How To Make A Tote Bag Preview: Jan 21, 2023


Crafted two tone tote bag with hexagonal patches in front of a picnic basket next to a book

We’re showing you how to make a tote bag this week.

How To Make A Tote Bag

Our tote bag is both practical and good looking. Excluding the handles, it measures approx. 33 cm x 43 cm (13 ins x 17 ins).

Worked in a cotton twill fabric, which is nice and strong, it features a vertical double row of appliqué hexagons. The templates for the hexagons are published alongside the instructions in the magazine.

We take you through making the bag in simple steps. You will need a sewing machine, an iron and good fabric scissors. In addition to the twill fabric, you need cotton fabric and a selection of patchwork fabrics to give six 10 cm squares and six 8 cm squares.

This is a great way to use up scraps of patchwork fabric.

This bag is perfect not only to showcase your sewing skills, but ideal to show your green credentials, too, as the sturdy tote that can be used time and time again.

Send in yours!

The People’s Friend team want to see your creations. Send them to peoplesfriend@dcthomson.co.uk for a chance to be shared on social media or in the magazine!

Get the issue!

Cover of The People's Friend issue January 21st depicting illustration of Bewdley

Copyright of DC Thomson.

Find the full instructions for knitting a bright overtop in our January 21, 2023 issue of “The People’s Friend”. On sale now! Available online or from most major supermarkets and newsagents. Or subscribe to the magazine to get every issue delivered straight to your door, making sure you never miss an issue. 

Get more craft ideas from the “Friend”. 

Liz O’Rourke

Liz is part of our Features Team and her hobbies include knitting and crafts, reading and foreign travel which are also her main responsibilities on the “Friend”. If you walk into the office you will soon spot her desk, it’s the one piled high with knitwear and balls of yarn!