I like to make almost all of my Christmas presents and as I have a lot of people to make for I have to start early. This year I thought I would share my sewing projects with all my followers. I hope you enjoy my weekly blog and feel inspired to make some handmade gifts of your own.

My first present is a tote bag, excellent for carrying lots of books to school!

The fabric I have used is from the Moda Oh Deer! range available from Trixie Lixie

I used 1/2 a meter for the main fabric and another 1/2 a meter for the lining.

First I cut 2 rectangles 50cm x 40cm from the main colour and the same from the lining fabric

My next step was to sew all the edges except the top one on both the main fabric and the lining.

Next I made the handles, I wanted quite long straps so I joined 2 strips together, also I used what was left of the lining fabric to add a bit of contrast (you could use the strip of left over main fabric instead)

The next step is to sew up the edge of the handles

Now to turn the handles the right way round, I do this with a safety pin which I attach to one end and pull through

The next step is to insert the lining, turn the main body the right way round, leave the lining the wrong way round and put it inside the main body, I decided to neaten the edge by turning the lining at the top edge to face out, this would look great with the handles, pin and sew in place.

Last but not least I attached the handles,

I used a box technique to sew the handle into place, I don’t want it to break and all my daughters school books to fall out.

Here is the finished bag

Tags: Bag, creative, Fashion bags handmade, handmade christmas gift ideas, presents, tote bag tutorial