I find freedom in a simple and minimal lifestyle. Freedom to live on a little less, and to have the time and resources to enjoy the simple things in life a little more. I hope my passion for creativity and handcrafting will inspire you to create a home and lifestyle that you love too.
You can never have too many tote bags, especially when they’re pretty! I like to stick to colors that fit in with my home décor, so I don’t mind them hanging in the mudroom, waiting to be used.
The finished dimensions of this tote are 16-1/2 inches by 15 inches, plus the straps, approximately 13-1⁄2 inches long.
Tools & Materials
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Linen or linen-blend fabric (1 yard)
- Safety pin
- Stick pins
Instructions
- Cut two pieces of fabric 4 inches by 28 inches, for the straps. Cut two pieces 16 inches by 18 inches, for the main piece.
- Fold one strap piece in half, all the way down the long side, right sides together, and sew a 1/4-inch seam. Leave the two ends open. Using a large safety pin at one corner, turn the strap right-side-out, and press the seam flat. Topstitch along the two long sides with a very narrow seam. Repeat with the other strap piece.
- With right sides together, sew the two main pieces together with a 1⁄2-inch seam. Finish the raw edges with a serger or zigzag stitch. Turn the bag right-side-out. Fold the top edge of the bag down 1 inch to the inside of the bag, and press in place. Fold it one more time, to hide the raw edges inside, and press in place.
- Place the raw edges of one strap under the pressed fold at the top of the bag, on the front side, and pin in place. (The outer edges of the strap should be placed 3- 1/2 inches from each side seam, so the distance between the inner edges is 6-1/2 inches.) Repeat with the other strap, on the back of the bag.
- Sew the top hem of the bag in place, catching the straps as you go. Fold the straps up, away from the bag, and topstitch around the bag opening, 1/4-inch from the top.
Lisa Bass developed a passion for a simple lifestyle after becoming a mom in 2008, and started her blog, Farmhouse on Boone, in 2015. She lives with her husband and five kids in Troy, Missouri. This article is excerpted with permission from her book, Simple Farmhouse Life (Lyons Press).
