Directions for Making a Simple Tote Bag with Cross Stitched Design

**This bag uses 3 colors of cloth that compliment the cross stitch design chosen. If you are using a different cross stitch design, choose colors that compliment that design.

Materials:

Cross Stitch design that measures about 10" x 12". Stitch design with at least 2" of extra fabric around design. Trim the design to 1" around. This extra fabric is needed, so please don't skimp or skip this important detail.

Cloth, etc:

Blue: 14" x 16" (1)

Yellow: 1 1/2" x 16"(2) These will be for the sides.

1 1/2" x 19"(2) These will be for the top and bottom.

Green Print: 2 3/4" x 16 1/2"(2) These will be for the sides.

3 1/4" x 19"(2) These will be for the top and bottom.

18 1/4" x 20 1/4"(1) For back of bag

3 x 20(4) for handles.

Firm Iron-On Backing: 18 1/4" x 20 1/4" (2) for stiffening front and back of bag.

2" x 19"(4) for stiffening handles.

Pellon brand 809 De'cor Bond was used for this sample. If a less stiff bag is desired, use a less stiff iron-on backing.

Sewing Supplies: Sewing machine, matching thread, scissors, needle, pins, iron, ironing board, pressing cloth to protect cross stitched piece, etc

Directions:

Step #1) To make the front of bag, pin and sew the two 1 1/2" x 16" strips of yellow cloth to opposite sides of the blue piece as shown. Press seams towards the inside, so the dark blue cloth won't show through the lighter yellow cloth.

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Next, pin and sew the two 1 1/2" x 14 1/2" strips of cloth to the top and bottom as shown. Press seams towards the inside.

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Step #2) Using the green print fabric, sew the two 2 3/4" x 16 1/2" strips to the sides. Press seams outward, then sew the 3 1/4" x 19" strips to the top and bottom. Press seams outward.

Step #3) Iron the entire piece flat. Following manufacture's instructions, apply iron-on backing to the backside. This will add body to the pillow. Also apply the iron-on backing to the18 1/4" x 20 1/4" green print back.

Step #4) To prepare and attach the cross stitched design to front, place the design face down on the ironing surface. Turn each side over 1/2" and lightly press to crease. Open each corner and fold them down about 5/8". (where creased sides meet) Press each corner to crease. Next re-turn sides and press in place, creasing corners carefully as shown.

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Turn cross stitched design over and center on the front of pillow. Using matching thread, sew in place, using a 1/4" or smaller seam.

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Step #5) Place front and back together with right sides facing. Pin in place, sew sides and bottom using a 1/2" seam allowance. Next reinforce by sewing sides and bottom using 5/8" seam allowance. Trim bottom corners, turn, push out corners, then press. Use the pressing cloth to protect the cross stitched design.

Turn under top edge 1/2" Press in place, then turn under again 1/2". Press again. Set aside.

Step #6) To make the two handles, center a 2" x 19" piece of iron-on backing on the back of each handle piece. Following the manufacture's instructions, apply iron-on backing. Fold raw edges over the backing and press. Place two pieces together with wrong sides facing. Sew around edges using 1/4" seam allowances. Repeat with the two remaining handle pieces.

To attach the handles to the bag, find the center of front. Measure and mark with a pin, 3" from each side center.

Pin the end of one handle to the front 3" from center and along the yellow border as shown below. Loop the other end of handle over to other side of front and pin in place. (the handle ends are 6" apart)

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