How to Fold Fabric to Make a Tote
A tote bag can be used to hold groceries, toiletries or books. Creating a tote bag involves folding it to the right size. The bag can be sewn or tied together once it is folded properly. No-sew bags are a quick and simple craft that even kids can make. Drawstring totes require additional folding to create a space for the strings. Whatever style of tote is needed, learn how to fold it before starting the craft to save time.
Things You'll Need
- 1 yard fabric
- Scissors
- Ruler
- 2 wooden or metal handles
- 2 10-inch squares of fabric
- Needle and thread
- 4 feet of cord
Instructions
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No-Sew Tote
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1
Lay the fabric on a work surface.
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2
Fold the fabric. Trim the edges. The fabric should form a rectangle.
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3
Cut out the two corners along the fold. Leave at least 1 inch between each circle on the fold.
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4
Slide the fabric through the handle. The fold should be centered on the handle.
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5
Cut 1/2-inch to 1-inch strips on the other three sides of the fabric, front and back. Tie the strips together to create the tote.
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6
Return to the handle. Cut along the fold. Tie the strips to the handle.
Drawstring Tote
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7
Lay both pieces of fabric wrong-side up on the work surface. Fold each side down at least 1/4 inch for the seam.
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8
Lay the fabric right sides together on your work surface. Sew 1/4 inch from the edge of the fabric at the bottom. Sew 1/4 inch along the sides, but stop sewing 1 inch from the top of the fabric. This will be the top of the tote.
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9
Fold the top of the fabric down. Sew along the edge of the fold to create a loop on both sides. Do not sew the sides of the tote together. Place the fabric right-side out on your work surface.
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10
Cut the cord in half. Take one piece and send it through one of the loops and out of the other. Take the other cord and start where the other piece ended.
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11
Tie the ends of the cords together on each side of the tote.
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1
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
