Upcycled Tote Bag: Part 1

Remember last week when I mentioned I was making a tutorial regarding the bag I have listed in my Etsy shop? Here is part 1! I split the tutorial into two parts because I took so many pictures. I didn’t want them to overwhelm anyone.

Fabric & Dimensions

-Two 13” x 11” of exterior fabric cut from pair of cargo pants sized 3T or larger. (Cut them off at the hip and then cut the inseam open.)

-Two 13” x 11” lining and two interfacing pieces of the same dimensions. I used fusible décor-weight interfacing.

-Two 7”x8” pieces for the pockets.

-I used four pieces of 11” x 5” for the handles. You might want them longer. You will not want them shorter.

To make the handles:

Sew two of the four strap pieces right sides together. Press open. Topstitch both edges of the seam down.

Fold the whole strap in half. Press.

 

Open it back up.

Fold one side in to meet the line you pressed into the middle of the strap. Press.

Repeat with the remaining side. Press.

 

Now fold the entire thing in half along the middle line and press.

Topstitch along both sides of the strap, about 1/4” from the side.

To make the pocket, place both pocket pieces with right sides together and stitch around the perimeter. Leave an opening for turning, as shown.

Trim corners, turn right sides out and press.

Place pocket on one side of the lining with the opening you left for turning facing down.

Stitch the pocket into place, using a longer straight stitch and stitching about 1/4” from the edge.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this tutorial! It will appear tomorrow.