Quick Linen Tote Bag Tutorial
They are perfect for just about every use too. I used one throughout college for my books and have always used one for grocery shopping. I even leave one in my car just in case I plan on stopping by the market on my way home from work.
Besides their practical uses, tote bags can do no wrong in the fashion department. Its basic shape can never go out of style and they are a blank canvas for different designs. Totes can come in any color and be decorated in every imaginable way.
Today we will be making a basic tote bag so you can get inventive with your own styles and decorations. I will show you some simple detailing that I have included in my version to make it a little more special.
I love when something that’s seemingly simple at first glance actually has thoughtfully placed details. My tote bag will have some interesting colorful stitching, as well as an exposed frayed edge. These little details will add character and style to my easy-to-make tote bag.
Materials:
- Linen
- Red and Blue thread
- Sewing Machine
- Scissors
Cut your linen 19”x32” inches. This measurement can be altered if you want a smaller or larger tote bag. I used IL019 Natural linen for my bag.
Fray the 19” ends of your fabric by pulling the loose threads out.
This is how the frayed edges should look. If you want a cleaner hem, then skip the fraying step.
Fold your fabric in half so the two frayed edges are perfectly aligned. Hem the sides using your sewing machine. The folded edge will be the bottom of the finished bag.
I made slightly thinner straps for my bag, but feel free to make them wider using the same steps. First, I measured and cut my linen at 3 ½”x42.” Fold this along the center for the entire length of the strap and then iron this crease. Next, open this fold and fold both sides inwards to this center crease line. Iron this flat so it looks like the photo above.
Sew a seam along the open end of your strap and you are done!
Now it’s time for the fun stuff. We are going to add some details that will transform this tote bag into a stylish accessory. Before we begin, we need to pick out some colorful thread. I chose red and blue shades for mine, but you can select your favorites!
Grab your incomplete tote bag and create a seam with the your first shade (in my case, this is red.) along the bottom of your folded frayed edge.
Using your second color (blue, for me) stitch some more lines above the red stitch. This will create a colorful, and different pattern!
My favorite detail on this tote bag is how we are going to attach the straps. With my blue thread, I attached the straps with a zigzag pattern. You can see in the picture exactly what I mean by this. It adds an unexpected detail to this bag that I love!
Before using my tote bag, I popped it in the laundry to give it a wrinkly texture. You can iron yours if you prefer how it looks that way instead.
Now your tote bag is ready to be stuffed with whatever you need to carry around! All you need to do now is strut around with your stylish new bag.
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7 Comments
Mary
Nice and simple construction. Clever how just by adding the color thread and frayed edge it really elevates the look. I especially like the cheat way of adding the handles; just sew all over it and turn it into a fashion detail.
You could also pinch in the side seam and bottom “seam” (the fold) so your bag could have depth.
Another great, quick, idea. I’m stashing this one away for holiday gifts.
Sherrill Thayer
Just what I need for picking up and carrying around dog balls. My dogs LOVE to play ball, and with this, I can keep the balls picked up, and the game in play! PS. The dogs love it too! Not only does it not break up their game while I stop to pick up the balls, but I put a dog on the front of the apron, and they recognize that! When the apron comes out, it’s ball time!
nicole novembrino
Thank you! I’m glad everyone is finding a great way to use a linen tote bag.
Heather Jeanes
What great, inspiring ideas you send us. We can add to the design. They all are beautiful
in their simplicity. Love linen
Lee Zimmer
I just love what you send me, you are more than HELP-FULL, with your great instructions…..THANK-YOU……
innu
nice…
Teri
I love this! I have been trying to decide on a shape for my next project and knew this was it the moment I received your email. So excited to get started…
Thanks for sharing!
~Teri