Sew a Recycled Dress Tote Bag: A DIY Guide from Old Clothes

 Create your own beautiful and practical tote bag with this unique upcycling pattern! Inspired by a comprehensive tutorial, this design guides you through crafting a stylish and functional bag from an old dress. Featuring a zippered top closure, side pockets, and sturdy handles, this is a fantastic project for a sewist of any skill level who wants to give new life to old clothes.

Skill Level: Intermediate (familiarity with sewing a zipper recommended)

Finished Size (Approximate):

• Dimensions: Varies based on the size of the dress used.

• The final bag is shown to be a stylish and functional tote bag with white and gray striped details.

Materials You'll Need:

• Old Dress: An old dress to be repurposed for the main bag body.

• Lining Fabric: A contrasting cotton fabric for the lining and inner pockets.

• Adhesive Polyester Wadding: To add structure and firmness to the bag.

• Zipper: A zipper for the top closure.

• Thread: A thread color that matches your fabrics.

• Sewing Machine

• Scissors

• Pins or Clips

• Iron and Ironing Board

Cutting Your Fabric Pieces:

• From Old Dress:

  • Bag Body (Front & Back): Cut 2 rectangles.

  • Side Pockets: Cut 2 rectangular pieces.

  • Handles: Cut 2 long strips.

• From Lining Fabric:

  • Lining Body (Front & Back): Cut 2 rectangles.

• From Wadding:

  • Wadding: Cut 2 rectangles to match the size of your bag body.

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Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions:

Part 1: Preparing the Bag Body & Pockets

1. Cut the Fabric: Start by cutting your old dress into the required pieces.

2. Add Structure: Iron the adhesive polyester wadding onto the inside of the two main bag body pieces.

3. Create the Side Pockets: Take your two side pocket pieces. Fold the top edge over and hem it. Place the pockets on the outside of the bag body pieces, in your desired position. Pin them in place and sew along the side and bottom edges, leaving the top open.

4. Make the Handles: Take your two long strips of fabric for the handles. Fold each strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and sew a seam along the long edge. Turn the handles right side out and press them flat. Topstitch along both long edges for a professional finish.

Part 2: Inserting the Zipper

1. Take your two outer bag body pieces and your zipper.

2. Place one of the bag body pieces on top of the zipper, right side up, and align the raw edge of the fabric with the zipper teeth. Pin in place.

3. Sew along the edge of the zipper using a zipper foot on your sewing machine.

4. Take your two lining body pieces. Place one of the lining pieces on top of the outer fabric, with the right side of the lining facing the wrong side of the outer fabric. Sew along the zipper again to secure the lining.

5. Repeat this process for the other side of the bag.

Part 3: Final Assembly

1. With the fabric still inside out, sew the outer bag body pieces together along the side and bottom seams. Repeat for the lining pieces, leaving a small opening at the bottom of the lining for turning.

2. Create the Boxed Corners: At the bottom corners, pinch the side seam and the bottom seam together to form a triangle. Sew a straight line across the corner. Trim the excess fabric. Repeat for all four corners (outer and lining).

3. Attach the Handles: Turn the outer bag right side out. Pin the handles to the top opening of the outer bag, and baste in place.

4. Put it all together: Place the outer bag inside the lining bag (which is still inside out), so the right sides of the outer bag and the lining are facing each other. Sew all the way around the top edge.

5. Turn the entire bag right side out through the opening you left in the lining. Sew the opening closed.

6. Press the top edge of the bag, making sure the seam is hidden.

7. Topstitch all the way around the top of the bag to give it a professional finish.

Video tutorial

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Versatile Uses for Your Recycled Tote Bag:

• Everyday Carryall: Spacious enough for your essentials, a small laptop, or a tablet.

• Shopping Bag: A reusable and stylish alternative for groceries or market trips.

• Beach Bag: Perfect for towels, sunscreen, and beach reads.

• Gift: A thoughtful and impressive handmade gift.

Customization & Tips:

• Dress Variation: Use a dress with a unique pattern or color for a one-of-a-kind look.

• Pocket Count: You can add more pockets to the inside of the bag for better organization.

• Handle Length: Adjust the length of the handles to create a shoulder bag, a crossbody bag, or a handbag.

• Closure: You can also use a magnetic snap or a button and loop for closure instead of a zipper.

Enjoy sewing your own beautiful, practical, and unique recycled tote bag! It's a fantastic way to create a personalized accessory that's sure to become a favorite.