Here’s a great Christmas gift idea. Embellished canvas tote bags. And you don’t even have to make the tote bags- all you have to do is embellish! 🙂
First, you will need a canvas tote bag. I get mine at Walmart, they are cheaper there than anywhere else, even with a coupon. I think they are like $7 for all three. Get some scrap fabric and an image. You will also need some heat n’ bond lite.
Draw your image on the paper side of the heat n’ bond, cut it out- but not right on the line. Follow package directions to fuse the image to the wrong side of the fabric. Then cut it out.
First, you will need a canvas tote bag. I get mine at Walmart, they are cheaper there than anywhere else, even with a coupon. I think they are like $7 for all three. Get some scrap fabric and an image. You will also need some heat n’ bond lite.
Draw your image on the paper side of the heat n’ bond, cut it out- but not right on the line. Follow package directions to fuse the image to the wrong side of the fabric. Then cut it out.
Again follow the package directions and fuse the image onto the canvas tote. Using your sewing machine (you could hand stitch this) stitch around the image. I find it easier to shorten the stitch length so I get a smoother line on curves and things. And go slowly, even slow on a machine is faster than by hand!
That’s it! Easy, huh? I usually press the tote again once the image is sewn on since it gets pretty mashed up turning it around on the sewing machine.
That’s it! Easy, huh? I usually press the tote again once the image is sewn on since it gets pretty mashed up turning it around on the sewing machine.We use these for church bags in my family. Every year the kids get a new one for Christmas. I fill it with new coloring supplies (I like colorwonder since my dresses don’t get stained), books and other items to help little ones stay quiet during meetings. These would also be great for library books, classes- like piano or dance, or just for someplace fun to put “stuff”. And all for less than $5!
A couple of things to note:
1. the image will be the reverse of how you trace it on the Heat n’ bond- this is especially important if you are doing letters.
2. You don’t have to do an image- I just took a strip of fabric, ironed down the edges and sewed it around the tote for the dog tote in the picture.
3. You can embellish with your machine, or by hand after the image is in place. I used a button for the eye on the bird (not shown)
Gwen @ Gwenny Penny
November 22, 2010 at 5:06 amThese are so cute & easy! I love the little bird. Do you just use a straight stitch for your applique? Hope the boutique was a success:)