How to make a stylish canvas bag from rags: Detailed instructions

If you’re looking for a creative way to use fabric scraps, why not make a stylish fabric bag? This step-by-step guide will show you how to create a beautiful flower-inspired bag using simple sewing techniques.

bags sewn from rags

Table of Contents

Materials Needed:

A bowl with a diameter of approximately 18 centimeters
Fabric scraps in various colors and patterns
Needle and thread
Scissors
Iron
Zipper
Stiff fabric for the bag base
Bag handles with round hooks
multicolored fabric scraps

multicolored fabric scraps

Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the fabric pieces. Using the bowl as a template, trace a circle onto the fabric and cut it out.
2. Take two fabric circles and place them together, right sides facing each other. Sew around the circumference of the circle, leaving a small opening.
3. Turn the fabric right side out through the opening and press it with an iron to create a crisp edge.
4. Fold the circle in half and press it with an iron, creating a crease. Repeat this step with the remaining fabric circles.
5. Take one folded circle and fold each quarter inwards, aligning the creases to create a petal-like effect. Press the folds with an iron to hold the shape.
6. Repeat the previous step with the remaining folded circles, creating multiple flower petal shapes.
7. Sew a decorative bead or gem in the center of each fabric flower petal for added embellishment.
8. Cut a lining fabric piece according to the size shown in the diagram. Place it on a separate fabric piece and iron it onto the backside.
9. Cut along the edges of the lining fabric piece to create a neat finish.
10. Draw parallel and intersecting lines on the fabric piece, creating a grid-like pattern.
11. Sew along the diagonal lines to create a decorative stitch pattern.
12. Cut a smaller fabric piece and draw the position of the zipper on it. Sew the smaller piece onto the larger fabric piece along the edges, leaving an opening in the middle.
13. Attach the zipper to the opening, ensuring it is securely sewn in place.
14. Fold the fabric in half and sew the sides together, creating the main body of the bag.
15. To create the inner pocket, place the fabric flower pieces on top of the bag fabric, aligning them evenly. Sew around the four corners of each flower piece to secure them in place.
16. Next, create a larger fabric piece following a similar shape as the bag. Sew the two large fabric pieces together along the edges, leaving a small opening.
17. Turn the fabric right side out through the opening and press it with an iron.
18. Cut another long fabric strip measuring 80 centimeters in length and 5 centimeters in width. Sew a multicolored fabric piece onto the strip to create a decorative strap.
19. Cut a matching fabric piece and sew it together with the previous strip, creating a long strap.
20. Flip the fabric strip right side out to form the bag strap. Attach hooks to both ends of the strap.
21. Sew the side edges of the main fabric piece to create a finished edge for the bag.
22. Place a stiffer fabric piece at the bottom of the bag for added structure.
23. Attach the bag handles with round hooks to the top center of the bag, ensuring they are securely fastened.
24. Finally, hook the bag strap onto the handles, and you have your stylish fabric bag!
This design features vibrant and colorful flower petals, making it eye-catching and versatile for carrying as a handbag or wearing over the shoulder. It’s both practical and fashionable – a perfect accessory to complement your outfits.