Do you want to give a gift to someone? Need a pretty bag to store things? A simple cloth bag can be the perfect solution to save money while allowing you to recycle. One of the easiest ways to make a bag is to use a t-shirt because you don't need to sew. However, if you want to be more creative, you can try making a simple drawstring bag or a beautiful tote complete with a handle!
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Method 1 of 3: Making Drawstring Bags
Step 1. Cut a piece of cloth with a size of 25x50 cm
Choose a strong fabric, such as cotton, linen, canvas, or jersey. Use sewing chalk or a pen and ruler to make a pattern on the inside of the fabric. Cut the fabric with fabric scissors.
- You can choose plain or patterned fabrics.
- The size of this pattern already takes into account the hem. So you don't need to add anything.
- You can make the bag smaller or larger, but be sure to use the same ratio. Make a bag that is twice the width.
Step 2. Fold the ends of the fabric in 10 cm lengthwise and iron them
Spread the fabric with the inside of the fabric facing up (towards you). Fold a section of fabric on the 50 cm side that is 10 cm wide. Use a pin to hold it in place and press it with an iron. This fold will form the top of the bag.
Use a fabric-safe ironing heat setting. For example, if you're using linen, choose a linen-safe heat setting
Step 3. Sew 2 horizontal lines on the folded end to make a rope path
The first line is about 6.5 cm from the top of the fold. The second line is about 9 cm from the crease. Once done you will have a space between the two lines. This space will be the path for the ribbon.
- You can use a thread color that is the same as the color of the fabric or you can use a thread color that contrasts with the color of the fabric. For example, if you are making a white bag, try using red thread to create a simple design.
- Use a straight stitch to sew the folds. If you are using an elastic (stretchy) fabric, we recommend using a zigzag stitch.
- Make sure to use a backstitch so the stitches don't come loose. At this point you should reverse the direction of the sewing machine for 2-3 stitches.
Step 4. Fold the fabric in half wide with the inside of the fabric facing out
Turn the fabric so the inside is facing you. Bring the smaller edges together so that the fabric is folded in half. Use a pin along the bottom and side edges of the fabric.
- Do not thread pins along the top edge or folded side of the fabric.
- It doesn't matter how many pins you use or how close you fit them. Just make sure the position of the cloth does not shift.
Step 5. Sew the edges of the bag with a hem of about 1.25 cm
When sewing the sides, make an opening of about 2.5 cm between the two horizontal lines you sewed earlier. Otherwise you will not be able to slip the rope. When finished sewing, remove the pin.
- Use a straight stitch for regular fabrics and a zigzag stitch for stretchy fabrics.
- Don't forget to use the back stitch when starting and finishing stitches.
- You only sew the part marked with the pin. Do not sew past the folded top or sides.
Step 6. Turn the bag over so the inside is outside
For a tidier result, trim the bottom corners as close to the seam as possible before turning the bag over. You can also secure the hem with an overlay or zigzag stitch, but this is not a must.
Some fabrics decompose more easily than others. If the fabric breaks down easily, you'll need to secure the hem with a sew or zigzag stitch
Step 7. Cut a piece of ribbon or rope with a size of 50 cm
Choose a ribbon or string that is no more than 1.25 cm wide. Measure the ribbon/rope 50 cm long, then cut it. This ribbon or rope will be used to open and close the bag.
- Match the color of the ribbon to the bag or use a contrasting color. For example, if you are making a blue canvas bag, use a thin white strap to make it look attractive.
- If the ribbon or string is made of polyester, burn the ends with a fire to prevent them from unraveling.
- If the ribbon or string is not made of polyester, secure the ends with fabric glue or special glue. Wait for the ends of the tape/string to dry before continuing.
Step 8. Use safety pins to tuck the ribbon
Pin a pin to the end of the ribbon. Insert the safety pin into the 2.5 cm opening on the inside of the bag. Push the safety pin through the tape path until you reach the other end of the gap. When you're done, you can remove the pins.
