Introduction to Making Your Own Tote Bag

Series Summary

Sewing is an ancient craft that still has remarkable relevance in today's modern world. The art of stitching and assembling pieces of fabric together, either by hand or with the use of a modern sewing machine, is still a valuable skill: it is the backbone of the textile industry; it comes in handy for clothing repair; fashion and design find it indispensable; and homemade clothing wouldn’t exist without it. Whether you use a sewing machine or a needle and thread, the techniques involved in constructing a well-fitting garment are very specific and involved. Becoming skilled at the craft is a lifelong pursuit.

In this free video series our expert Terry Turco will show you how to make a sewing tote bag. She will show you how to make the pattern for the tote bag, mark the location of the handles, insert the handles, sew the bottom and the sides, and do a bit of slip stitching. She will also teach you how to cut the corners off for a nice mitred look and you'll be able to turn your tote inside out for different look.

Video Transcript

"Hi I'm Terri Turco with Expert Village. Today I'm going to be showing you some fun and easy tote bags. I was a fashion designer and a hand bag designer. I have eventually made my way to having some really fun accessory items. Everybody has a hand bag but a lot of people don't have are really fun looking tote bags. I think it is really important to complete your outfit or make a little fashion statement with the tote bag. I have been sewing and designing for a number of years and I put together these really simple patterns for you to make your own tote bag to carry whatever you want. To either use as a tote bag, put your shoes in, a lunch, a outfit or a workout outfit to go or possibly a change of clothing after your day at work. So I think you are going to see not only these tote bags really fun, easy to make and reversible but they are going to be a fashion statement for you and your outfit. So stick around cause not only these are easy but you are going to really see that not only we enjoy using these for yourself but they make a great gift. "