When it comes to making a day of it on the beach or simply running some essential summer errands, there’s no better accessory than a tote. Instead of purchasing one of these traditional bags that make life so much easier, transform an old bed sheet into a nautically-inspired tote that’s sure to impress. Whether it’s a sheet patterned with anchors or sails, enjoy a final product that speaks to summer fun on the water once the pieces of this DIY are in place.
Simple sewing skills are required to create this bed sheet tote, but it doesn’t take long to turn three sheet cutouts into a fantastic accessory. Complete with convenient handles and edging that’s ideal for carrying glasses over the side of the bag, this bed sheet tote can play many roles throughout the day. Take it along when it’s time to pick up groceries as an extra set of hands, or sling it over the shoulder when it’s time to pick up a new favorite at the local bookstore. Wherever it goes, this bed sheet tote is an essential addition to the day that brings one-of-a-kind style too.
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Materials
-Decorative bed sheet, choose a nautical pattern for a tote with seaside flair
-24-inch ruler
-Pencil
-Scissors
-Fusible interfacing
-Ironing board
-Iron
-Webbing, blue
-Measuring tape
-Sewing pins
-Sewing machine
-Decorative bed sheet, choose a nautical pattern for a tote with seaside flair
-24-inch ruler
-Pencil
-Scissors
-Fusible interfacing
-Ironing board
-Iron
-Webbing, blue
-Measuring tape
-Sewing pins
-Sewing machine
DIY Everywhere
Instructions
1. Unfold a decorative bed sheet on a flat working surface. Use a bed sheet with an anchor pattern for a final product that’s nautically-inspired.
2. Measure an 18 1/2-inch square on the bed sheet using a 24-inch ruler and a pencil to mark the measurements.
3. Cut the square from the fabric.
4. Cut three additional and identical squares from the bed sheet.
5. Place a single fabric square on the table and measure a 3-inch by 3-inch square into each of the bottom two corners. Use a ruler for accuracy and a pencil to mark the measurements before cutting the two squares from the fabric.
6. Repeat these corner square cuts on each of the three remaining squares of fabric.
7. Measure out two 18 1/2-inch by 2 1/2-inch strips of fusible interfacing marking the measurements with a pencil.
8. Cut the two strips out.
9. Place a fabric square on an ironing board with the pattern facing down and iron on one of the fusible interfacing strips to the top edge. Repeat on a second fabric square using the second strip.
10. Cut two 57-inch strips of blue webbing using a measuring tape for accuracy.
11. Lay a fabric square on a flat surface with the pattern side facing up. Place one of the blue webbing strips on top of the fabric. Line up the ends of the webbing with the square cutouts on the fabric and allow the top of the webbing to loop up above the fabric as the tote handle.
12. Pin the webbing into place using sewing pins. Leave 1 inch of webbing loose at the top edge of the fabric. Repeat the webbing pinning on the second piece of fabric, and line up the bottom edges when complete to make sure both straps are even.
13. Machine-stitch the webbing onto both pieces of fabric.
14. Place one of the squares of fabric pattern-side up on a table and place the second square with stitched webbing directly on top with the patterns facing each other. The handles will be facing up and the square cutouts will be at the bottom.
15. Pin the edges of the squares together with sewing pins avoiding the square cutouts.
16. Machine-stitch the edges that are pinned together leaving the cut corners open.
17. Pull the open corners apart and pucker the edges together. Pin the fabric in place.
18. Machine-stitch both corners of the tote.
19. Place the two remaining fabric squares on a flat surface and line them up on top of each other with the patterned sides pressed together and the underside of the fabric facing out. The square cutouts will be down and the straight edges will be on top.
20. Pin the two sides and bottom of the square together.
21. Machine-stitch the pieces together leaving the cut corners open. This will be the lining of the tote.
22. Pull one of the open corners apart and pucker at the edges. Pin the corner to secure before machine-stitching it closed.
23. Turn the bag with the blue handles right side out.
24. Turn the lining right side in and pull it over the bag with the blue handles until the top edges meet evenly.
25. Pin the top edge of the lining to the bag.
26. Tuck the blue straps into the bag.
27. Machine-stitch the top edges together.
28. Turn the entire bag right side out by pulling it through the open cut corner.
29. Turn the edges of the open corner under and pin in place.
30. Machine-stitch the corner closed.
31. Pin each of the four straps to the edge of the bag within the 1 inch of space that was left loose.
32. Machine-stitch the straps to the edge to secure in place.
33. Carry the stylish new tote to the beach, bookstore or beyond for a nautical look that’s truly one of a kind!
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