Hello @diyhub family! It’s a new month, and I wish us all the best of it. Welcome to my blog
Today, I’ll be sharing a step-by-step process of how I made this beautiful tote bag for my mum.
My mum has always been my biggest fan, proudly rocking my handmade bags anywhere she goes. So, when she mentioned that she needed a new bag, she encouraged me to make one for her instead of buying one. About six years ago, I made her something similar, and she rocked it for over three years. So, I decided to make her another one, simple and stylish.
List of Materials
Carry board Macco
Blue jeans fabric
Multi-colored African flowered print
Black lining material
Magnet
Flat rope
Glue
Step 1: Measurements
Just like me, my mum loves big bags, something that can hold everything, So, I designed it to be spacious. The tote is a three-sided bag without a flap.
On the carry board, I measured:
Front length: 12 inches
Base length: 6 inches
Back length: 12 inches
Width: 15 inches
This provides a spacious shape for the size I want.
Step 2: Shaping the Bag
I wanted the bag to have a slight shape rather than being completely straight.
To achieve this:
On the carry board, I measured 1 inch inward at each edge (four corners in total).
With a pen, I drew a slanted line from that 1-inch mark down to the edge of the base.
I did this for all sides and then cut along those lines to create a slightly slanted top. This reduced the bag's width by two inches, but I had factored that in, hence the initial measurement of 15 inches.
Once the shape was ready on the carry board, I used it as a pattern to cut out the macco, which serves as the waterproof outer layer of the bag. I allowed for a one-inch allowance due to folding.
Step 3: Cutting the Gusset (Bag Sides)
Since the length of the bag’s front and back is 12 inches, the gusset length will also be 12 inches, and the width will be 6 inches (the same as the base).
I cut this out on the carry board, then used the first cut as a pattern to make a second one, one for each side of the bag.
Step 4: Covering the Pieces
Now, it’s time to add some colour and texture to the bag.
I cut out the lining, jeans, and print fabrics to match the measurements of the bag pieces.
The body of the bag is covered with blue jeans fabric.
The sides are covered with an African-flowered print.
The interior is lined with black material.
Here’s how I did it:
I applied glue generously to one side of the carry board piece..
Carefully, I placed the chosen fabric on it, smoothing it out to remove air bubbles.
I folded the edges neatly to the back and secured them in place with a bit of glue.
I repeated the same process for the macco, which forms the outer body, covered with denim fabric on the outside and then the gusset, covered with lining material on the inside, and the flower fabric on the outside.
Step 5: Assembling the Bag
Here, I joined the gussets (sides) to the edges of the front, back, and base of the bag using glue. The gussets had extra fabric at their edges to facilitate easier and neater attachment.
Once joined together, the bag’s frame began to take shape.
Step 6: Fixing the Magnet
To attach the magnet closure:
I found the midpoint at the top opening of the bag.
Measured 1 inch inward and made a small hole using a nail.
Inserted the first part of the magnet there, then repeated the same on the other side to fix the second part. Be sure to double-check your measurements so both sides align perfectly when the bag closes.
Step 7: Making and Fixing the Handles
For the handles, I used flat rope and covered it with African print fabric, securing it in place with glue.
To fix them onto the bag:
I measured 3 inches inward from both sides at the top of the bag.
Applied glue and pressed the handles firmly in place. If you’re unsure of handle placement, always use a ruler or tape for accuracy.
Step 8: Covering the Frame
Next, I applied glue generously over the entire bag frame and carefully attached the macco (outer layer), which was covered with blue jeans.
Do this slowly and neatly to avoid wrinkles or damage. Align the edges properly for a clean finish.
Once one side was done, I proceeded to fix the bag stands at the base.
To fix them:
Measure 1 inch inward from each corner of the base. Make a small hole and insert the stands. Ensure the bag stands evenly before proceeding. After that, I applied glue to the remaining side and sealed it up nicely.
Step 9: Decorating the Bag
For a little extra beauty, I decided to decorate the front of the bag. I made a fabric bow and placed it on the lower front side, then arranged beads to look like the bow’s ribbon.
And that’s it, Mummy’s bag is ready and she absolutely loves it!
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today. See you soon in my next DIY project. Cheers.