Simple tote bag tutorial

 

 

IMG_9848Hello again! I’m back with a quick tutorial for a tote bag. I don’t think it’s possible to own too many totes. There are so many different uses- reusable grocery bag, diaper bag, library bag, you can even use them as reusable gift bags! Slip a brand new coloring book with crayons inside for a great gift for a kiddo, a bottle of wine or sparkling cider, or even a bouquet of flowers, and your gift will continue giving.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cute bag:

ingridebony-m

IMG_9818 1/2 yard of Ingrid Ebony, 1 1/2 yards of cotton twill tape.

 

 

IMG_9816First, cut out two pieces of  fabric that measure 13″ x 15″.

IMG_9817 Then cut two straps for your bag- 22″ long each.

 

IMG_9822Once your straps are cut, lay them out on your fabric pieces.  Measure 2.5″ from each side and pin the strap down right at the edge of the fabric.

Next, stitch a zig zag seam along the edge of the fabric, attaching the straps to the fabric panel. I used a contrasting thread color to make it easy for you to see.

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IMG_9832 IMG_9830Once the straps are attached, it’s time to do a little pressing. Lay your fabric wrong side up and fold the top over 1 1/2″, then press. Make sure you measure both ends on both pieces to ensure your bag doesn’t turn out lopsided. 🙂

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Pin the fabric down once you’ve measured and pressed. Next, sew a top stitch 1/4″  from the top of the fabric. You may sew with the strap facing up or down- I sewed with mine facing down because the tension on my machine is slightly off & the bottom stitch is not nearly as pretty as the top is, but you should do what feels comfortable to you. Next sew another stitch 1/4″ from the bottom of the fold, or 1″ from your last stitch.

Stack the pieces, right sides together. Pin around the edges, the sew the three unfinished sides together.

IMG_9839 IMG_9841IMG_9843 IMG_9845Once you’ve stitched the pieces together, clip the corners to get rid of bulk.

Next, either serge the outside edges, or finish them with a zig zag stitch to contain the raw edges. Turn the bag right side out, then press the seams. Yay! It’s finished! This bag would make a great gift for your favorite Valentine, too. Maybe in Arrow Bittersweet or Anderson Lipstick/ White.IMG_9846 IMG_9849 IMG_9848 IMG_9847