How do you make tote bags?3 replies

My mom is making me a tote bag for school and she has the bag part done but we’re not sure how to make the straps and have them strong enough to hold a couple textbooks and binders. Please help if you know how to do this. Thanks

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1. sassy2 said on June 24, 2009 at 7:10 am

   You buy strap webbing a JoAnn Fabrics. the straps should run down the side, across the bottom and up the other side. this way they not only are for carrying but provide the added strength to the bottom for all that weight you will be toting.
2. mike1942f said on June 26, 2009 at 10:22 pm

   I built my strong bags that fold up small from ripstop nylon with double stitched seams. I used nylon webbing from Joanne Crafts but did not run it all the way around the bag because I did not want the bulk. My bags are big enough to hold 2 one gallon milk bottles and I have carried half a dozen books at times. I sew all around the strap and in an X across the rectangle. I use very short straps that will stay on my wrist instead of the very long straps put on many $1 bags at stores. I use a separate buckled shoulder strap when I think I need to transfer the load.
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3. pattiann said on June 28, 2009 at 4:39 am

   I believe you put the straps that go around the bottom of the bag on before sewing the sides of the bag.

   The webbing is very strong, and can be covered with the same fabric as the bag if you cannot find a suitable color.

   Before stitching the straps to the bag, add a pocket between the straps.