DIY: Linen Tote Bag

A linen tote bag is without a doubt my favorite sewing project.  It has all the qualities of a craft I adore.  It is easy to make, it’s stylish, and it’s useful!

Even better, it allows you use some of your creativity when it comes to variations and embellishments.  A linen tote is a great way to have fun trying out new sewing and craft techniques.

It goes without saying that you can carry just about anything in your tote bag.  Whether its a day at the mall, the market, or the beach- you just need one type of bag.

I have a few tote bags at home, but there is one particular tote bag I am extra fond of.  It’s the one I used to take with me everywhere.  I still use it for many outings and it’s always in my car in case I decide to make a quick stop at the grocery store on my way home from work.  That’s the thing about a linen tote bag and why I like them so much, because I have my favorite one that’s been through so much.  I’ve literally carried it around the world and it hasn’t failed me once.  It just keeps looking better with age.  My love of my bag shows in its beautiful texture; something I think only time and use can achieve with linen.

Materials:

• Linen. A half yard is enough for this bag.
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Measuring tape

I used medium-weight 4C22 linen for this bag.  The Natural unsoftened is a favorite of mine, if you couldn’t tell!  I just love the texture and rustic look of it.  That’s why if I am ever in doubt, I’ll pick Natural linen.

You can find all the natural shades of linen here>> NATURAL

Remember to wash and dry your linen before you begin!

This is a really simple design that you can embellish however you like.  Add a pocket, embroidery, you name it!  Play around with different sizes depending on what you will be using your tote bag for.  Make it bigger and wider for a grocery bag, or keep it like this for books.  The uses of a tote bag are limitless if you ask me.

I cut my linen into a larger rectangular shape measuring 37" x 19"Fold your cut linen in half so that the two 19" sides are aligned.  The fold will be the bottom of the bag and we will hem the 19" raw edges to form the opening.

Create a seam on the two longer sides.  I use pins to keep the fabric straight while I sew this part.

Now that both sides are sewn together, we can make the straps of the bag.

I cut two long pieces of linen for the straps.  I made these about 28 inches long, but the length of the strap can be longer or shorter depending on your preference.  Make the straps 3 inches wide to give you a finished strap that is 1 inch wide.
First, I folded and ironed the linen in half all the way down the center.  Then, I folded the both edges in a 1/2 inch towards the center.

Re-fold the linen down the center to conceal the other folded edges.  Iron this to flatten all the folds.

Make a seam along the edge with the two inward facing folds to complete your straps.  I made two straps, but you can make one slightly longer strap to carry your bag with.
To hem the top, fold the top down (the bag is still inside out) a 1/2 inch and then again another 1 inch.  While you sew the hem, insert the straps into their proper places to include them in the stitch.
Sew a little X pattern on the base of all the straps to better secure them.  Make a seam along the sides and the top of the X stitch also.  That will keep your straps from ripping off if you are carrying a heavy load in your tote bag!
The image above gives you a better sense of wear the straps are connected to the bag.  Just make sure they are evenly place.  I’d use a ruler for the first side to be on the safe side.
Wasn’t that easy?  In just a few simple steps, a tote bag is made!  Pick up some Natural linen and get started!

All the linen you need for all your sewing projects can be found here >>LINEN

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