3fabric place mats (You may want 2 place mats of one color/pattern for the body and 1 of a different color/pattern for the handles or all the same. Whatever look you want
Sewing Machine
Matching thread
Fabric marking pen
Sewing pins or clips
Scissorspossible pinking shears
Fray Check (This can be bought at any craft or sewing store as well as Walmart and will cost anywhere from $3 to $6. It comes in liquid and spray. This keeps the ends of fabric that you do not hem from fraying.
Cutting mat and rulermeasuring tape or ruler
Instructions
Making the body of the tote bag:
Pin or clip your placemat together. If you have a placemat that has a pattern on both sides like mine, decide which pattern you want on the outside and place the other pattern facing and pin or clip together.
Using a Β½β seam allowance, sew along the sides and the bottom of the placemats, leaving the top open. Be sure to back stitch at the beginning and the end of your stitching. (Please note: If your placemats are thick like mine, adjust your tension to be a bit looser and stitch length to be a bit longer. This makes your machine work a bit less on those heavier fabrics.)
Making the handles of the tote bag:
Most tote bags have 30β handles and your placemat will be approximately 20β. In steps 3-7, I will explain how to make the longer handles. In step 8, I will explain what to do if you decide to make shorter handles.
If you want unfinished edges, turn the placemat long ways and cut four 2β strips. If you want finished edges, cut 3 Β½β strips. Take 2 of your strips and pin or clip one of the ends together and using a Β½β seam allowance, sew the end together. Press the seam open. Repeat with the other strip.
Step 6: If you want unfinished edges, using your pinking shears, cut along the edge of each side of your strips, just about ΒΌβ from each side. If you want finished edges, Press each side lengthwise ΒΌβ, fold over do the sides meet and top stitch to close the open side.
To attach the handles:
On the inside, at the top of your tote bag, measure 3β over from the side and 1 Β½β down. Mark with your fabric marker. Do this on the opposite end and the on the other side of the tote bag. Attach your handles in this pattern (see notes)