SUPPLIES & TOOLS:
TOTE BAG:
HEADBAND:
DIRECTIONS:
TOTE BAG:
HEADBAND:
JOANN HACKS:
TOTE BAG:
- 3/4 yd Fabric (Body & Straps)
- 1/2 yd Lining Fabric
- 1 yd Medium Weight Fusible Interfacing
- 1" x 70" Ribbon (2)
- Fabric Pen
- Pins/Clips
- Scissors
- Seam Rippers
- Ruler
- Iron & Ironing Board
HEADBAND:
- 1/4 yd Fabric
- Pencil or Fabric Pen
- Pins
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Iron & Ironing Board
DIRECTIONS:
TOTE BAG:
- Cut 2 each of the tote bag outer fabric and lining fabric into 17" wide by 19" high rectangles.
- Cut 2" x 2" squares notches into the bottom corners of all 4 layers of fabric.
- Adhere interfacing (based on the manufacturer's instructions) to the wrong side of the 2 outer tote bag fabric pieces.
- Layer the outer fabric pieces with the right sides together and pin the side and bottom edges.
- Stitch along all 3 edges with a 1/2" seam allowance. Make sure to leave the top edge and the 2" notches open. Press open seams.
- Repeat with the 2 fabric lining pieces. The only difference is to leave a 6" opening for turning along the bottom edge of the bag.
- Pinch together the 2" notches of the outer fabric on either side of the bag and pin so that the seams match up. Stitch using a 1/2" seam allowance.
- Repeat the same step on the lining fabric.
- Next cut out (2) strips for the straps and interfacing measuring 3 1/2" wide by 26" long.
- Adhere the interfacing to the strips following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Fold the strips together lengthwise with the right sides together on each strap. Pin.
- Stitch a 1/4" seam allowance along the long edge of each strap. Turn the straps so the right sides are out. Press.
- Stitch along each long edge of both straps, close to the edge to finish.
- Turn outer tote fabric so that the right sides are out.
- Measure 3" in from each side seam and pin straps to the outside of the bag, matching up the unfinished edges.
- Drop the tote/straps into the lining fabric (make sure the wrong side is facing out). Line up the side seams and pin all unfinished edges together in a loop.
- Stitch around the top edge of the bag using a 1/2" seam allowance.
- Turn the bag right side out using the opening in the lining. Press the top edge flat so that the lining is tucked in and does not show.
- Stitch around the top of the bag approx. 1/4" from the edge.
- Pull the lining out and close up the opening (from turning) with the machine or hand sew an invisible stitch for a cleaner look.
- Using a fabric pen and large ruler, measure and draw 2 lines around the perimeter of the tote. 3" and 4" from the top edge.
- Stitch along both of these lines to create the channel for the ribbon.
- Use seam rippers to open up only the outer fabric (not lining) in between the 3" and 4" lines at the side seams of the bag.
- String the 1st 70" long ribbon through the channel. Start at one side and pull it through the loop all the way back to the original hole.
- Repeat the same process only on the other side opening. Because both ribbons loop all the way around, it will create a better cinching effect.
- Trim and tie ribbons to the desired length.
HEADBAND:
- Cut (2) strips of fabric 2 1/2" x 34".
- Cut and round off all short edges.
- Line up the 2 strips with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Pin.
- Stitch a 1/4" seam allowance around the perimeter, leaving an approx. 3" opening for turning.
- Clip the rounded edge seam allowances.
- Turn the headband right side out. Press flat. Make sure the opening seam allowance is pressed inward.
- Top stitch around the entire headband to finish (this will close the opening).
- loop around your head and tie a double knot to desired size.
JOANN HACKS:
- Use a safety pin to pull the ribbon more easily through the channel of the bag.
- Use a can, glass or something round this is approx. 2 1/2" wide to help trace and round off the short edges of the strips.
- It's helpful to use a tool (pointed dowel rod or dull butter knife) to press into the headband when it's been turned right side out. This will help press out the seams, specifically at the rounded edges.