Tote Box

by Lorine Mason

Supplies:

Empty cardboard cereal box

Two coordinating Fat Quarters of fabric

Two Buttons

Two sets of metal snaps

Three inches Fabric Fusion™ fastener tape

Sewing machine and basic sewing supplies

Tote Box Diagrams

Instructions:

Choose a cardboard box such as a cereal box and measure the length (A) and width (B) of the bottom of the box. Mark, measure then cut the top off the box leaving a four inch high base. See project photo A. See Diagram A.

Cut two rectangles from each of the fabrics; using the (A) measurement + five inches x  22 inches. Example; my box measured 10 (A)  inches x 4 (B) inches. I cut my fabric 15 inches x 22 inches. Cut one rectangle from each fabric; 3 inches x 10 inches. See Diagram A

With right sides together stitch the side seams together. Press along the fold as well as both of the side seams open.  Repeat with second piece of fabric. See Diagram B

Fold the side seams flat, forming a point and matching the seam line with the pressed fold line along the bottom edge. Use a ruler to measure and draw a line 2 inches from the point. Stitch across the drawn line. Repeat for remaining three corners. Press. See Diagram C

Insert the lining inside the outer fabric matching the corner points and top edges. Use a needle and thread to stitch each of the corners, lining and outer fabric together.

Fold over 2 inches from the top edge of the tote over to the outside of the tote, press and pin.

With right sides together, stitch along the length and one end of the small rectangle cut earlier to create the tote tab. Turn right side out and press. Top stitch ¼ inch from the outside edges. Insert the tab under the top fold and pinning it to the center back of the bag. See Diagram D

Top stitch ¼ inch away from the top edge of the tote. Measure down 1 inch and turn under the raw edges ½ inch. Press and pin. Top stitch ¼ inch away from the bottom edge and once again next to the fold.

Fold the tab over to the front and mark the placement before fusing the fastener tape in place. Follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Stitch buttons to the front and back of the tab.

Stitch snaps to each side of the bag to create folds. See project photo B

Insert cardboard box into tote.

Sources:

Stitch in Color by malka dubrowsky for Moda© www.modafabrics.com

Fabric Fusion by Velcro©                                       www.velcro.com