Today I’m going to share a little simple beginner’s sewing project and a handmade polypro tote giveaway!
I found this super duper cute tree material when I was shopping for something completely unrelated at Joann’s one day. Never happens…
I didn’t exactly know what I’d make with it, but I bought a yard of the fabric just cuz. It was just too cute. Then, of course, the logical thing to do with polypropylene is to make a tote bag out of it! We sell them by the hoards where I work, so I have some background in polypro, yo!
So, instead of losing myself in Pinterest to find a pattern, I winged it and made up my own. And now I’m sharing my mad tote-whip-up secrets with you, haha.
I made one small shortcut that you can totally remedy if you’d like–I didn’t use a separate piece of fabric for one of my gussets like a real pro would (I can’t even sew straight, so pfffff). If you don’t give any cares how a pro would do it, just skip it! And if you don’t like fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants patterns, then this probably isn’t for you;)
By the way, jump to the bottom of this post for a chance to win this very tote, made by me!
DIY Polypropylene Tote Bag
Materials
- 1 yard polypro material
- Matching thread
- Regular sewing supplies like a scissors, pins, etc.
Directions
Figure out the size you want your tote bag to be. I knew I wanted mine to fit standard magazines and books, so I used a picture frame that was just bigger than a textbook as my measuring stick. I just used a pencil and traced the frame on the back of the material. Pencils work like a charm on polypro.
I traced the frame for the front and traced it a second time for the back. Then I cut out a 3-1/2″ wide strip that was the length of one horizontal and one vertical side of the picture frame for the bottom and one side gusset.
Then I cut out one more 3-1/2″ wide strip for the other side gusset and two really long handles. I think I cut them to the length of the ream and 3″ wide. If you want to be precise, hang a tape measure over your shoulder to figure out how long you want the straps to hang.
From top: side gusset, side and bottom gusset, and front/back panels
Long strips for the straps, two straps per bag.
First, make your handles. Fold the long sides together, pattern facing inside, pin together and press. Sew down the raw side with 1/4″ seam allowance.
Now, try to get these suckers right-side-out again. It’s a pain in the butt, but using “tools” helps (i.e. a pencil with eraser, tiny kid fingers).
Now get to work on the bag. Begin by sewing the side and bottom gusset panels onto the front bag panel, right sides facing each other.
Pin the side gusset to the front bag panel, starting flush with the top.
Continue around, sewing on the bottom gusset, shown below.
Then sew the back panel to the other side of the gusset, right sides facing each other. And then the bottom gusset too.
You’ll sew on the other side gusset similarly, attaching it to the front panel, back panel and bottom gusset with right sides facing in.
Next, attach the handles. This is probably the trickiest part, but it’s really not all that tricky.
First, line up the open edges of the handles with the top of the bag and pin. Do this on both sides.
Now turn down the top of the bag 1″ all the way around and pin. At this point, you can remove the first set of pins. Sew all the way around this top rim of the bag. You can double needle stitch if you’re so inclined.
Now, fold the handle back upward and sew them onto the top of the bag, back and forth a few times.
I quadruple reinforced these suckers just for good measure.
Now press the bag for crisp seams and snip away any extra threads.
Voila!
Let me know in the comments if any questions come up for you as you’re making this.
The only thing the bag still needs is some kind of bottom support insert. But…it’s suitable for what I wanted, as is. It’s perfect for carrying library books, church supplies, a change of clothes for the gym, some TP and cereal from the store, or whatevs.
NOW FOR THE Polypro Tote GIVEAWAY!!!!
I made two of these bags and only want to keep one. So, the other one I’m raffling off to one lucky reader! You’ll get my very own invented tote bag with this adorable tree print made by my very own (albeit shaky) hands!
To enter, you must join my mailing list. There’s a box at the bottom of this post that offers 14 fat-shredding treadmill workouts. That’s where you can sign up.
Hey hey, you’ll even get a set of free workouts with your entry as a bonus, if you want them. Everyone’s a winner!
Once you’ve done so, leave a comment below. Your comment will be your entry for this giveaway. (edited to add: if you’re already a subscriber, just leave a comment and I’ll add you!)
If you would like one bonus entry, share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and leave another comment with a link to your social post and your name will go in a second time.
The contest ends at midnight on August 24th and a winner will be announced on the 26th when I’m back from camping;)
Good Luck!
P.S. I’m sharing this over on Skip to My Lou, Made by You Mondays.