Create fabric & make a tote

By Spotlight

Use fabric scraps wisely & winsomely in this clever, creative project.

Final Result

Materials

• left over fabric from other projects
• backing fabric (homespun, linen shirting, quilter’s muslin)
• Gütermann linen thread in co-ordinating cololour
• pins
• tape measure
• scissors
• sewing machine
• optional - vliesofix, rotary cutter, cutting mat & quilters ruler

Step 1

Create fabric - Step 1
Cut a piece of backing fabric large enough for your tote bag. Alternatively create two pieces of fabric and stitch together. Our fabric was 70cm x 50cm. Cut or tear strips of fabric slightly longer than the backing fabric. If making our bag, strips need to be 75cm long for stripes to go down the bag, for stripes to go around the bag strips should be 55cm long.

Step 2

Step 2
Arrange cut or torn strips on backing fabric, rearrange until happy with the order. Leave the first strip in place and remove all other strips keeping the sequence correct.

Step 3

Step 3
Select matching threads (we used one colour on the bobbin and a different colour on the top of the machine). Align the first strip with the edge of the backing fabric sew a single row of stitching down the side 3mm in from the edge. Now select a zigzag or decorative stitch (we used a decorative zigzag stitch). It is a good idea to try out a few stitches on a scrap of fabric to decide which stitch will look and work the best. Place the second strip onto the backing fabric with the edge slightly overlapping the first strip. Pin in place. Using a zigzag or decorative stitch sew together where the two strips overlap. Press.

Step 4

Step 4
Place the next strip onto the backing fabric again with the edge slightly overlapping the previous strip. Pin in place and sew together where the two strips overlap. Press. Continue adding the strips in sequence, stitching and pressing until the backing fabric is covered.

Step 5

Create a tote bag - Step 1

Trim the piece of created fabric making sure all sides are straight. Sew around all edges using a zigzag stitch.

Step 6

Step 2
Fold fabric in half right sides together (35cm x 50cm) and press firmly to mark the bottom of the bag. Stitch down the sides using a 1.5cm seam allowance. Press seams open.

Step 7

Step 3
Make an 8cm bag base by flattening out the bottom and matching the side seam to the centre of the bottom of the bag. Pin the corner to form a triangle 4cm from the point. Stitch across the end then add a second row of stitching 3mm from the first. Trim seam to 8mm, cutting off the point. Zigzag stitch to neaten. Repeat for other end of the base. Press.

Step 8

Step 4
Turn bag to right side. Fold top edge in 1.5cm and press. Pin and stitch around top edge 12mm from the top edge. Sew a second row of stitching 4mm from the edge.

Step 9

Step 5
Cut or tear a strip of fabric 17cm x 100cm or join several strips for the required length. Cut or tear a strip of backing fabric 16cm x 100cm. Place two strips of fabric wrong sides together and press. With backing fabric facing up and with both fabrics together fold one long side over 4.5cm and press. Fold the other long side over 4.5cm and press. Sew down the overlapping edges using the same zigzag or decorative stitch as used when making the bag fabric. Repeat a second time. Sew down each edge of the strap using a straight stitch.

Step 10

Step 6
Trim ends of strap and zigzag to neaten. Pin one end of the strap to the side of the bag. Stitch strap to the bag across the end of the strap, up the side and across the strap 5mm below the top edge of the bag, then down the other side. Pin other end of the strap the other side of the bag making sure that the strap is straight and not twisted. Sew to the bag as before.

Note

Wash & iron all fabrics before commencing the project, as when washed some fabrics may shrink differently.