Sewing Tutorial for Tote Bags

Dishtowel-sized tote bags are the perfect size for carrying books.

Tote bags are simple sewing projects that are perfect to give away as gifts. To make a tote bag project even easier, you may use a sturdy cotton or linen dishtowel, which speeds up the process with pre-finished edges and has just the right measurements for a tote bag. If you want to make a larger or smaller tote, you may adjust the size by using another dishtowel or by cutting down your dishtowel.

Things You'll Need

• 1 18 inch by 30 inch dishtowel
• Fabric scissors
• Coordinating thread
• Needles
• Sewing machine
• Safety pin

Instructions

1. Fold your dishtowel 7 inches inward along the long edge. Cut off the 7 inch portion and set it aside to use for your handles later. Your dishtowel should now measure 23 inches wide.

2. Fold your fabric in half with the wrong side facing out, so that it measures 18 inches by 11.5 inches when folded. Sew the two long sides and one short side using a quarter inch seam. Flip the bag right side out.

3. Cut two 2.5 inch strips out of the long side of your remaining fabric. Fold each strip in half with the wrong sides facing out and press them flat with an iron. Sew along the long sides using an 1/8 inch seam. Turn right side out using a safety pin, then whipstitch the ends by placing your needle on the inside of the fabric, then looping over the edge and around from one end to the other to create a finished edge.

4. Place a strap inches from the open top seam and stitch along the hemline and 1/8 inch from the whipstitch. Do the same with the other end, and then with the other strap.

References

• Home and Garden: Vintage Fabric Tote Bag