Scrappy Fabric Tote Bag Tutorial

How to make a strong and sturdy tote bag from tiny scraps of leftover fabric.

Last week I shared with you a rather long and detailed tutorial to make a unique tote bag from tiny scraps of leftover fabric and net, inspired by the organza handbags made on The Great British Sewing Bee last year.

I enjoyed the process of making that net and scrap fabric bag and love the quirky uniqueness of the finished tote. However there were a few challenges with the construction that meant it wasn’t the easiest bag to make, plus I had hardly made a dent in my scrappy fabric tub. So I set about trying a different method to make a similar tote, with the aim of simplifying the process if possible.

Now they are both finished I honestly can’t say I have a favourite. Both bags are cute, completely unique, sturdy and useful. Both bags were fun to make. If you fancy making a tote bag from your tiny fabric scraps I’d recommend checking out both versions to see which you prefer - or you could even be like me and make both! Of the 2 however, I would say this version is a little easier to construct.

How to make a scrap fabric tote bag version 2

This style of scrappy fabric tote is made using some thing sturdy like a curtain or upholstery fabric as a lining and base fabric for your fabric scraps. A layer of net holds the scraps in place. It’s a little like the scrappy fabric I made last year but with the added strength and stability of a net layer to make it suitable for a functional tote bag.

Your curtain fabric can be any design, it only forms the lining and the base fabric which is completely covered by the little scraps so this is a great way to use up old curtain fabric in designs you are not so keen on or upholstery fabric off cuts. The lining and base fabric don’t have to be the same, feel free to mix and match to use up your stash.

What you need to make a scrappy fabric tote:

• 4 pieces of old curtain fabric, each 17” square

• 2 pieces of nylon net, each 18” square

• 2 pieces of curtain fabric, 3” x 26” for the handles

• LOTS of tiny fabric scraps

• Sewing machine, thread

Arrange the fabric scraps

Start by creating your scrap fabric. Lay 2 of your curtain fabric squares out flat and start covering them with your tiny fabric scraps. The curtain fabric can be either way up, it doesn’t matter at all as none of it will be visible in the end. You can see the old flowery curtain fabric I was using peaking through here as I add the scraps.

I found it easiest to start around the outside and work my way in, overlapping the pieces as I went.

When the squares are completely covered with scraps lay a square of net over the top and pin through all the layers all over the square. Use loads of pins, don’t skimp on them!

Roll this fabric sandwich to help the scraps stay in place as you move it to your sewing machine.

Stitch all over the square in a random way. If you like free motion quilting then you could stitch a beautiful design but it’s totally acceptable to just stitch in all directions, turning the fabric sandwich as you get to the side and setting off again. Stitch straight lines or curves or a mix of the two.

I used this as a chance to use up some odd thread spools that only had a small amount left on them. I was using all kinds of colours and patterns of fabric scraps so different colours of thread works nicely.

Trim your scrap fabric square to 17” x 17”, so just trimming off the overhanging net and fabric scraps to tidy it up.

Make the handles

Fold the strips of handle fabric in half and press. Fold the raw edges into the middle using the crease in the middle as a guide and press again.

Stitch along the open edge all the way along to form the handles.

Make the bag

Lay the 2 squares of scrappy fabric right sides together and stitch around 3 sides using a 5/8″ (1.5cm) seam allowance. Remember to stitch a few backstitches at the beginning and end of every seam to secure your stitches.

Lay the 2 squares of lining fabric right sides together and stitch around 3 sides using a 5/8″ (1.5cm) seam allowance, leaving a 4” gap along the bottom.

Box the corners

Finger press the seams open (don’t use an iron on the nylon net or it can melt) then box the corners.

Fold the side seam to meet the base seam then pin these two seams together lining them up as precisely as you can. Mark a line 2” (5cm) from the point straight across at a 90 degree angle to the seam, then stitch across this line. Trim the excess triangle to reduce bulk.

Position the handles

On the scrappy fabric bag outside measure and mark 3” (8cm) from the side seams. Turn the bag right side out and pin the handles into place, lining them up with the marks you made. Position them so the handles protrude slightly above the top edge of the bag and check they are not twisted. Use 2 pins on each handles they don’t slip when you stitch across them in a moment.

Slide the outer bag inside the lining. Line up the side seams, pin then stitch all around the top.

Turn the bag right sides out through the gap you left in the bottom of the lining. Sew the gap closed.

Push the lining into the bag and finger press the top. Top stitch all around the top edge.

Your scrappy fabric tote bag is finished!

Here you can see how the bag sits on my shoulder when the handles are this long. Obviously you could make your bag handles longer or shorter if you want to.

You could mix and match some of the ideas from each of these two scrappy fabric bag tutorials. For example you could give this kind of bag a patchwork handle like the one I gave bag version one if you prefer.

You can see the difference in the side view of the two different versions of the bags here:

You can see how the boxed corners on this bag make it wider.

What do you think? Do you have a preference between these two versions of a scrappy fabric and net tote bag?

Remember, you can find all the details of the other version of the bag here: Scrap fabric tote bag version 1

I am honestly finding it hard to choose a favourite between the two of them, but this version has probably just cinched it for me. It’s the boxed corners that add the extra width that has just edged this one into first position for me. It’s such a practical addition to any tote bag.

Both of my scrappy fabric tote bags are filled with super colourful scraps, all just bunged in together giving a vibrant look. You could created a much more subtle or sophisticated bag by limiting the colour palette of course. It’s a really fun way to use even the tiniest of fabric scraps to make something useful and beautiful.

Julie

I’ll be sharing this tutorial at some of these link ups