Design Your Own Tote Bag

Tote bags are a fun way to carry your belongings, especially in the summer. A fun easy way to get the tote you want is to make it yourself! There is sewing and cutting involved, but this can add to a fun activity for you and your girlfriends to finish together. First of, select your materials and iron them thoroughly. Measure the size you want the tote bag to be. Cut two layers of cloth: One layer large enough to cover all the way around, plus an inch in every direction, and the other layer half an inch larger than the first all around. One will be the outside and the other will be the lining. They can be the same colors or different, coordinating colors. Afterwards, cut out two thicknesses of quilt batting the size of your smaller (inner) piece of material. Cut a layer of interfacing material the size of the smaller (inner) piece of material. Then you need to sew the sides together leaving the top open. Miter the corners and then sew the miters together to the seam line. After you have finished sewing, layer the interfacing, batting and lining material and align them carefully. Sew the three layers together by machine. Leave the top edge open, miter the top end corners and sew them to the seam line. Clip the inner two layers together and the outer two layers together. Fold the outer layer twice, once in and over itself and then again over the inner layer and pin for sewing. Then sew the layers together along the inside. Now that you have your bag ready, it is time to make the straps. Cut straps from the leftover material to the length you want your tote to be. Then sew two pieces of material together with a top stitch to hold them in place. Pin the straps in place and top stitch the straps to your bag. At this point you can decorate your tote in any way you want. It is fun to add gems and other materials onto the tote to add some style. Good luck and enjoy your handmade tote bag!

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