Instead of a tote bag tutorial, today we’re featuring an upcycled book bag pattern, or rather, a book bag tutorial. For a book bag that‘s green in every way. 100% recycled.
Make this adorable summer handbag as a summer project for yourself or as a gift for a friend.
While this bag looks sophisticated, it’s very easy to make.
You Can Handle Making this Bag!
The hardest part is possibly finding a pair of handles, as not every town or village supplies these.
However, I even took the sting out of that task, as I found you a gorgeous bamboo set of handles (and a couple of other bag handles) that you can simply order online…
But first, the video tutorial: DO LOOK AT IT TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO MAKE THE BOOK BAG.
Bag Making Video tutorial
This is essentially all you’ll need to sew: two triangles of double fabric, four strips to go through your handles, plus the inside lining of your bag.
You probably have some scrap fabric that is large enough to handle this size project…
The fabric lining can be sewn for neatness, but can also just be glued onto the paper cover.
How easy is that!??
Book Bag Pattern Variations
I bet that after you’ve made one, you’ll make many more, all with a slightly varying pattern, probably. I personally want to add a silk top cover with a drawstring so as to be able to close the bag and my lipsticks won’t fall out when the bag lays on its side.
A great summer project to do for older girls, or moms. Made from big brother’s or dad’s old recycled books. Or perhaps summer flee market finds….
Great Handmade Designer Hand Bag Handles
I promised that I’d find you some awesome handles to go with this bag. Here are 4 different styles, that all match this kind of bag… as well as other handmade designer bags.
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Clover U Shape Black Bag Handle |
Clover U Shape Amber Bag Handle |
image & video source: curbly.com
Tote Bag Monday – Series
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I think my teenage daughter will totally love this one. Thanks for the inspiration!
Those bags look awesome! Thanks for the tutorial! Can’t wait to make one.
This is such a great idea, and it looks super easy too! Bet I can make that!
Thanks for sharing
Your book bag is GORGEOUS- I can’t wait to make some of these! Thank for sharing, I’m a new follower!
Oh wow. How cool is that! I love it and printed the instructions so I could give it a whirl myself. Thank you.
Wow what a fun idea!!! I love it!
I added this to my list of favorites.
Thanks for posting this is an adorable idea.
Cheri
I totally don’t get the “triangle from standing the book up , where you drew, and the triangle that you got. ??
Fran, those triangles are the SIDES of the bag. You need there to be a wider fabric strip at the top of your bag, and the bottom of the bag is of course the width of the book. Does that make sense now?
Andy, you are right, there could be one more picture that would show that more clearly.