Step 9. Close the bag by pulling the ribbon/string
Once the bag is closed, you can tie the ribbon/string into a pretty knot. You can also decorate the bag by attaching a pretty bead to each end of the ribbon. Tie each end of the ribbon into a knot to hold the bead from falling out.
Method 2 of 3: Making a Seamless T-shirt Bag
Step 1. Choose a shirt that you no longer use, then flip it over so the inside is outside
You can use a shirt of any size. A small t-shirt to make a small bag or a large t-shirt to make a large bag. However, it would be better if you use a regular shirt instead of a tight one.
It's fine if you're wearing an old T-shirt, but make sure it's clean, doesn't have holes or stains
Consider use a t-shirt that has an interesting picture on the front. The image will be an interesting accent after you finish making the bag. If you're using a white t-shirt, consider dyeing it with a tie-dye technique. If the shirt is black, you can apply the tie dye technique with bleach!
Step 2. Cut the sleeves following the seam
If you want a longer grip, fold the shirt in half first, then trim the sleeves just below your armpits. Folding the shirt in half will ensure that the handles of the bag are the same length.
Try to use sharp cloth scissors for this purpose. Of course you can use regular scissors, but they won't turn out as good as cloth scissors
Step 3. Cut the neckline of the shirt
It's up to how much you want to cut it, but make sure the front and back are the same size. Try to leave about 5-8 cm of space between the neckline and the sleeves. That way, the handle of the bag will be stronger.
To make the neckline cut more even, make an arch pattern using a pen and bowl or plate first
Step 4. Determine the length of the bag, then draw a horizontal line on the shirt
You can adjust the length of the bag to your liking, but keep in mind that the shirt will stretch a bit as you put things in the bag. If you want the bag to be the same length as the shirt, draw a line about 2.5-5 cm above the hem.
- Use a ruler or other straight object to make even lines.
- This horizontal line will be used as a border to create the tassels on the bottom edge of the shirt.
Step 5. Make vertical cuts with a width of 2-2.5 cm each to the previously created border (horizontal line)
Start on the left of the shirt and end on the right. Make sure you cut both layers of the shirt including the seams on the sides. When you're done, you'll have a t-shirt with tassels at the bottom.
If necessary, you can make a series of vertical lines first before cutting them with scissors
Step 6. Flip the shirt back over, then tie the tassels one by one
Don't forget to turn the shirt over first, then take the first tassels on the front and back of the shirt and tie them together in a single knot. Repeat this step for all the tassels until you reach the other side of the shirt.
- Don't worry if the single knot doesn't look very strong. The next step will solve the problem.
- The knots and tassels will be the final part of the bag design. If you want to hide the tassels, you don't have to turn the shirt over first.
Step 7. Tie adjacent tassels together to hide the holes in between
It is certain that there will be small gaps between the knots made and you will have to deal with them. Otherwise, small objects inserted in the bag will fall through this gap. To get around this problem, you'll need to tie the first and second tufts together, then the third and fourth tufts together, and so on.
Do this step on both sides of the bag. Start with the front, then the back
Step 8. Trim the tassels if necessary
The length of the tassels will depend on the length of the bag you are making. The tassels may be very long or very short. If you like short tassels, you can trim them to your desired length. However, do not make the tassels shorter than 2.5 cm!
- If you want to hide the tassels on the inside of your bag, you'll also need to trim them so they don't tangle together and get tangled.
- If you want long tassels, consider adding colorful beads. If necessary, tie a knot under the bead to hold it in place.
Method 3 of 3: Making a Tote Bag
Step 1. Cut a piece of cloth twice the length of the desired bag height
The width of the fabric should be equal to the desired width of the bag, plus 2.5 cm for the side seams. You should also add 2.5 cm to the overall height of the bag for the hem.
- For example, if you want to make a bag measuring 15x30 cm, you will need to cut a cloth measuring 18x64 cm.
