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women wearing a black shirt and jeans holding a DIY tote bag full of lettuce
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DIY Tote Bag With Linen

Learn how to make a beautiful linen DIY tote bag, perfect for shopping the farmers' market or grocery store.

Course DIY Tutorials
Cuisine American
Keyword DIY tote bag
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 1 bag
Author Lisa Bass
Cost 5

Equipment

  • Sewing machine
  • Sewing sheers
  • Pins

Ingredients

  • 1 yard linen fabric
  • Coordinating thread

Instructions

  • Measure, cut, and press fabric. Cut two 16” x 18” pieces for the main sections of the bag, and two 4” x 28” pieces for the straps.
  • Take one strap piece and fold it in half, right sides together, down the long side.Sew a ¼” seam down the long side, leaving the strap ends open.
  • Place a large safety pin in one corner of the strap and push it through to turn it right side out. Press the seam flat with an iron. Sew a topstitch down the two long sides with a very narrow seam.
  • Repeat with the other strap.Lay the two main 16” x 18” pieces with right sides together, ensuring the sides are lined up perfectly.
  • Sew together the two longer sides and one shorter end, leaving one of the shorter ends open. Use a serger or zigzag stitch to finish the raw edges.
  • Turn the bag so the right sides are out. Fold the top raw edge over 1 inch towards the inside of the bag. Press. Fold over the edge one more time, about a half inch, to tuck the raw edges inside, and press.
  • Take the raw edges of the straps and place underneath the pressed fold at the top of the bag, about 3.5″ from each side seam. Pin in place. The space between the straps should be about 6.5”. Repeat with the other side.
  • Sew the top hem of the bag, making sure to sew down the straps as you go.
  • Pulling the straps up, topstitch around ¼” from the top of the bag making sure to sew the straps so they lay nicely up.

Notes

  • While linen is my preferred choices for this project, you could easily use another fabric. Cotton, grain sack, probably even drop cloth, each fabric has potential, but will lend itself to a different look and stability.
  • For more storage, you could even add a nice, deep pocket on the the front of the bag. That would be a great place to store your phone or wallet.