How to Make a Super Cute and Sustainable Tote Bag
Today, I’m going to show you how to make a sustainable tote bag. You can use this for shopping or simply to carry your necessities. Follow along with this step-by-step tutorial.
Tools and materials:
- Fabric (can be cotton, linen, velvet, denim)
- Fabric scissors
- Thread
- Sewing machine
- Straight pins
1. Prepare your fabric pieces
Start by cutting two strips which are 31.5” (80 cm) by 2.4” (6 cm) and one large rectangle that measures 35.5” (90 cm) by 15.7” (40 cm).
2. Fold, pin and sew
Fold the large rectangle in half, with the wrong side of the fabric inside, then pin the edges.
Then sew along the pins using a French seam.
Tip: use a zipper foot to get closer to the edge.
Now reverse it to the wrong side of the fabric, pulling out the tips of the corners (use a pin to help).
3. Sew again
Tease the seams in place with your fingers to align the bag and create a crisp edge.
Then sew along the edges.
Next, reverse the piece on the right side, poking the corners out again. Use your hands to straighten and flatten the side seams in place.
4. Fold the raw edges
At the opening of the bag, fold down the raw edge 0.2” (0.5 cm), applying a crease as you go along with your fingernail.
Then fold again, this time 1.2” (3 cm) from the edge, securing the fabric in place with straight pins all around.
5. Create the straps
With both strap fabric pieces, fold down the raw edges of the long sides of the straps by 0.2” (0.5 cm) and iron them flat.
Then, fold the strap in half horizontally and iron again.
Now, sew along the opening for each strap piece.
6. Mark the placement of the straps
Fold the bag in half and mark the center with a straight pin.
Open the bag flat again, then fold another time (in quarters) to mark where the straps should go.
With a pen, mark on the inside of the bag at each of the pins that indicate strap placement. Once marked, then you can remove those pins.
7. Attach the straps
Now, put the strap ends in place, feeding them at the marked points, under the folded fabric. Secure each strap end with a pin.
Repeat on the other side for the second strap.
Now, sew along the edge of the 1.2” (3 cm) piece, which will also secure the straps in place.
8. Finish the straps
On the inside of the bag, flip the base of each strap upward and secure them with a pin.
Then, tack the base of each strap by sewing a box X stitch.
DIY sustainable tote bag
Now your DIY reusable grocery bag is complete!
You could even upcycle used garments to make this easy, fabric tote bag. Show us your sustainable tote bags in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this accessory DIY, why not check out my tutorial on How to Make a Turban Headband at Home.
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