Friday, November 11, 2011

Basic Easy Peasy Burlap Tote

Here's the 411 on making the last posting's tote:

It takes less than a yard (mine took 26 inches) for the lining and a yard of belt backing for the strap.  Beware, don't cut the burlap as it unravels big time.  I pin my projects consistently (pins pointing inward from the seam) as it saves me from sticking myself and hunting for pins.

Step 1:
The tote I used is 13.5x20.5 inches.  Rip or cut lining from your scraps the same size.  Lining
is pretty forgiving.

Step 2:
Rip or cut pocket (same or different scrap) three or four inches less in height and width of you tote.  If you don't have that big of scrap, cut two half the size and sew them together to make the correct-sized piece.

Step 3 (pocket):
Pin pocket together muted side in like picture below.

above is the pocket.  left is a fold.  pin top and right side together with muted fabric inside.  leave bottom edge open
turn pocket muted-side out and press bottom seam (from above photo) inward so you can make an easy, peasy seam here
Step 4 (pocket to lining):
Pin three sides of muted pocket to muted side of lining making sure there is a good allowance at side and bottom edges.  Sew pocket to lining leaving top open.  Sew over easy, peasy seam at bottom.

keep pattern consistent.  top of pocket at top of photo is open
Step 5 (lining):
Pin muted sides of lining together.  Sew right side seam only.  Press.

pocket is inside


step 6 (lining):
Pin muted side of lining to tote with tote design on outside.  Sew.  Ease lining or tote slightly if not a perfect fit.  Press.  Pin top of tote where lining meets tote.  Sew.  Press.


 
burlap is right-side out and lining is muted side in.  note lining pattern is upside down here and so is the design on the tote

pull lining up from bottom opening and push it into the tote.  sew around opening of tote again to make sure it is secure



Step 7: (lining):
Pull out lining slightly.  If you pull out the lining, and it seems the bottom seam has already been sewn, you are in the pocket.  Press bottom seam together for another easy, peasy seam like the pocket.  Sew.  Stuff lining into tote.


here is the second easy,  peasy seam like pocket

Bottom of lining sewn here.  note pattern is consistent.  stuff lining into tote
Step 8: (strap):
Attach strap and sew. Careful where you put your straps so that your machine is not sewing through more thicknesses than it can handle.  I'm sensitive about this because I sew on a vintage Singer Featherweight (a real workhorse but old).  I used belting fabric from Hancock (on sale for $.99 a yard over the weekend - so I got two straps).  Make sure to sew straps at ends so they do not unravel.


You're ready to go anywhere, Cowgirl.

Let me know how yours turned out or where I need to make the directions clearer.

1 comment:

  1. Great tutorial and fun fabrics! Thanks for linking up to the Burlap Month party at WhisperWood Cottage!

    ReplyDelete