DIY Patchwork Tote Bag easily Miarti🪡🧵✂️ 👜, by Miarti - Sewing Tips on YouTube. 1 min 55 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 55 s
- Time to do it
- 3 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Cut the scraps into equal squares, about 12 cm (5 in) each, using a rotary cutter or sharp scissors and a ruler. Keep the edges straight so the rows line up later.
Lay the squares out in a grid, four across and four down, and swap them around until the colours look balanced.
Sew the squares into rows, right sides together, with a 1 cm (3/8 in) seam allowance. Backstitch at both ends of every seam.
Press the seams open with an iron, then sew the rows together into one flat panel. Make a second panel the same way, or cut a plain back piece to the same size.
Cut two lining pieces the same size as the panels. Cut two handle strips about 8 cm (3 in) wide and 55 cm (22 in) long.
Fold each handle strip in half lengthwise, press it flat and topstitch along both edges. Pin the ends to the right side of the front panel, about 8 cm in from each side.
Sew the front to the back, right sides together, along the sides and bottom. Sew the lining the same way but leave a 10 cm gap in the bottom seam.
Turn the bag right side out, drop it inside the lining and stitch around the top edge. Pull the bag through the gap, tuck the lining inside and topstitch the top.
Tips and common mistakes
Sew a test seam on two scrap squares first so you can check your seam allowance and tension.
Keep every seam allowance the same width, or the panels will not match up when you join them.
Clip the corners diagonally before turning the bag so they sit sharp and flat.
Rotary cutters are very sharp. Cut on a mat, keep your fingers behind the ruler and always cut away from your body.
Questions
How many squares do I need for one bag?
A grid of four by four squares makes a small tote, and five by five gives a roomier bag. Cut a few extra so you can swap colours while you lay them out.
Can I make this without a sewing machine?
Yes. Use a backstitch by hand with a doubled thread and press each seam as you go. It takes longer, but the finished bag holds up well.
What fabric works best for a tote bag?
Medium weight cotton, canvas or linen scraps hold their shape and take the handle seams well. Very thin or stretchy fabric sags, so back it with a plain cotton piece.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
