Tutorial on How to Make a Rag Purse or Tote
- 1). Cut the lining fabric for the purse or tote. For a purse, cut a 16-inch by 24-inch rectangle from the lining fabric. For a tote, cut a 20-inch by 40-inch rectangle from the lining fabric. Cut a piece of cotton batting to the same size as the lining fabric.
- 2). Draw the squares for the outside of the purse on your fabric. Each square should be 4 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches. You will need 24 squares for the purse or 50 squares for the tote. Cut out the squares, or, alternatively, tear them out along the straight of grain by cutting a beginning slit and then tearing the fabric the rest of the way along the grain. Make slits all the way around each square that are about 1/2-inch deep and space them every 1/2 inch or so to create a fraying look. Paint a small amount of fray check along the edges of each square to prevent any additional fraying.
- 3). Assemble the squares into a 16-inch by 24-inch rectangle for the purse or a 20-inch by 40-inch rectangle for the tote. Allow the edges of the squares to overlap randomly about 1/2 inch.. Sew a straight stitch through the overlapping edges of each square to join the squares together. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
- 4). Lay the lining fabric face down on your working surface and place the cotton batting on top. Lay the outer rag layer on top with the right side facing upward. Sew around the edges to join the layers using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
- 5). Fold the rectangle in half, with the lining fabric facing outward, to make a 16-inch by 12-inch rectangle for the purse or 20-inch by 20-inch square for the tote. Sew a small straight stitch along the left and right sides to make the bag's side seams. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
- 6). Flip the bag right side out. Fold about ½ inch of the top edge of the bag inward to create a smooth top seam and sew the folded fabric in place with a straight stitch.
- 7). Add straps. Cut a 24-inch-long piece of frayed canvas strapping and pin the ends to the top, inside of the bag, next to the side seams. Sew the strap ends in place a couple times to secure them.
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