Nylon Tote Bag

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Kraft Paper or other large paper
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Scissors or Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat
• Yellow Nylon - 1/2 yard
• Matching Yellow Thread
• Chalk
• 2" Wide Black and White Striped Belting - 3 yards
• Black Drawstring - 1 yard
• Sewing Clips
• Sewing Machine

DIRECTIONS:

1. Draft a pattern: Draw a trapezoid that is 12 inches at the top, 14 inches at the bottom, and 14 inches from top to bottom. Add 3/8" to the sides and the bottom, and add 1" to the top. Find something circular to trace to round out the bottom corners. Add two 2 1/2" lines that are 2" down from the top and 1 inch in from the side. Then make a horizontal line all the way across the bag 1 1/2" below the 2 lines, and on that line make six marks that start 1 inch from the side and thereafter 2 inches from eachother. Measure your drawstring width and make the length of each of the six markings large enough to accommodate the drawstring.
2. Cut two pieces of nylon using this pattern.
3. Fold the top of one piece 1/2“ in, and then fold it again and secure with sewing clips and sew all the way across. Repeat for the second nylon bag piece.
4. Use chalk to mark your two 2 1/2“ lines on both pieces of nylon. You can set the material on top of your pattern to transfer markings. You can also transfer the six markings for the drawstring buttonholes at this time. Follow your sewing machine's instructions for creating a buttonhole the entire length of each 2 1/2" line on each piece of fabric. Then create the buttonholes for each of the six drawstring openings.


5. When all of the buttonholes have been completed on both bags, begin to attach the belting for the handles. Fold the 3 yards of belting in half and cut it. That will leave 1 1/2 yards for each strap. Fold one strap in half and weave it into one of the buttonhole openings at the top of the bag, the belting should be on the outside below the buttonhole, and on the inside of the bag above the buttonhole. Fold it at the top and weave it through the other side of the bag, inside of the bag above the buttonhole, and outside of the bag below the buttonhole. Use the sewing clips to attach the belting at the rounded corners at the bottom of each side of the bag. Ensure that the belting reaches over the entirety of the corner fabric, and baste into place. Repeat for all four corners.


6. When all four corners have straps basted, turn the two nylon pieces right sides together, secure sides with sewing clips, and sew all the way around the sides and bottom of the bag. Turn right side out and topstitch across the bottom for additional support, about 1/4" in from the edge of the bottom. In addition, further secure the belting to the bag by stitching over the top side of the buttonhole on, sewing belting to bag over top the buttonhole stitching. Do this for all four strap buttonholes.


7. Weave the drawstring through the buttonhole and tie.