DIY One Hour Tote Making Challenge: Sew & Chat Ep. 7

DIY One Hour Tote Making Challenge: Sew & Chat Ep. 7

#DIY One Hour Tote Making Challenge

DIY One Hour Tote Making Challenge

Hello, lovely crafters!

Are you ready for a fun and quick sewing challenge? Today, we’re diving into the DIY One Hour Tote Making Challenge! Whether you're a seasoned sewer or a beginner, this project is perfect for you. By the end of this hour, you’ll have a stylish and functional tote bag to show off. So, grab your materials, and let’s get started!

What You’ll Need:

Fabric:

  • Outer Fabric: 1 yard (medium to heavy weight fabric like canvas or denim)
  • Lining Fabric: 1 yard (light to medium weight fabric like cotton)
  • Straps: 1 yard of webbing (about 1 inch wide)

Notions:

  • Matching thread
  • Scissors or rotary cutter
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • Pins or clips
  • Sewing machine
  • Iron and ironing board

Cutting Measurements:

Outer Fabric:

  • 2 pieces: 16” wide x 14” tall (main body)

Lining Fabric:

  • 2 pieces: 16” wide x 14” tall (main body)

Straps:

  • 2 pieces: 22” long webbing

Instructions:

Step 1: Cutting Your Fabric

Start by cutting all your fabric pieces according to the measurements above. Use a rotary cutter for clean, straight edges. Make sure to press your fabric with an iron to remove any wrinkles.

Step 2: Assembling the Outer Bag

Take your outer fabric pieces and sew the two main body pieces together along the sides and bottom with a 1/2” seam allowance. Repeat for the lining fabric.

Step 3: Creating a Boxy Bottom

To create a 2” boxy bottom, pinch the bottom corners of the outer bag together so that the side seam and bottom seam align. Measure 2 inches from the point and draw a line perpendicular to the seam. Sew along this line and trim the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4” seam allowance. Repeat for the other corner. Do the same for the lining fabric.

Step 4: Preparing the Straps

Cut your webbing to the required length. You should have two pieces, each 22” long.

Step 5: Attaching the Straps

Pin the straps to the right side of the outer bag, positioning each strap end 3 inches from the side seams. Make sure the straps are not twisted and that they extend down about 1 inch from the top edge. Sew each end in place with a 1/4” seam allowance.

Step 6: Assembling the Bag

Place the outer bag inside the lining with right sides together, matching the side seams. Pin around the top edge and sew with a 1/2” seam allowance.

Step 7: Turning the Bag

Turn the bag right side out through the gap in the lining. Push the lining into the outer bag and press the top edge. Topstitch around the top edge to secure and close the gap in the lining with a small hand stitch or machine stitch.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

Give your new tote bag one final press, and voila! You’ve just completed the One Hour Tote Making Challenge!

Show Off Your Creation!

I hope you enjoyed this quick and fun sewing project. I’d love to see your beautiful tote bags! Share your creations on social media with the hashtag #OneHourToteChallenge and tag me @garnersewing so I can see your wonderful work.

Remember, crafting is all about having fun and expressing your creativity. Don’t worry if your tote isn’t perfect – each project is a learning experience. Happy sewing, and see you in the next challenge!

Keep crafting,

Sandra

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