IF YOU’D LIKE A TOTE BAG FOR FALL, Watch This Tutorial! 🍂👜✨, by Sunlight studio on YouTube. 12 min 56 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 56 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Sort your scraps by colour and cut small shapes for pumpkins and leaves. Keep the pieces flat and roughly the same size so they sit neatly.
Lay the shapes on your main bag fabric and move them around until you like the arrangement. Pin or clip each piece in place.
Stitch around each shape close to the edge with a straight stitch. Backstitch at the start and end so the edges stay put.
Press the decorated panel with an iron. This flattens the seams and makes the patchwork sit smooth.
Cut two bag panels the same size, one decorated front and one plain back, plus two lining panels. Cut two strap pieces about 10 cm wide and as long as you want the handles.
Fold each strap in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew along the long edge, turn it right side out and press it flat.
Pin the straps to the top edge of the front and back panels, with the raw ends pointing down and the straps inside the bag. Baste them in place.
Place the front and back panels right sides together and sew down both sides and across the bottom. Repeat with the lining, but leave a gap in the bottom of the lining.
Turn the bag right side out and push it inside the lining, right sides together. Sew around the top edge, then pull the bag through the gap in the lining.
Sew the lining gap closed by hand or machine, then topstitch around the top edge of the bag. Press the finished bag.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a slightly longer stitch on thick patchwork so the needle does not skip.
Press each seam as you go, because flat seams make the finished bag look much neater.
Backstitch the strap joins well, since the handles take the most strain.
Keep pins away from the machine needle path and remove them before the needle reaches them.
Questions
Do I need a pattern to make this tote bag?
No. You can cut two rectangles for the bag and two for the lining, then size the straps to your taste. A simple rectangle shape is enough.
Can I make this bag without a sewing machine?
Yes, but it takes longer. Use a strong backstitch by hand for the seams and straps, and press the seams often.
What fabric works best for a scrap tote bag?
Medium weight cotton or canvas holds its shape well. Thin scraps are fine for the pumpkin and leaf applique, but use a sturdy fabric for the bag body.
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.
