How to Make the Viral Bandana Tote Bag (Easy DIY Tutorial), by Mary Go Round Quilts on YouTube. 38 min 59 s.
- Video length
- 38 min 59 s
- Time to do it
- 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Cut two 18 x 16 inch pieces from two bandanas for the bag front and back. Keep the pattern centered so the print looks balanced.
From one bandana cut two 5 x 16 inch side pieces and one 5 x 18 inch bottom piece.
From the last bandana cut four strips 5 inches wide across the full width. Sew two strips together into a long strip, trim it to 5 x 28 inches and repeat for the second strap.
Cut the same front, back, side and bottom pieces from your lining fabric.
Fuse the foam to the wrong side of each outer bandana piece with a hot iron, following the foam package directions.
Quilt each outer panel with straight lines or free motion stitching. Quilt the front, back, sides and bottom to hold the foam in place.
Sew the outer front, back, sides and bottom together into a box shape, right sides facing. Repeat with the lining pieces, leaving a gap in the lining bottom.
Fold each strap in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew along the long edge. Turn the straps right side out and press.
Pin the straps to the outer bag at the top edge, matching the placement on front and back. Baste them in place.
Place the outer bag inside the lining with right sides together. Sew around the top edge, turn the bag through the lining gap, and topstitch the opening closed.
Tips and common mistakes
Press the foam with a pressing cloth and a low setting so it does not melt or stick to the iron.
Quilt the panels before assembling the bag so the foam stays flat and the seams stay neat.
Use clips instead of pins on thick foam seams to avoid bending the needle.
Keep fingers clear of the needle and unplug the machine before changing the needle.
Questions
Can I make this bag without a quilting machine?
Yes. Straight-line quilting with a walking foot works fine on any basic sewing machine. Free motion quilting is optional.
Do I have to use bandanas?
No. Any cotton fabric works. Cut the same panel sizes from your chosen print.
How much lining fabric do I need?
About 1/2 yard of 44 inch wide fabric covers the front, back, sides and bottom. Three bandanas also work.
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.
