9 EASY Sewing Projects to make this Fall! 🍂 Beginner Halloween Sewing Ideas 🎃, by Whiskey & Whit on YouTube. 39 min 11 s.
- Video length
- 39 min 11 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Lay the dish drying mat flat and square up the edges with a rotary cutter and ruler so the bag body has straight sides.
Decide the finished bag size and cut the mat to that width and height, keeping the quilted texture intact.
Cut two lengths of cotton webbing for the handles, long enough to fit over your shoulder, and pin the ends to the right side of the mat at the top edge.
Sew each handle end in place with a box and X stitch so the straps hold weight.
Fold the mat in half with right sides together and clip the side seams. Sew down both sides with a straight stitch and a seam allowance of about half an inch.
Clip the corners, turn the bag right side out and press the seams flat.
Topstitch around the top opening to catch the handle ends and give the bag a clean finish.
Check the seams and add a second row of stitching on the handles if you plan to carry heavy items.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a fresh needle and a slightly longer stitch length, since quilted mats are thick.
Sew slowly over the handle joins and use the hand wheel on bulky spots.
Keep your fingers behind the needle and away from the rotary blade when cutting.
Questions
Can I make this bag without a sewing machine?
Yes, but the thick mat is hard to push a needle through by hand. A machine gives much stronger seams for the handles.
What size dish drying mat should I use?
A standard mat gives a medium tote. Measure your mat first and cut it to the size you want before sewing.
How do I stop the handles from ripping off?
Sew a box with an X inside it at each handle end and go over the stitches twice 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.
