Beginner Friendly Fall Tote Bag | Make a Cute Tote from Dish Drying Mats & a Dish Towel, by Sewing RV Style on YouTube. 16 min 1 s.
- Video length
- 16 min 1 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Wash and press the dish drying mats and towel so they are flat and dry. Trim any loose threads or frayed edges.
Lay the two mats together with right sides facing and pin the side and bottom edges. Sew a straight seam about 1/2 inch from the edge.
Clip the corners diagonally without cutting the seam. Turn the bag right side out and press the seams flat.
Cut a pocket from the leftover towel or mat fabric. Fold and sew the top edge, then pin the pocket to the inside of the bag.
Stitch around the pocket sides and bottom, backstitching at the top corners to hold it firm.
Cut two 25 inch webbing handles, or make fabric handles from the towel. Pin each handle end to the top edge of the bag, spacing them evenly.
Sew each handle end in a square with an X inside for strength. Check both handles sit level.
Fold the top edge of the bag under about 1/2 inch and pin. Topstitch around the opening to finish the rim.
Turn the bag inside out and trim any loose threads. Press the handles and top edge.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a denim or heavy duty needle so the thick mat layers feed smoothly.
Sew slowly over the handle joins and lift the presser foot at bulky seams.
Backstitch at the start and end of every seam so the bag holds weight.
Keep pins away from the needle path and remove them as you sew to avoid a broken needle.
Questions
Can I make this bag without a sewing machine?
Yes, but the mat layers are thick. Use a strong hand needle and a backstitch, and expect the project to take much longer.
What size bag will two dish drying mats make?
It depends on your mats. Most standard mats give a medium tote around 14 to 16 inches wide, so measure yours before cutting handles.
Do I have to use webbing handles?
No. The towel can be cut into strips, folded and sewn into fabric handles if you prefer an all-fabric look.
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.
