🧵 DIY Patchwork Tote Bag with Scrap Fabric

 Sure! Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make a DIY Patchwork Tote Bag using scrap fabric. This is a fun, sustainable, and creative sewing project, great for beginners and experienced crafters alike.

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🧵 DIY Patchwork Tote Bag with Scrap Fabric

✂️ Materials You'll Need:

• Scrap fabric pieces (cotton or other sturdy fabric)

• Lining fabric (optional but recommended)

• Interfacing (for extra strength – optional)

• Thread

• Scissors or rotary cutter and cutting mat

• Sewing machine (or needle for hand-sewing)

• Pins or fabric clips

• Measuring tape or ruler

• Iron & ironing board

• Handles/straps (can be made from fabric, webbing, or upcycled belts)

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📐 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Plan Your Patchwork

• Choose a color scheme or go completely random.

• Decide the size of your tote bag. A common finished size is about 14" x 16".

• Based on that, calculate how many patches you need. Example: If using 4" squares (with ½" seam allowance), you'll need 4 squares across (16") and 5 squares down (20") to account for seams and trimming.

🧠 Tip: Mix textures (denim, canvas, cotton) for added interest, but make sure the weights are similar.

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Step 2: Cut Your Fabric

• Cut your scrap fabrics into uniform squares or rectangles (e.g., 4.5” x 4.5” including seam allowance).

• Cut two panels (front and back) from your patchwork.

• Also cut a lining panel and interfacing of the same size if using.

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Step 3: Assemble the Patchwork Panels

1. Layout your design on a flat surface.

2. Sew patches together row by row, using a ¼" to ½" seam allowance.

3. Press seams open or to one side after each row.

4. Once rows are done, sew the rows together to form the full panel.

5. Press the full panel flat.

🧼 Optional: Topstitch along some seams for added durability and decoration.

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Step 4: Add Interfacing (Optional)

• Iron on interfacing to the wrong side of the patchwork panels to give structure.

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Step 5: Sew the Bag Exterior

• Place the two patchwork panels right sides together.

• Sew around the sides and bottom using a ½" seam allowance.

• Clip the corners and turn right side out.

💡 Add a boxed bottom by pinching the bottom corners flat and sewing across them (~2” in).

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Step 6: Add Lining (Optional)

1. Cut your lining the same size as your tote bag.

2. Sew the lining together the same way (sides and bottom), leaving a 3-4" opening in the bottom seam to turn the bag later.

3. Keep the lining wrong side out.

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Step 7: Prepare and Attach the Handles

• Cut 2 strips of fabric/webbing, about 22" to 26" long and 1-2" wide.

• If using fabric, fold long edges to the center, then in half again and stitch along the edges.

• Pin handles onto the right side of the patchwork tote, about 4” in from each side seam, ends pointing down.

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Step 8: Assemble Bag & Lining Together

1. Place the tote (right side out) inside the lining (wrong side out) – right sides should be facing.

2. Align side seams and pin or clip around the top edge.

3. Sew around the entire top edge with ½" seam allowance.

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Step 9: Turn the Bag & Finish

1. Pull the tote bag through the opening in the lining.

2. Stitch the opening in the lining closed (by hand or machine).

3. Push the lining into the tote.

4. Press the top edge and topstitch around it for a clean finish and durability.

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🎉 You're Done!

Your DIY Patchwork Tote Bag is complete! You've given new life to scrap fabric, and now have a beautiful, functional, and eco-friendly accessory.

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🪡 Extra Ideas:

• Add a pocket inside or outside using leftover scraps.

• Quilt the patchwork pieces for a textured look.

• Try a reversible version with two patchwork panels and no interfacing.

• Embellish with embroidery, applique, or fabric paint.

Watch video: