DIY Beach Tote

Anniston has fallen in love with the beach this summer. Whether she is splashing on the shore or watching the other kids swim around, she is so happy to be a part of the beach scene. Just to make life a little easier, I made a simple beach tote to minimize the packing for our frequent trips.

Even tho summer is coming to an end, this is a simple tote you can use for anything.

{ Materials }

*2 yards of fabric  {one fabric for the exterior, one for the interior}

Scissors or Rotary Cutter

Measuring tape or board

Sewing Machine

#1: The first step is to cut your fabric.

Begin by cutting 2 20×20 pieces of your main fabric and 2 20×20 pieces of the interior fabric. If you want to add pockets cut two 8×8 pieces of fabric.

#2: Add a Pocket

Once you have your fabric cut, you will want to sew a simple seam around the 8×8 pocket square to prevent fraying. Once you sew the seam, place your pocket on the interior fabric where you would like the pocket to be and pin it in place. Then sew a seam around the two sides and bottom of the pocket to secure it in place.

   

#3: Layer the pieces of Fabric:

Once the pockets are in place you will stack all four of the 20×20 fabric squares. Make sure the right sides of the main fabric are facing each other on the inside, and the pocket sides of the interior fabric are facing out. You will want to pin three sides together and sew a simple seam along those three sides. It might go without saying but make sure to leave one side open.

{ trim excess fabric along the seam }

#4: Create a base for the bag and trim the Corners:

The next step is to create a flat bottom for the bag. You can do that by flattening out the bottom stitch, pinching off the corners and sewing a seam like you see in the photo above. Cut the excess fabric off the bottom corners and turn the back inside out so your main fabric is now on the outside.

{ Missed Step }

** I don’t have a photo of this but you are going to want to complete the opening of the bag. Taking the raw edges and folding them in towards each other so the opening of the bag has no raw edges exposed. Make sure to fold the fabric in at least 1/2 of an inch so you can be sure that your stitch will secure the fabric in place. Once you have folded the fabric and pinned it in place sew a 1/2 inch seam along the entire opening of the bag.**

The Straps #1: Cut Fabric:

Now your bag is complete and its time to add some straps. Begin but cutting the fabric- you will need two pieces that measure 4.5×20 inches.

#2: Pin and Sew Strap

Fold the fabric in half, pin the fabric in place and sew a 1/2 inch seam down the length of the fabric. *Make sure to back stitch because you are going to be turning this narrow piece of fabric inside out and you want to be sure the stitch is secure*

#3: Place and Sew Straps

Once you have sewn each strap, flip them inside out and pin them in place on the bag. I pinned my straps about 4 inches apart, but its really up to where you want yours.

**Optional Step: Reinforce Straps**

This is completely optional, but if you want to reinforce the form of the straps: pinch the straps in half again, pinning them in place. Then sew a simple seam along them once more, making sure to backstitch, and that will give your straps more form. Now your bag is complete!