How to Sew Canvas Totes

Make a canvas tote in any color.

A canvas tote is a good project for a beginning seamstress. No fitting is required when making a tote bag. Fill a bright tote bag with picnic supplies for a useful wedding present or with school supplies for a teacher gift. Hang a row of brightly colored tote bags on hooks in a mud room to organize all the papers and supplies your family members need for school, sports and work.

Things You'll Need

• Lightweight canvas
• Canvas webbing
• Sewing machine
• Heavy-duty thread

Instructions

1. Cut two squares of canvas 14-by-14 inches. Cut two 29-inch pieces of webbing for the handles.

2. With the right sides of the canvas facing each other, sew around three sides of the canvas. Reinforce these seams by zigzagging in the seam allowance.

3. Zigzag the top edge of the bag. Turn the top edge of the bag in 1/2 inch and stitch it down.

4. Align the edges of the handles with the top edge of the bag 3 1/2 inches in from the sides. Baste across the handle 1 1/2 inches down. Fold the handles up along this seam and sew again near the top edge of the bag. Reinforce by sewing a 1-inch X across the strap at the top of the bag.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful not to sew the bag together when attaching the straps.