A bag that's fashionable, functional, and fun to make. What could be better? Well, there's no measuring or cutting with this tote bag project. Is that better? You bet!
Take two placemats, stitch them together, add lovely embroidery designs, fashion two handles from a third placemat, and you've got a bag that's big, roomy, stylish -- and fast. It's just a good thing.
Once you have read these simple project instructions, keep scrolling down the page to see lots of designs that will look fabulous on this big and beautiful bag!
Supplies & Materials:
Supplies:
**Two cloth placemats (for the front and back)
**One vinyl placemat (for handles)
**Medium weight cutaway stabilizer
**Temporary spray adhesive
The designs used in this tutorial include:
Finished Size:
19" wide by 14" high (finished size will depend on the size of the placemats). I found my placemats at Target and Home Goods. They are also available at many retail stores, such as Walmart, Marshalls, and Kohl's.
First, embroider the designs on the placemats how you want them. I embroidered the designs in the center of each placemat.
Spray a piece of medium weight cutaway stabilizer with temporary adhesive, smooth the placemat on top, and embroider the designs.
Next, cut two 1 1/4" wide strips from the vinyl placemat, cutting widthwise so the handles will be as long as possible. If you would like longer handles, simply cut two additional strips and stitch the strips together end to end.
Pin the ends of the handles to the backside of the top edge of each placemat about 5" to 6" in from each top corner with about one inch of the handles extending onto the placemats. Stitch the handles in place.
Align the placemats together, wrong sides together, pin in place, and sew a 1/2" seam along the side and bottom edges only. And you and your placemat tote are ready to go!
Everyone loves a big bag, and with so much space for embroidery, it's a snap to choose designs to make this a truly personal and special gift.
And don't forget to make one for yourself!
