Boho Handbag / Classic Cord Bag / Vintage Cord Carry Bag / Rope Tote / Sewing Tutorial, by The Stitch Studio on YouTube. 8 min 8 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 8 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Cut the main fabric and lining to 39 cm by 68 cm each. Cut one pocket piece at 19 cm by 39 cm and two cord lengths at 58 cm. Press all pieces flat.
Fold the pocket piece in half with right sides together. Sew around the edges, leaving a 5 cm gap for turning. Clip the corners, turn it right side out and press.
Pin the pocket to the right side of the main fabric, centred and about 8 cm down from the top edge. Sew close to the pocket edges, leaving the top open.
Fold the main fabric in half with right sides together. Sew the two side seams with a 1 cm allowance. Press the seams open.
Box the bottom corners: flatten each corner into a triangle, sew across 4 to 5 cm from the point, and trim the excess. Repeat on the lining, but leave a 10 cm gap in one lining seam.
Turn the main bag right side out. Place it inside the lining, right sides together, and match the side seams. Pin the top edges.
Sew around the top edge with a 1 cm allowance. Clip the curves and turn the bag right side out through the lining gap. Press the top edge.
Pin one cord end inside the bag at a side seam, about 4 cm down from the top. Sew a square with an X inside it. Repeat for the other end and the second handle.
Sew the lining gap closed by hand or machine. Push the lining inside the bag and press the top edge once more.
Tips and common mistakes
Backstitch at the start and end of every seam so the bag holds up in use.
Use a denim or heavy duty needle for thick cord and go slowly over the handle joins.
Press each seam as you go; it makes the finished bag look much neater.
Keep fingers clear of the needle and unplug the machine before changing the needle.
Questions
Can I make this bag without a lining?
Yes. Use a heavier fabric and sew the side and bottom seams, then fold and sew the top hem. The lining hides the seams and makes the bag stronger.
What cord works best for the handles?
A cotton or polyester rope about 8 to 10 mm thick works well. Thinner cord may dig into your hand when the bag is full.
How do I stop the handles pulling out?
Sew a square with an X through the cord and the bag fabric. Go over it twice with a heavy duty needle for extra strength.
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.
