DIY Network

Towel Tote Bag Two towels--old or new--form a quick tote bag. From "Creative Juice" episode DCRJ-208L

You can never have too many tote bags, but boutique designs can be pricey. Here's how to make your own one-of-a-kind bag from a pair of bath towels and a few sewing notions you may already have on hand.

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Towel Tote Bags

Tools:

2 different-color hand towels
coordinating ribbon (smaller width than the woven band on each end of the towel)
two acrylic purse handles
heavy-duty thread or embroidery floss
scissors
hand-sewing needle
sewing machine
sewing pins

1. Lay the two towels on top of each other and trim them so they are straight and the same size (figure A). One towel will be the outer bag and the other will be the lining.

2. Working on the outer towel, pin in place and sew the decorative ribbon across the existing woven band on both edges the towel (figure B).

Figure A

Figure B

3. Lay the two towels on the work surface, right sides together. Pin in place and using a 5/8" seam allowance, sew around all four sides, leaving a 6" opening on one of the long sides of the bag to allow it to be turned right side out (figure C). Turn the bag right side out and trim the corners and sides to remove any excess bulk (figure D). Hand-stitch the opening shut with heavy-duty thread (figure E).

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

4. Fold the towels in half crosswise so that the ribbon side is on the outside and toward the top. Using a topstitch, sew down the side seams with a 1" seam allowance (figure F). This will be very thick fabric, so set the machine accordingly.

5. Using heavy-duty thread or embroidery floss, sew the handles to the opening of the bag (figure G). Try to sew the handle as close to the top opening as possible.

Figure F

Figure G