We created a super easy and quick tote bag tutorial using our organic cotton ClimateGard packaging and widely available pre-bought trim! By skipping squared corners and utilizing our ClimateGard bags as both a pattern and pattern piece, you can disassemble and construct your new tote bag in as little as two hours.
Supplies
Two 7.5 pound ClimateGard bags
Coordinating Thread
2 yards Trim for Straps (Jute Webbing, Thick Cotton Cording, Canvas Boat Trim all work well)
Tools
All steps in this project use a 5/8th’s standard seam allowance, unless otherwise noted. Let’s get started!
Turn your two ClimateGard bags inside out and use a seam ripper to disassemble them.
STEP 1 — Set the jute ties aside (you can reuse them later to trellis your roses or vining veggies). Iron bag pieces and cut off loose threads. These are now your ‘tote bag pieces’.
STEP 2 — Prepare the top hem of the bag pieces by folding the top of each bag piece down by 1/3 of an inch.
STEP 3 — Press and fold down another 1 and 1/4 of an inch. Your hems should now look like this:
STEP 4 — Cut straps to desired length (we like lots of room around our shoulders and cut two 34 inch pieces).
STEP 5 — Insert top of bag strap under the hem you just prepared at the place of your choosing. We placed our straps 3.5 inches in from each side. Repeat with the other side of the bag strap and repeat this process with the other bag piece.
STEP 6 — Top-stitch along hem as shown to secure the strap in place.
STEP 7 — Push straps up and top-stitch along top edge of strap area as shown to secure. Repeat on all 4 areas where the straps attach to bag.
STEP 8 — Face right (printed) sides of tote bag pieces together. Straight-stitch around sides and bottom. Zig-zag stitch on the outer side of stitching, within the seam allowance. Trim edges, being careful not to cut into zig-zag stitching.
STEP 9 — Turn your bag right-side out and press.
You’re all done! Congratulations! Enjoy your new tote bag!
