How to Make a Bandana Wallet or Tote

You can make a denim-lined bandana tote in one afternoon.

Bandana tote bags are very simple to make even if you don't have much sewing experience. You can make one in an afternoon and it won't cost a lot for supplies -- $10 to $15 versus as much as $250 for a Coach bandana bag. Since bandanas come in different sizes and colors, making the tote yourself gives you the freedom to create exactly the size, color and style you want. Appliques, fringe, lace, buttons or a zipper may be added for a more personalized look. This denim-lined tote is extra large and roomy -- perfect to use at the beach, the park or as diaper bag.

Things You'll Need

• 2 large bandanas
• 1/2-to-3/4 yard denim
• Heavy fusible webbing (Pellon 725 Wonder-Under)
• Scissors
• Iron
• Pins
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine or needle
• Wooden spoon with long, thin handle

Instructions

Sewing the Body of Your Lined Bandana Tote

1. Cut two pieces of the double-sided fusible webbing slightly smaller than the bandanas.

2. Cut two pieces of denim the same size as the bandanas.

3. Following the manufacturer's directions, fuse the webbing to the wrong side of each bandana.

4. Following the manufacturer's directions, fuse the wrong side of the denim to the back of each bandana. This will give your tote some structure and stiffness.

5. Fold the top of each bandana/denim piece inward towards the denim side a 1/2 inch. Pin then iron.

6. Fold the top of each bandana/denim piece inward toward the denim side another 2 inches. Pin then iron. This is the top hem of your tote.

7. Sew a 1/4 inch seam allowance horizontally across the pinned width of the bandana/denim. Remove pins.

8. Place the bandana/denim pieces right sides together. Pin down the sides and across the bottom, making sure to match the top hems of each piece. Sew on the three sides where you have put the pins. Use a 5/8 inch seam allowance.

9. Remove pins and turn right side out. This is the body of the bandana tote with denim lining.

Making and Attaching the Straps

1. Using your leftover denim, cut a double thickness 3-1/2 inch wide and 3 inch longer than you want the straps to be.

2. Fuse two strips of denim so that the wrong sides are together. Repeat with the other two strips.

3. Pin the long sides of the straps and one short end with right sides together. Use a heavy-duty needle to sew these three sides with a 5/8 inch seam allowance. Trim the seams with scissors.

4. Turn the straps right side out. If it's a tight fit, use the handle of a wooden spoon to help you poke the fabric back through itself.

5. Press the straps flat with an iron.

6. Turn the open ends of each strap inward about 3/4 inch and hand sew shut using a blind stitch. This makes a finished strap.

Attaching the Straps

1. Measure 1-1/2 inch from the top of the tote bag. Measure 3 to 4 inch in from each the side of the bag, or about one-quarter of the bag's total width. Mark the spot where they intersect with a pencil. At the pencil dot, pin the end of the strap to one of the bandana/denim layers. Repeat this for each end of the strap.

2. Sew the ends of the straps onto the tote. Remove pins.

3. Trim loose threads and press your tote to remove any wrinkles.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use fusible webbing to attach appliques or other decorations to the tote once you are finished sewing it.

• Add a zipper to the top of the tote to make it closable.

• Put a pocket on the inside or outside, if desired.

References

• Pellon: Fusible Webs