Box Bottom Tote Bag Instructions

As cute as a nice flat tote may be, they just look that much better, and seem to fit your "stuff" nicer with a box bottom. These directions will work on most flat totes you buy, or you can make your own. There are 2 methods I've used for this, try them both and decide what works best for you. This is the bag I'm starting with.

I normally prefer a 2" cut for a box bottom, I just like that size, but adjusted that to 1 1/2" in these examples, due to a large pocket on the front. This will make about a 3" depth on the tote. Keep in mind that as you gain depth with your box bottom, you will lose that in height and width.

First Method: Turn your bag inside out. Lay your bag flat and measure out a 1 1/2" square on each corner (not including any seams), carefully cut out the square, your bag should look something like this.

Fold the cut ends together and stitch together using a 1/4" seam allowance, reinforce the seam to prevent fraying. Turn your bag right side out.

Second Method: Turn your bag inside out. Fold the bottom corners of your bag into a triangle. Make sure the side seam and bottom seam line up (or if there is no seam at th bottom, then the crease). Measure 1 1/2" in from the point (not including the seam), making sure your line is perpendicular to the seam, sew a line straight across.

Cut off the extra fabric, reinforce the seam. Turn right side out.

Now, slip in your notebook and latest craft project, and you're ready to sport your stylish new box bottom tote bag.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

De'Anna

Project Update: Christmas Gifts

64 days until Christmas.  I should have been working on Christmas projects for months now, but life got in the way and I'm just beginning the process.  I've got 22 grandchildren, nieces and nephews on my Christmas gift list.  More than some of you, but less than others.  With the economy the way it is, I certainly can't afford to spend $20 on each child, let alone the $50 to $100 toys being advertised on television during the after school programs for kids.  Last year I made pillowcases out of fun fabrics and my daughter and son-in-law embroidered each with the child's name in wonderful fonts that matched the fabric.  This year I've decided to make Christmas Loot Bags for all the kids.  I've gone through all my fabrics and chosen 22 different Christmas fabrics and cut one yard pieces.  I've made an excel spreadsheet with a description of the fabric, the child's name and thread color and passed the information on to my daughter.  She'll embroider each child's name on a piece of 100% cotton white fabric measuring 5" X 8".  If she didn't have the time, I would have either embroidered the names  by hand, used fabric paint, or applique the names.

While De'Anna and David are embroidering the names I'll start sewing up the Christmas Loot Bags and creating a casing at the top to insert a drawstring.  When I get the name blocks back, I'll applique them onto each Loog Bag.  The Loot Bags will be wrapped and handed out as the first gift the children get on Christmas Eve so that they can put all the goodies they get from everyone inside.  Easy to carry home.  Hopefully, the kids will bring their loot bags to every Christmas Eve family get together.

Trick or Treat Halloween Loot Bags

Fun, practical and green! Make loot bags that can be used year after year for Trick or Treating. Gone are the days of trick or treating with an old pillowcase. Forget the paper and plastic bags. Not good for the environment and they rip easily. Our loot bags are quick and easy to make and great sellers for fall boutiques. You can easily make a dozen in a day...and still have time to cook dinner, give the kids a bath, walk the dog, etc. The finished bags measure 14" across and 13" tall not including the handle.

All you need is 5/8 yard of fabric, 5/8 yard of fabric for lining, 1/2 yard interfacing, matching thread, a sewing machine, and a bit of time.

Click here to view full project detials