Ruffled Tote Bag

For Christmas last year, I decided to put my sewing “skills” to work and make some gifts.  I came across a cute bag while out Christmas shopping and I new I could make it…so I did.  Three of them actually.  Two for nieces and one for My Princess.
They were really easy to make and I think they turned out very cute.

First I cut my fabric.
For the back itself I needed one piece 14 inches wide and 28 inches long. (or however big you want your bag to be allowing 1/2 inch for the seams all the way around)
Then two pieces for the handles 4 inches wide and 22 inches long
For the netting on the front, I cut three pieces.  All of them were 22 inches long (so they could be pleated or gathered to the 14 inch bag width) but I cut one 9 inches wide, one 7 inches wide, and one 5 inches wide. ( I did this differently on each of the bags but this is the way I liked the best)
I also used a ribbon to attach the netting. The ribbon needs to be 15 inches long and then if you want to make a bow, get a little extra.
Ok, now to assemble the bag.
Fold over and place a seam at the top and bottom of your 14×28 piece of material.  Now fold it in half, making the shape of your bag.
Arrange the netting together where you want it on the bag, pleating as you go. Pin this in place.  Then place the ribbon over top of the netting and sew it across the front of the ribbon.

Flip your material inside out and sew up the sides.

Once you get the sides sewn up, you can trim off the excess ribbon and netting.
For the handles, I turned the material inside out and sewed up the long sides.  Then I turned it back right side out and ironed it flat.

Then I folded the unfinished edge over twice and attached it to the bag, securely.

After sewing on both handles, my bag was complete.  I really like how they turned out.  I did them each a little differently, learning as I went along.

They make a great gift or a great gift bag and are really easy to make!