As the sun begins to shine brighter and the days stretch longer, I can't help but feel this overwhelming urge to whip up a cute summer tote. Do you ever get that feeling? I remember last summer, walking along the beach with my old tote, frayed and faded, and thinking how amazing it would be to carry something vibrant, something that sparkles just as much as the ocean does. What’s better than a bag that holds your beach reads and sunscreen while letting everyone know you’re ready for the sunny season? It feels like this perfect blend of practicality and personal flair — who wouldn’t want that?
Items You’ll Need
- Canvas fabric
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Pins
- Pattern paper
- Iron
- Fabric paint or markers
- Straps or handles
- Sewing needles
- Embroidery thread
- Decorative embellishments
- Fabric glue
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
First, I made sure to gather all my supplies: the canvas fabric, sewing machine, thread, scissors, measuring tape, pins, pattern paper, iron, fabric paint, straps or handles, sewing needles, embroidery thread, decorative embellishments, and fabric glue. It felt exciting to have everything laid out!
Step 2: Measure and Cut the Fabric
Next, I grabbed my measuring tape to determine how big I wanted my tote to be. I decided on a classic rectangular shape. I cut two rectangles out of the canvas fabric for the front and back of the tote, plus two strips for the bottom, to give it depth.
Step 3: Create the Pattern
Using the pattern paper, I drew out my tote shape and added some fun flair with curves on the sides. I then traced this onto the canvas and cut it out, ensuring everything was symmetrical.
Step 4: Decorate the Canvas
Now for the fun part! I took my fabric paint and markers to create unique designs on the fabric pieces. I painted sunflowers and beach waves - it really brought my summer vibe to life. I let it dry completely before going to the next step.
Step 5: Sew the Main Shell of the Tote
With my fabric pieces fully decorated, I pinned them together. I set up my sewing machine and stitched around the edges, leaving the top open. I was careful to have nice straight seams - I really want this tote to be sturdy!
Step 6: Add the Bottom and Structure
To give my tote some depth, I added the strips at the bottom corners. I pinned them in place and sewed them securely. This added a really nice structure to the tote!
Step 7: Create the Straps
For the straps, I chose some solid fabric that matched my design. I cut two long strips and sewed them into tubes, then turned them inside out. I pinned them to the top of the tote and sewed them down, ensuring they were double-stitched for strength.
Step 8: Finish Off and Embellish
Now it was time to finish! I used embroidery thread to add some beautiful accents and embellishments. I glued on some decorative buttons and shells for added summer flair.
Step 9: Final Touches
I gave the entire tote a good press with my iron to make everything crisp and neat. I double-checked all the seams to ensure it was secure. My summer tote was finally coming together beautifully!
Step 10: Show It Off!
With everything done, it was time to show my creation! I filled it with beach essentials and took it for a spin. I felt proud carrying my new decorative summer tote that I crafted from scratch!