How do you sew/make a tote bag?4 replies

Any tips?

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1. ? said on February 4, 2009 at 4:17 am

   Sure. Start with an 18″x36″ square. Fold it in half and sew up the sides. Before turning it right-side-out, take some sturdy string or button thread and bind the corners. Honest. Tie your string around the corner, about 2″ or 3″ in from the point of the corner. Make it sturdy, it’s going to be permanent. Then, fold the top inch over and sew the hem.

   Then, turn your bag right-side-out. See how the bottom gathers nicely at the corners? It’s a fun, hand-crafted look that isn’t hard to do. Cut two strips about 18″x4″ for the handles. Fold them in half lengthwise, so they are 18″x2″ and two-layered. Iron this fold into place. It helps. Now, tuck the edges under so you have a piece that’s 18″x1″ and four layers thick, with the raw edges well hidden at the middle. Iron those folds into place. Now, sew up the seam along the edge. Do both edges, if you like.

   Figure out where the handle should be, then fold the end of your handle strip under and sew it to the bag. Do the same for the other end of this handle, then do the same for the other handle. Be sure to sew it on as securely as you know how. Go around the top edge of the bag once more for security, and you’re done. Your finished bag won’t be 18″x18″, but will be big enough for books or groceries or whatever you have. It will look more like it’s about 13″x15″ or so, but it’s an illusion due to the deep sides. Once you get the hang of the pattern, you can resize it.
2. papierdreams said on February 4, 2009 at 2:04 pm

   Here are some patterns:

   Hope that helps!
3. violet said on February 5, 2009 at 7:17 am

   This is my favorite website for bag patterns including tote bags.

   I’ve made this bag and added pockets on the outside beteeen the straps. Also added lot of pockets inside.

   This one is easy, a fabric grocery bag.
4. ? said on February 7, 2009 at 8:00 am

   This makes a flat bottomed bag that will hold 2 gallons of milk or a lot of smaller stuff without having handles so long the bottom must be held off the ground with a bent arm. If you carry the partly loaded bag up near your elbow, you may want to add 4″ to length of each handle.
   Buy a yard of fabric, 6 feet of nylon webbing, and a spool of thread. I use ripstop nylon to be strong and fold up really small. This will make 3 bags.
   Trim the selvage and fold the remainder to divide it into three equal parts and cut or cut 3 18″ wide pieces (more or less, 60 inch wide fabric more)
   making 1
   Use a roller hem foot or otherwise sew both 3 foot edges to hide the cut edge.
   Join the short edges, over lapping 3/8-1/2″ and pin, then sew a line to hold them. Fold the sewn line and overlap to bury the ends, pin or iron and sew the folds down on both sides to make a strong seam.
   I use a box the right size for the next step, or two plastic gallon milk bottles taped together and slide the tube of cloth over the container or just by eye
   Fold the fabric so there are equal ends and sides about 6″ ends and 12″ sides (a bit smaller because of overlap above) and overlap sides 1/2″ and pin in middle. Fold ends under and pin angles like a package or bottom of paper bag.
   Sew along overlap and all folds from outside, then turn inside out and sew along folds there so strong bottom
   Cut 1″ nylon webbing to 2 1′ pieces per bag, heat seal end and while hot flatten with old knife so there is not a hard bulge to sew over.
   Use a guide or measure so each handle is centered on long side, with 2″ over the bag and outsides are 6″ apart. Make sure handle is curved so same edge is outside on both sides This makes a very snug handle for placing on the wrist when carrying 2 or 3 bags empty. Sew ends of handles all the way around the edge and X across the middle.