A DIY Hobo Bag
The crescent-shaped, slouchy "hobo bag" is a staple of "bohemian chic." You can show off your own casual and laid-back side with a homemade hobo bag in a fabric of your choice. Use new fabric, or recycle old clothes for a "green," one-of-a-kind version. You can add visual interest with a contrasting fabric strap, or a length of satin cord, braided rope or ribbon.
Things You'll Need
- Fabric
- Ribbon or other trim for handle, if desired
- Scissors
- Sewing pins
- Large round dinner plate
- Chalk
- Sewing machine (preferred), or needle for hand-sewing
- Thread
Instructions
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1
Cut a large rectangle from your choice of fabric -- about 18 by 16 inches for a large bag.
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2
Lay the rectangle on another piece of the same fabric and trace around the rectangle with the chalk. Cut out the second shape.
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3
Place a large dinner plate on the fabric, exposing one bottom corner. Trace around the plate at the corner with a piece of chalk to create a curved bottom for the bag. Place the plate on the other bottom corner and trace around the plate again. Cut off the curved sections of both pieces of the stacked fabric.
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4
Pin the fabric pieces together. Sew around the two sides and the bottom of the bag with a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch to join the bottom and the sides of the bag.
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5
Fold over about 1/4-inch of fabric along the remaining top edge of the bag. Sew the folded fabric in place to create a smooth top edge. Turn the bag right side out.
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6
Cut the shoulder strap for the bag. Cut two pieces of the same fabric, measuring 2 inches wide by 24 inches long.
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7
Lay the two strips down with the good sides together, and sew the two long edges together. Turn the fabric right-side-out through one of the open short ends.
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8
Pin the short ends of the fabric strip to the inside of the bag -- one to the top right inside of the bag, and one to the top left inside of the bag. Sew the fabric ends in place to attach the shoulder strap.
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References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
