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Thursday, July 19, 2012

Upcycled Tote Bag: Part 2

tote bag from cargo pants (13.2)

Did you catch yesterday’s part 1 of upcycling a pair of cargo pants into a tote bag? On to part 2 today!

Now that you have your handles made, place them 2” from the edge at the top of the bag’s exterior. Pin in place with right sides together.
upcycled little boys' tote bag (15)

Stitch with a basting stitch as close to the edge as you can. (You won’t see these stitches after the bag is finished.) Repeat for the other strap and other exterior piece.
upcycled little boys' tote bag (16)
No picture for this step, but place the exterior pieces right sides together. Stitch around both sides and the bottom of the bag, using a 1/2” seam allowance.

Stitch the lining together. Use a 5/8” seam allowance. Stitch both sides and part of the bottom, leaving an opening large enough to place your hand into.
upcycled little boys' tote bag (20)

Now you’ll assemble the whole bag. To do this, turn both the exterior and the lining inside out. Pin the exterior and lining together at the lip of the bag. Make sure that the handles are tucked inside, away from the pins.
upcycled little boys' tote bag (24)

Stitch around the lip of the bag using a 1/2” seam allowance.
Place your hand through the opening you left at the bottom of the lining and turn the whole thing right sides out.
upcycled little boys' tote bag (25)

Press the raw edges under at the lining’s opening.
  upcycled little boys' tote bag (26)

Stitch the opening closed.
upcycled little boys' tote bag (27)

Next, you’re going to add some decorative stitching to the straps. Measure down 2” from the top…upcycled little boys' tote bag (28)
…fold the strap back over onto itself and pin in place. 
upcycled little boys' tote bag (29)

Now stitch between the original stitching on the strap, over the bottom and around the other side. (This is optional, but I liked how it looked.)
upcycled little boys' tote bag (17)
Press the whole bag flat.
Carries books.
 
Tools.
upcycled little boys' tote bag (39)
And, if it were spring, it would make a cute Easter basket. upcycled little boys' tote bag (44)
Now you can make your own bag or buy one from my Etsy shop. It has been sold to a happy home. 

5 comments:

  1. this is so adorable what a darling project. Now to just remember to save those pants that are on their way out.

    marissa
    http://raegunwear.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! There are so many things I've given away that I've later regretted not saving to repurpose!

      Delete
  2. I like your tutorial project. Stopping by to say Hi from the blog hop. Come visit sometime, tea is cold and no shoes are required. Kathy B. http://www.southernmadeintheshade.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

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