Making your own tote bag or book bag is simple with these easy directions. A fun first sewing craft for kids.
Sewing is a great skill that everyone should learn how to do. A simple tote bag, or book bag, makes a great first time project. It doesn't take very long to do and requires only straight stitching and cutting. This is a great sewing craft for boys, as well as girls.
Basic Supplies:
- sewing machine
- thread
- scissors
- ironing board
- iron
- ruler
- pencil
- straight pins
Tote Bag Supplies:
- 1/4 yard fabric (cotton works great for this)
- 1/2 yard fabric for lining (we use inexpensive muslin)
What You Do:
- Using the ruler and pencil draw a 2 -9 inch x 9 inch squares on the WRONG side of the fabric. Cut it out. Now draw the same size squares on the lining and cut them out. lay them aside.
- Mark out two long rectangles for your handle on the fabric only. You want each one measure 18 inches x 4 inches. Cut this out.
- Next take the 2 fabric squares and place them right sides together with the wrong sides facing out. Sew across the bottom of your tote then sew up each side.
- Repeat for the lining.
- You now have 2 sewed up bags. Turn the fabric on right side out and lay aside.
- Place the handle pieces right sides together. Sew both long sides and one short side closed. Turn inside out.
- Pin the handle to the sides of the fabric bag on the outside. Letting the handle hand down flat against the bag.
- Carefully place this piece INSIDE the lining piece. (Make sure your lining piece is still inside out.) Line up the top and pin in place.
- Sew around the edge of the bag, sewing the lining to the bag, but leave about a 4 inch opening. Finish off.
- Pull the tote bag right side out through the small hole. Now tuck the lining down in the tote. Your handles should be neatly on the outside and your lining on the inside.
- Iron your bag flat. Iron the edge, making sure the opening is ironed in place flat. Top stitch all around the top edge of the bag, sewing the opening shut at the same time.
Make Them & Share Them
These tote bags are so easy to do you can make several in a day. Why not make several to go with each of your outfits? You can also make matching bags for you and a friend. They make great gift bags as well and cost no more than the paper gift bags you buy in the store. Sew several in animal fabric or an outdoor fabric for the guys. Perfect for Bible bags as well.
The copyright of the article Make a Tote Bag in Kids Fabric/Bead Crafts is owned by Belinda Mooney. Permission to republish Make a Tote Bag in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
