I love to corral my project items into bags when they are works-in-progress so I can see all of my supplies without having to dig deep in a big bag or one with a drawstring. I designed this project tote to hold several skeins of yarn for a knitting project, or my embroidery hoop, threads and fabrics. Learn how to make your own project bag with these step-by-step instructions.
This was a quick and easy project. I think it took me longer to figure out what I wanted to make, it than it did to actually make the bag – start to finish! Using Kraft-Tex made it even easier.
New to Kraft-Tex? It’s a rugged paper that looks, feels, and wears like leather, but sews, cuts and washes like fabric. Don’t have Kraft-tex? Fuse two pieces of fabric together or use a canvas-weight fabric to make this bag.
How to Design and Make Your Own Project Bag
It's easy to make a project bag any size you'd like using these same basic guidelines. And, using Kraft-tex makes it super quick and easy!
Materials
- One (1) roll Kraft-tex (18.5" x 18.5") I used denim color
- Coordinating (or contrasting) thread. I used a contrasting thread.
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Iron and pressing surface
- Rotary cutter (If you have a separate blade reserved for paper, use that one)
- Cutting mat
- Quilter's ruler
Instructions
- Start by cutting the following pieces from Kraft-Tex. I used my rotary cutter to make nice straight cuts.
-Two (2) pieces 9" x 18.5" or one (1) piece 18" x 18.5" for the main tote body (I cut two pieces and while making the bag realized this could be one piece - to make it even easier!)
-One (1) piece 4" x 18.5" for the pocket
-Two (2) pieces 1" x 18.5" for the handles
- Start by stitching the pocket onto one of the main tote body pieces. I tested a Frixion pen to see if I could mark on the Kraft-tex for placement. It worked fine, and came right off with a burst from the steam iron. Always test before using!
Mark 1" down from the top of the main body piece for the top of the pocket, and 5" down for the placement of the bottom of the pocket piece.
- Line up the pocket with these lines. Top stitch the sides and bottom about 1/4" from the edge, starting at one side and stitching to the bottom, across the bottom and up the other side. I used the top stitching foot.
- Next, sew several vertical lines to make smaller pockets to hold accessories.
Then, topstitch all around the top edge of the bag to finished it off. It's easier to do it now when the piece is flat.
- If you cut two pieces for the body, now is the time to lap the right side of the main body bag over the other right side about 1/2". I marked a line with my Frixion pen to line up the edge of one with the other. Use clips to hold in place - don't use pins - they leave holes. If you cut one larger piece to begin with - you can skip this step!
- Here is the bottom of the bag, with the seam. If you used one piece you won't have a seam.
Measure from the seam, or from the center of the piece, two inches in each direction. These will be the bottom edges of your tote bag. Press to form crisp edges.
- Here is another view of the pressed bottom. I love the body of Kraft-tex for these types of projects. Once it is pressed, it keeps its shape.
- Next, topstitch the long edges of both handles.
- Next, sew the handles to the tote bag. Again, I marked the placement with a Frixion pen. I topstitched two rows of stitching to secure the handles on the tote bag. It's easier to sew them on now when the bag is flat.
Line up the side seams and sew them straight from the top to the fold or seam. Using Kraft-tex, I like to have my seams on the outside of my tote, so sew with the wrong sides together.
- To make the bottom of the project tote bag flat, finger press the bottom along the pressed lines. Again, with wrong sides together, stitch along the pressed lines, forming the boxed bottom.
- Trim off the excess fabric. Press the side folds on the tote bag.
- Finished tote bag - ready with a knitting project!
Notes
Check out all of the great colors of Kraft-Tex by C&T Publishing.
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Adjust the width or depth of the project bag you make for your projects – whether you knit, crochet, embroider or take your EPP projects with you – its easy to make this bag for what you want to wrangle! I love the wide width of this project bag, with longer handles and shallow depth – makes it easy to find those little things that get lost on the bottom of deep bags. Try making your own project bag – or many for all of your works-in progress!
This bag is included in our Easy Bags to Sew article. Browse through more bag projects on Create Whimsy.
Check out all of the great projects using Kraft-Tex.
