If you have a bit of extra fabric and want to make something equally whimsical and practical, might I suggest a ruffle tote?

Here’s how to do it!

Step 1: Select some lovely linen and cut out the tote bag pieces. I used midweight signature finish linen in Evergreen.

Ruffle – two pieces 4” x 46”

Main body – two pieces 15” x 17”

Handle – one piece 4” x 33”

Step 2: On the wrong side of the main body pieces, mark 1 1/2” (5 cm) in and up from the bottom corners.

Step 3: Fold the corner together so the marks are aligned. Then fold up toward the top of the tote and clip in place.

Step 4: Sew the ruffle strips right sides together with 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance. Press seam open.

Step 5: Fold the ruffle strip right sides together. Sew the ends closed with 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance. Turn the corners right side out and press.

Step 6: Sew two loose lines of stitching along the raw edges of the ruffle strip for gathering. Seam allowances for the two lines should be about 3/8” (1 cm) and 1/4” (5 mm).

Step 7: Clip the ruffle to one piece of the main body. Then lay the other piece on top and carefully transfer the clips to hold all three layers. Leave 1 1/2” (3.8 cm) of free space at the top for the top hem.

Pull the bobbin threads and carefully gather, gather, gather. This step can take a bit of time. Grab a hot cup of tea before you get started! Gather until it’s roughly (I should say, ruffly) the length to go around 3 sides of the tote. You can fine tune the length in the next step.

Step 8: Sew with 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance. Finish seam with serger, zigzag stitch, or bias binding.

Step 9: Fold the top of the tote down about 1 1/2” (3.8 cm) or until it is flush with the top of the ruffles. Press with a steamy iron.

Then tuck the bottom raw edge in about 1/2” (1.3 cm). Press again with a steamy iron.

Step 10: Fold the handle strip into fourths, tucking the raw edges inside. Carefully stitch about 1/8” (3 mm) from the edge. Then cut the strip in half to make two handles for the tote.

Step 11: Slide the handles under the top hem and clip in place.

Step 12: To sew the top hem without catching the ruffle in the stitching, sew it in two sections. Start on one side seam and sew to the other, being sure to keep the ruffles folded out of the way. Then repeat the process to sew the other side. Here are some photos to illustrate how closely you can get to the ruffle without sewing into it.

Step 13: Fold the handles up and sew a bar tack near the top.

That’s it! It’s ready for a stack of books from the library, or groceries for picnic in the park.

What are some other fun projects to which you are thinking of adding ruffles?