Save your fabric scraps & make this cute DIY

If you're a regular crafter or an occasional sewer, you likely have scraps of fabric. Even if you aren’t a big sewer, you probably have plenty of clothes you no longer wear, made of beautiful fabric. Rather than throw out those old clothes and scraps, use them to make yourself a cute and versatile mini tote bag. 

This bag works well for a small shopping trip or to hold things when you run out for brunch. Aside from the scraps of fabric, all you need is felt to act as insulation between the layers and a ruler. Use fabrics in a similar palette for a cohesive look, or choose several patterns for an eclectic, patchwork style. Plan your tote before you cut the pieces so you have to cut pieces only once. 

Materials
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
- Ruler
- Fabric scraps
- Felt
- Straight pins
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Scissors
- Iron and ironing board

Instructions
1. Lay out the fabric on the cutting mat. Using the ruler and rotary cutter, cut the following pieces:
Larger scrap piece, or outer fabric:
- Two 7-by-9-inch pieces (front and back)
- Two 4.25-by-7.5-inch pieces (side)
- One 4.25-by-9.5-inch piece (bottom)
- Four 2.5-by-11.5-inch pieces (strap)
Remaining scrap pieces, or inner fabric:
- Two 7-by-9-inch pieces (front and back)
- Two 4.25-by-7.5-inch pieces (side)
- One 4.25-by-9.5-inch piece (bottom)
Felt:
- Two 7-by-9-inch pieces (front and back)
- Two 4.25-by-7.5-inch pieces (side)
- One 4.25-by-9.5-inch piece (bottom)
- Four 2.5-by-11.5-inch pieces (strap)

2. Identify which fabric pieces will be the outer and inner parts of the bag. Nestle the felt between these two layers.

3. Lay one of the 7-by-9-inch pieces of outer fabric on top of a same-size piece of felt.

4. Line up all the edges, and pin the two pieces together with straight pins. Baste along the pinned edges. Repeat this with the rest of the outer pieces of fabric, except for two of the strap pieces.

5. Line up the edges of the bottom piece and the side pieces. This should be the 4.25-by-9.5-inch piece and two 4.25-by-7.5-inch pieces.

6. Pin the two matching pieces on each end of the long bottom piece with felt facing out, and sew along the pinned edges.

7. Lay the piece fabric-side up, and line up the 7-by-9-inch front piece with the middle bottom section. Place it so the pattern side faces down.

8. Pin the two together, and pin the two side pieces to the front piece.

9. Sew along all the pinned edges. Repeat with the back piece. 

10. With the piece still felt-side out, trim the corner along the bottom, so it lies flatter when you flip it right-side out. 

11. Follow steps 4-9 with the inner lining. With these pieces, you won't have felt pieces to baste them to first.

12. Place one of the strap pieces you’ve basted with the felt pattern-side up, and pin one of the unbasted pieces to it with the pattern sides facing each other.

13. Repeat this with the other two strap pieces. Sew along the long edges of the pinned strap pieces. 

14. Pull them straps right-side out, and iron them flat. Sew again along the long edges of the pieces.

15. Pin the strap pieces in place on the outside of the bag.

16. Flip the lining piece inside out, and slip the main piece inside the lining. Pin the lining and main piece in place, leaving an opening on one side.

17. Sew around the top edge, leaving an opening on the side to flip the bag right-side out.

18. Iron your new tote bag, paying attention to all seams and edges.

19. Sew completely around the top edge one more time for a clean finish.