Want to Make the Perfect Jute Bag? Here’s How
Want to look like a beach girl? This jute bag is the perfect accessory for your outfit! If you ever wondered how to make handmade jute bags at home, this is the perfect, easy tutorial for you! This DIY jute bag actually looks store-bought, and you'd be surprised at how easy it is to make. So without further ado, let's get this jute tote bag tutorial started! Keep on scrolling!
Tools and materials:
- Jute rope
- Canvas fabric
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Fabric glue
- Glue gun
Make the base
Draw out a circle by taking a large round plate and trace the circle onto your canvas fabric. Make a second circle, too, making sure you trace this on the part of the fabric that has no creases.
Next, cut out both circles.
Braid the jute rope
Start braiding your jute rope by tying a knot on one end and braiding the three ropes all the way down. This can be a long process to make the jute tote bag, but I promise the result is totally worth it. So put on some of your favorite tunes or podcast while you work your way through the ropes.
TIP-
Place a heavy item on the knot so that your ropes are stabilized.
Also, do not braid so tightly; you want a nice braid that does not curl up. In the image, I pulled one of the ropes tightly to show you how it should not be done.
When you get to the end, glue the ends with fabric glue, so your newly braided rope doesn't come apart or fray.
Braid as many ropes as you can because you'll need a whole bunch for both sides of the base.
Glue the ropes on the canvas base
Firstly, cut the unwanted loose string from the knot.
Then, find the center of the fabric, and glue on the knot using fabric glue.
Now, twirl the jute rope around from the center point, going clockwise as you work your way around the whole diameter of the circle. Don't glue everything at once; use a bit of glue and then glue on the rope in increments.
When you get to the end of the string, cut the knot, and stitch the ends onto the side of the glued-down rope.
Then start gluing down another piece of rope.
When you're done with the first circle, repeat the same on the other.
Now, it's time to add thickness to the diameter of the bag, flip one of the circles over and glue down more ropes around the rim of the circle. Next, stick an additional rope on top of the first.
Also, stick another rope around the base so that it holds the bag and that you have straps for the bag itself. The straps should protrude from under the bag, as shown.
Add pom poms
I added a pom pom trim around the rim, just to give it a finished look. Of course, it adds some dimension and cuteness to the whole vibe. This is optional, but feel free to add cute add-ons like this to spruce up your jute beach bag.
Ok, we are done! Sure, the braiding part takes time, but I also feel it's the fun part. I love creating new things, and this jute shopping bag is really awesome! It's really inexpensive to make a jute bag, and you can add your own personal touch by adding your own trimmings. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and that you now feel inspired to take on this DIY jute bag project!
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So sweet! Love the pom pom trim too.
Hi Meera, cute bag, thank you for sharing your process. May I ask what kind of canvas did you use for the base? It looks like the kind of canvas used in menswear suits for the lapel area stiffener? How has the bag held up to wear and tear?
I was thinking to make the bag wider, cut maybe a four inch wide strip of the base material to fit the bottom and up the sides of the round to where the straps are Have half an inch left on all sides to attach to inside part of the round. Cover the inside area of the strip with more jute braid. Clip the edges of the strip to make it easier to attach to the bag rounds. Add fabric glue to the inside of the rounds a bit away from the edge and then start to attach the strip. You might have to do one side let dry, then to the other side so that it will be easier to work with. Adding a cute lining would be nice too. Hope this makes sense with out pictures.