How to Transform Woven Placemats into a Tote Bag, by Miarti - Sewing Tips on YouTube. 3 min 13 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 13 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Place the two oval placemats on the cotton lining fabric. Cut around each one, leaving enough lining to sew along the full outline.
Machine stitch each placemat to its lining along the contour. Leave a small opening on each piece for turning it right side out.
Trim the excess lining to a 1 cm seam allowance. Turn both pieces right side out and clip around the curved edges.
Sew a straight topstitch along the edge of each piece, closing the turning opening as you go.
Mark a straight line 4 cm from the edge on each piece. Put the pieces wrong sides together and stitch along the marked line.
Open the workpiece and fold the bottom edges wrong side out. Machine stitch to close the bottom.
Cut two webbing handles 60 cm long and mark 11 cm from each end. Fold the central part, clip it, slide cord inside for volume and stitch.
Fold the lining top edges inward and clip the handles in place. Stitch along the folded top edges, then fold the handles up and sew them securely.
Fold the bag in half with the lining side out and align the side edges. Machine stitch the sides, then hand sew the open side edges with blind stitches.
Turn the bag right side out and straighten the bottom and side folds. Stitch a brand patch on the center if you want one.
Tips and common mistakes
Clip the curved edges before topstitching so the woven placemat lies flat.
Sew the handles with a box or cross stitch at the ends so they hold the bag weight.
Use a sturdy needle for thick woven placemats and test on a scrap first.
Keep fingers clear of the machine needle and unplug it before changing the needle.
Questions
Can I use round or rectangular placemats instead of oval ones?
Yes. The method works with any shape as long as both placemats match. Adjust the fold lines to suit the shape.
Do I have to add cord inside the handles?
No. The cord just gives the webbing more body. You can skip it and sew the folded handles directly.
What size bag does this make?
The finished bag is about 29 x 18 x 5 cm, or 11 3/8 x 7 1/8 x 2 inches.
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.