- Use a strong fabric, such as canvas, cotton, or linen.
Step 2. Fold the smaller side 1.25 cm wide to make a hem
Turn the fabric so the inside is facing up (towards you). Fold the fabric 1.25 cm wide and pin pins to secure the crease. Use an iron to press it so that the folds look neat and straight.
Use an iron-safe heat setting for the type of fabric
Step 3. Sew the hem as close to the edge of the fabric as possible
It doesn't matter if you make the hem 0, 3-0, 6 cm only. Use straight stitches for regular woven fabrics and zigzag stitches for stretchy fabrics. Make sure you use the back stitch when you start and finish the stitch and remove the pin when you're done.
- If you can't sew, you can use special tape applied with an iron or fabric glue.
- Match the yarn color to the fabric or use a contrasting color to create a more interesting effect.
Step 4. Fold the fabric in half, with the outside facing in
Turn the fabric so the outside is facing you. Tie the seamed together and secure the unstitched edges with pins. You don't have to do anything to the top edge that's already hem.
Step 5. Sew the side seams 1.25 cm wide
Use a straight stitch for regular fabrics and a zigzag stitch for stretchy fabrics. Use a back stitch when starting and finishing stitches. Don't forget to remove the pins while sewing.
- If you can't sew, you can use special tape applied with an iron or fabric glue.
- For a prettier finish, trim the side seams with an overlay or zigzag stitch.
- Cut the bottom corners as close to the seam as possible so they don't stick out against the fabric.
Step 6. Cut a long piece of fabric for a handle or shoulder strap
You can make this piece of fabric to any size you want, but it's best if it's twice the width of the bag plus 2.5 cm for the hem. You can cut one long piece of fabric for the shoulder straps or two short pieces of fabric for the bag handles.
- The strap or handle of the bag does not need to be the same as the bag. You can use contrasting colors to make the bag look more attractive.
- Use a strong fabric for the bag, such as cotton, linen, or canvas. It's best not to use elastic fabrics.
Step 7. Fold the fabric in half, then sew a 1.25 cm wide seam
Fold the fabric in half on the long side with the outside facing in. Secure the edges of the fabric with pins, then sew a 1.25 cm wide seam using a straight stitch. Remove the pins while sewing and don't forget to use a back stitch.
At this stage there is no need to iron the strips of fabric. You must first turn it over so the outside is facing in
Step 8. Turn the piece of fabric so that the inside is facing out and press it down with an iron
Pin one end and push it through the fabric opening until it comes out at the other end. Remove the safety pin, then press the piece of fabric with an iron.
For a more eye-catching finish, tuck in the unstitched edge about 1.25cm, then overlay with a 0.3-0.6cm wide seam
Step 9. Turn the bag upside down and attach the bag handles
If you're making a shoulder strap, attach each end to the top of the hem on each side of the bag. If you're making handles, attach the first handle to the front of the bag and the second to the back.
- You can attach the handles by sewing or using fabric glue. For a better look, attach the handles to the inside of the bag.
- If you're attaching the handles to the outside of the bag, consider adding pretty buttons, flowers, or other embellishments at the bottom of each handle to hide the joints.
Step 10. Add Velcro as a cover if you want a bag that can be opened and closed
Cut a sheet of Velcro to a size of 2.5x2.5 cm. Determine the center of the hem at the top of the front and back of the bag. Glue the Velcro strip to the inside of the bag, just above the top edge of the hem. Wait for the glue to dry, then press the Velcro together to close the bag.
- Do not use self-adhesive Velcro because the glue will come off over time.
- For best results, use fabric glue. However, you can use hot glue in a pinch.
Step 11. Done
Tips
- Decorate the bag with embroidery, stencils, or beads.
- You can use staples in a pinch, but the bag won't be very strong.
- When making a t-shirt bag, you can sew the bottom of the shirt instead of making knotted tassels.
- Make some bags and give them to your loved ones as gifts.
