All Projects
Reusable Tote Bag
Every year around 50% of the plastic shopping bags we use end up buried in landfill. While a small portion are recycled or repurposed, the remainder are unaccounted for—lost in our environment where they ultimately wash out to sea through drains and waterways. Sadly, a high percentage of marine life is likely to have consumed plastic.
Be sustainable and sew a reuseable tote bag from fabric you already have in your home! It's a great way to practice your sewing skills whilst creating something you're sure to use over and over. You can even make one as a gift to someone special! This sewing project is great for beginners and is quick and simple to follow.
Your creations can be donated to charity! Contribute to a wonderful cause and send your donations in to one of our listed charities →
WHAT YOU NEED:
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Iron
- Pins or clips
- Sewing thread
Fabric:
- Handles: 3 strips measuring 12cm x WOF (generally 110cm)
- Bag: 91cm x 42cm
- Pocket: 23cm x 21cm
If you choose to embroider the pocket:
- Embroidery machine
- 5" x 7" hoop
- Red and white thread (We suggest Hemingworth Thread: 1270, 1030, 1032)
- Embroidery design files
INSTRUCTIONS
We'd like to thank Boomerang Bags Redland City for providing the instructions for this project. There is also an embroidery design of their logo which can be embroidered onto the bag if desired, or if you choose to donate your creation.
Download Boomerang Bags Instructions (PDF) →
Download embroidery files (ZIP) →
Embroider the pocket (OPTIONAL)
You can embroider the Boomerang Bags logo onto the pocket of your bag, or choose to leave it blank and unsewn and Boomerang Bags will screenprint it onto the bag themselves.
If you choose to embroider the logo yourself, we recommend using Hemingworth thread colours Christmas Red, Candy Apple, or Pomegranate.
Creative Options
You can create a patchwork-style bag! Use spare pieces of fabric that you might throw away, leave a 1cm seam where you join any patches, and check that any joins and stitching are sturdy and will wear well.
DONATE TO A CHARITY
These bags can be donated to any of the below charities. Just send your creations in to the mailing address provided.
Are you a charity that would accept this item? Contact us to have your details added here.
Queensland
Boomerang Bags Redland City
Attention: Sharr Ellson
23 Sylvie Street
Thornlands QLD 4164
Free Embroidery Designs
We're excited to offer our free Echidna designs available for download. These free designs are perfect for those at a beginner or an advanced level. Add these designs to your stash and create incredible embroidery!
View all free designs >
Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machines
Interested in learning how to sew, quilt or embroider? Take a look at the innovative Brother machines available for purchase at Echidna Sewing. Wherever possible we will beat any deal and you will always receive ongoing service and support!
Find out more >
Learn to Sew or Embroider with Echidna Sewing
Come along to our fun-filled classes to learn more about sewing, embroidery and crafting. Classes cater for all skill levels, whether you're just starting out or already have advanced knowledge.
Find out more >
Echidna project material/ fabric requirements are an indication only and can seem to be generous. This has been intentional. Should you make a cutting or embroidery mistake you will have sufficient fabric to rectify your error.