
• thread
• sewing machine ( or needle and thread)

1. 
    
   Illustration one.....Sew side and bottom seams.

   Cut four rectangles from fabric, 16" by 3". Two are the lining. If you want a contrasting color lining, cut two out of a different fabric. Placing right sides together, sew side and bottom seams, leaving top open on each set. See Illustration One

2. 
    
   Illustration two. Sew across points to create a corner.

   If you want the bag to have square corners, you need to do that now. with the wrong side of fabric facing you, sew across points ....very easy...see Illustration two. It just sounds complicated!

3. 
    
   Illustration Three . Hem Top edges 1/2

   Hem around the top of each "bag", turning around 1/2 " to the wrong side. See Illustration Three.

4. 
    
   Illustration Four...cut straps from main fabric

   At this point, make your straps. Cut two pieces 30" by 5" from your main fabric. See Illustration Four.

5. 
    
   Illustration Five Folding Straps

   Fold long edges toward center point...Is lots easier if you iron into place. See Illustration five

6. 
    
   Fold again...Illustration Six

   Then Fold in half again, sewing a neat seam down the edge. Ironing makes it easier...again. See Illustration Six.

7. 
    
   Put lining inside bag, wrong sides together....Illustration Seven.

   Set straps aside a moment and return to the bag and lining. IF you desire, it is helpful to press with the iron at this point, but whatever you want to do. Place the Lining down inside the Bag, wrong sides together. See Illustration Seven.

8. 
    
   Illustration Eight...Pin straps in place between layers.

   Pin the ends of the straps around 2 inches from each side seam, between the bag and lining. Tuck down in around 3/4 inch. See illustration Eight.

9. 
    
   Illustration #9

   Sew around top of bag, joining bag, lining, and straps. See Illustration Nine.

Tips & Warnings

• Enjoy! You can put a closure of some kind, if you wish., You will probably progress to embellishing your bags with all kinds of trims and other creative additions.
• Warning: You will have many requests for bags....Be ready!

[langleycornwell]

on 6/18/2009 I love these homemade bags. Your illustrations are very good too.