How to Make Your Own Tote Bag
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Posted On :
Mar-31-2010
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Article Word Count :
509
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Look around your surroundings and you will immediately notice that 7 out of 10 women carry tote bags, whether for work or casual outings, totes are pivotal items which are useful for a multitude of reasons. Making your own tote is very simple, but with the availability of inexpensive ones at craft or hobby stores, you can buy one and decorate it with your own unique designs. The first thing you need is a strong and durable tote.
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Look around your surroundings and you will immediately notice that 7 out of 10 women carry tote bags, whether for work or casual outings, totes are pivotal items which are useful for a multitude of reasons. Making your own tote is very simple, but with the availability of inexpensive ones at craft or hobby stores, you can buy one and decorate it with your own unique designs. The first thing you need is a strong and durable tote.
Choose from either heavy cotton or canvas, both are good bets. These two types of fabrics can withstand harsh weather, which is important as tote bags must be durable and strong enough to accommodate a certain weight. Most hobby and craft stores carry a wide range of sturdy fabric and you will be spoiled for choice. Try to avoid upholstery fabric as it is too heavy and may already have prints and designs. You will need a neutral base so your intended embellishments will come out prominent. Ask the shop assistant and she or he will be able to advice you accordingly.
Once you have made the fabric selection, proceed to carefully cut out the desired shape, be it rectangular, square or a circle. The outline should be slightly bigger than the dimension of your completed masterpiece. Remember to keep some fabric to fashion two straps for handles. The length of straps can either be long so you can sling it over your shoulders or shorter ones if your intentions are to carry it on your arm. It all depends on what is comfortable for you.
If you are a beginner, avoid cutting out circles, as this shape is quite difficult to hem. For a basic square-shaped tote bag, simply sew all three sides and then attach the straps. Use strong thread (double thread the needle) or if you are adept at using sewing machines, even better. You can either hem the raw edges or leave them be for a
unique fashion statement.
Once the tote bag is sewn firmly, you may now begin to decorate it. You can use fabric paint if you have steady hands. Choose a color that is in contrast with the basic shade of the tote to make your designs stand out. Designs vary extensively; from bold patterns to more structured ones using stencils or rubber stamps. Anything goes, and the wilder the better. For the more adventurous ones, try a Pollock-style of splashing a multitude of colors all over the tote's body. You will achieve an abstract pattern which is inimitable. Store bought tote bags are inexpensive, so you can afford to experiment.
If you find painting too messy, you can always opt for iron on transfers, which are also readily available in many designs at hobby shops. Tantalize your designs with unique wordings and self-composed tag lines. Who knows, you might start a trend. Use crystals or rhinestones to add glamor. In fact, make several tote bags to suit your different moods. As they say, expressions cannot remain silent.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_How to Make Your Own Tote Bag_15204.aspx
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Author Resource :
DiscountMugs.com is a large distribution company based in Miami, Florida. They are web-based and factory-direct which allows them to keep prices lower than the rest of the competition. They also have a huge selection of promotional products from wine glasses and shot glasses to custom tote bags and pens.
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Keywords :
promotional products, wine glasses, shot glasses, custom tote bags, pens,
Category :
Business
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Business
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