DIY Ruffled Tote

This project is SOOO adorable.

And easy....once you get the hang of it.

Here's what you'll need:

A blank canvas bag (got mine for $1.99 at Hobby Lobby)

5 5 inch strips of fabric (the length should be about twice as wide as the bag)

(can be all same, or variety of coordinating fabrics)

3-4 extra scraps of long fabric (for roses)

8 X 8" piece of coordinating fabric cut out 

Sewing machine

Glue gun

First, take your 5, 5inch strips of fabric and top stitch around all 4 sides.

Next, you will make the ruffles. Using durable, thick thread, and using the loosest stitch on your machine, make a straight stitch down the length of each strip about a half inch from the top. Do not reinforce edges.

When you get to the end, cut the thread to where you have a lot of thread still hanging off the end of the strip of fabric.

To create the ruffle you will pull just one of the pieces of thread on each side and pull. You will need to work the ruffle down toward the center.

If you'd like to add a pocket, this is the time.

Top stitch the square piece of fabric first, then using a zigzag stitch, sew the pocket onto the back of the tote.

 Once you've done this for all 5 pieces, lay them out on your tote how you'd like them arranged. 

I tried sewing these on at first, and it was a disaster.

I then hot glued them, and it worked great.

Starting with the bottom ruffle, slowly make a line of hot glue and press down your ruffle. 

 For the roses, check out this tutorial. She did a much better job explaining than I ever could.

I added four roses on mine, but add as many as you'd like!

That's it!

Since I'm sewing so much lately, it's a great and cute way to use up that pile of scrap fabric!

 I'm taking my tote to work today. 

I'm excited : )