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    Eco-Chic Bags: Simple Sewing Projects to Make Tote Bags, Purses, Gift Bags, and More
    Eco-Chic Bags: Simple Sewing Projects to Make Tote Bags, Purses, Gift Bags, and More
    Eco-Chic Bags: Simple Sewing Projects to Make Tote Bags, Purses, Gift Bags, and More
    Ebook268 pages1 hour

    Eco-Chic Bags: Simple Sewing Projects to Make Tote Bags, Purses, Gift Bags, and More

    By Alicia Steele

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    About this ebook

    Repurpose natural materials into beautifully useful items and reduce your plastic waste in the process with projects for homemade tote bags, grocery bags, gift bags, and more!
     
    Eco-Chic Bags offers forty handmade projects with step-by-step instructions and visual aids for popular machine and hand sewing techniques. Appropriate for sewers of all skill levels, projects are budget-friendly and made with a variety of fabric-based materials like canvas and cotton, making Eco-Chic Bags the perfect resource for eco-conscious crafters.
     
    Sew-it-yourself projects include:
    • T-shirt tote
    • Produce bag
    • Clutch
    • Fabric vase
    • Lunch sack
    • And so much more!
    Learn how to create and customize your life with Eco-Chic Bags!
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSkyhorse
    Release dateJul 28, 2020
    ISBN9781510757912
    Eco-Chic Bags: Simple Sewing Projects to Make Tote Bags, Purses, Gift Bags, and More

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      Book preview

      Eco-Chic Bags - Alicia Steele

      Sewing Tips and FAQs

      Should I prewash my fabric?

      The rule I follow is this: If you plan to wash whatever you are making, you should first wash the fabric. Wash your fabric in the same manner you will wash your item. For example, if you will be washing a tote bag in hot water and drying on high heat, that is the way you should wash your fabric before sewing.

      What is the best way to thread a drawstring into a project?

      There are several tools you can use to thread the drawstring through your project. I like to use my wonder clips since they are already at hand on my sewing table. Clip the edge of the drawstring with the wonder clip and then thread the clip through the opening. Just be careful not to grab the clip and open it when threading. You can also use a safety pin: Clip the fabric or string with the safety pin and then thread it through the opening.

      Can I use my serger for these projects?

      If you are proficient with your serger, or are looking to practice with your serger, you will find frequent use for it in this book. It is not specifically referenced in any of the project tutorials, but you can use it for adding many of the finishing touches. When I mention using pinking shears to finish a raw edge, or a zigzag stitch to finish a seam, go ahead and use your serger instead. The serger is especially nice for finishing on the projects that are not lined.

      How do I shorten a zipper?

      If your zipper is too long, you can trim the zipper to fit. First, make sure that the zipper pull is well away from where you want to trim, on the part you want to keep. Then, trim the zipper, leaving yourself a few inches with which to work. Trim the teeth away from the tape at the end so that you can easily add a zipper tab.

      Totes

      Sweater Tote

      When one of your favorite sweaters gets stained or gets a big hole and is irreparable, why not use it to create something new? This beautiful crushed velvet sweater now has a new life as a sweet and soft little tote.

      Why I Made This

      This is a great bag for replacing those plastic bags. It is flexible and can hold a medium amount of weight. This bag is perfect for those loose items at the store, like lemons and limes or apples and oranges. For this project you will use an old sweater. If you don’t have one lying around, find something at your local thrift store or at a yard sale.

      Supplies

      Old sweater

      Instructions

      1. Turn your sweater inside out. Line the fabric up so that the side seams of the sweater are straight and lie flat on either side.

      2. Pin the bottom opening of the sweater closed. Your sweater may have a waistband, which is actually helpful. Pin along the waistband. Your sweater may have uneven hems, which is okay. Simply pin above the shortest hem edge.

      3. Using a straight stitch, sew the bottom opening of the sweater closed, and remember to sew on the inside of the sweater (the wrong side of the fabric). If you have a waistband, use that as your guide to make sure that you are sewing a ½" straight line above the waistband of the sweater.

      4. Cut the waistband off below your stitch line. Leave at least ¼" of fabric below your stitching.

      5. With the sweater right-side out, cut the sleeves off just on the inside of the body section. Use the curve of the sleeve as your guide.

      6. Lay the sweater flat again and draw a large U along the neck hole. This cut is going to give the tote its tote-like shape. Try to make the bottom of the U line up with the bottom of the sleeve holes that you just cut.

      7. If your sweater is made of a material that won’t fray, you can just leave the handles without finishing the edges. If your fabric will fray or if you prefer a more finished look, you can finish the raw edges of the handles. Simply turn the raw edge under ¼" and sew in place with a straight or zigzag stitch. Clip or pin the edges under all the way around before sewing your finishing stitch. This will ensure that your finished lines are straight and accurate.

      Unlined Tote

      A basic tote is one of the most useful things to have in your sewing pattern library. You can use these totes for many different purposes. There are so many ways you can customize this tote and make it your own with personal touches, that once you know how to make one you will find yourself making this tote over and over! Add pockets on the inside or on the outside. Use short handles or use one long handle. Round the corners or make your tote a shape. This tote was created using organic cotton, but you could also use eco-canvas if you prefer a sturdier fabric.

      Why I Made This

      This basic tote is perfect for replacing plastic bags. It is great for those quick trips to the craft store or the farmer’s market. Whip up a few of these totes for those times when you are donating candy for the school carnival or taking cookies to work for your coworker’s birthday. These are

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