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Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Placemat Scripture Bag/Tote Bag Tutorial...


This is a little tote bag which I use for my scriptures and it's made out of a placemat.  I find the best ones at places like Ross, Marshall's, and T.J. Max.  You can usually find cute ones for under $2.
There are so many different ways to decorate it and this time I decided to make ruffles from fabric that I sewed in half like below. 

Here they are gathered below to the same width as the placemat.
I then sew on all four pieces and mirrored them to each other because later I will fold and sew the placemat in half.

I then used satin ribbon for handles about 20 inches long each, and pinned them to the opposite side of the placemat.  I'm going to sew them to a spot that will not be noticeable once I turn it back around.  You can see below that I attached it to the spot in between the ruffles.
And on the other side I had to pin the ruffle up so it wouldn't get sewn over.
I sewed an x and a square to reinforce it.
Then I added one more layer of trim which was black lace on top to cover my ruffle's sewn edge.
Now this is the part that is most important because this is how you turn the placemat into a bag.  Fold it in half with right sides together and pin in place.
Next, sew along both sides and carefully because the fabric should be very thick because of all the layers.
Below is a sewn side and I'm getting ready to pull it open...
to a point like below.
Then pin the edges open and flat and I measure about 2 inches down and ...
 sew a straight line from end to end.
It should look like the picture below.  Do this to both sides.
Now push it back out til the right sides are out again and you are done!
Side view.
Underneath view, now it makes a rectangle shape.
Here are a couple of other bags I've done for ideas.
I added a satin flower, and you can learn how to make one Here.
You know it's cute when you want to keep it and it's for someone else :).
  To see my newest bags go HERE.

Here is the bag I made for my daughter Tori's baptism present...

22 comments:

Artistic Impressions Photography by Gina said...

Get Out!! I LOVE this bag!!. Can these be made with an outside or inside pocket for keys, or pens&pencils, etc?

Again, absolutely amazing!!

Unknown said...

I want one for Kimie! She gets her 1st real scriptures next month when she turns 8. What if I paid you to make me one!!!???!!! We could be on to something you know......

Andrea said...

Ummm... k I want one!

Anonymous said...

Linked you through Tidymom....

These are Gorgeous!!! I am putting this creation on my to do list this weekend! (ha, yeah right...my to do list is miles long but this should really take priority!) I really need to get the sewing machine out and into action!

Katie

Maria@BubblegumandDuctTape said...

came over from hoo are you linky party. Your placemat purses are sooo pretty.

AUDRA said...

Oh my goodness! I've seen placemat purses before but this, my sister, is AWESOME!!

I'd love to see this (and all your ideas) at Socialize with me Monday til Sunday link party!!!

http://simpsonizedcraftsandthensome.blogspot.com/2010/06/socialize-with-me-monday-til-sunday.html

Misty @Creative Itch said...

Too cute!! I love the ruffles and the cute flower! Thanks for linking @Creative Itch's "Sew Cute Tuesday"!

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

This is adorable! I just love the ruffles and embellishments! What a clever and creative idea. Thanks so much for joining the Sunday Showcase Party! I greatly appreciate it. Hope you are having a wonderful week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

Stacey said...

I love these!! Thanks for linking it up. I am featuring you so come by and snag a button!!

Student Entrepreneur said...

Thank you!!! I have made these before and seen so many - but I didn't know how to make the bottom flat!!!! I am SOOOOO excited!! Thanks!!

Also, New Follower!!

http://midwesterngoneidahoan.blogspot.com/

I {heart} Nap Time said...

Just letting you know I'll be featuring this tomorrow! i LOVE it!

Unknown said...

i seriously LOVE it! can i have it? haha





@trishia

AUDRA said...

Still love it!!
Thanks for linking up this week.
I'm featuring it tomorrow:)
Can't wait to see more ideas form you!

Miss Fergie said...

Thanks everyone for you nice comments. I was seriously hoping it would turn out okay when I was making it, and I'm glad it did!

Holly Lefevre said...

This is really fantastic! I love the colors and textures...great tutorial too! Thanks for linking to Tickled Pink...I am a new follower.
Holly
www.504main.com

Company EIGHT said...

I LOVE this!! Really, really cute.

Company EIGHT said...

I featured you today! Thanks for a darling project!

michelle@somedaycrafts said...

I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com. Grab mhy "Featured" button. I love the idea of these being a scripture tote. I have a few placemats in my craft room. I am making one!

Momma Button said...

Seriously cute! I linked to you through Someday Crafts. I can't wait to make my own!

Tabitha said...

such a great idea! You've been featured on my blog:

themodernmormonmom.blogspot.com

Lorena said...

J, I just found you! Somebody told me they made a bag out of a placemat. So I googled it to see what a placemat bag would look like. And here you are! You are all grown up and gorgoues! I hope all is well with your family!

Lorena

Heather Lloyd said...

I know this is an old posting, but I'd say you still have the cutest placemat tote on the internet! Thank you so much for your tutorial!!