Directions for Scripture Totes

Materials Needed:

1. One somewhat sturdy or thicker PLACE MAT of your choice, :) (Ross, Kohl's, Target and Big Lots and even Dollar Tree are great places to find some cute ones)

2. Coordinating( 2)16 inches pieces of "gross grain" ribbon 1 ½" inch thick. Since it is for the handles it needs to be durable. Satin or sheer ribbon would not be a good fit. OR you can also purchase wooden purse handles at a craft store for your handles if you prefer.

3. Matching thread the color of your bag for the handle stitch AND matching colors for the ribbon going around the front if you choose to do extra ribbon. If not putting ribbon on the front, you only need thread that is just the color of the place mat.

4. Any flowers, Extra ribbon and fringe approx. 1 extra yard needed for around the front of the tote, brooches, fringe or frilly stuff for schnazzing up your tote.

5. Glue gun and fabric glue for your fringe.

Instructions:

1. Handles – Take one of the 16 inches pieces of "gross grain" ribbon 1 ½" inch wide and Measure about three inches from the side of your bag in towards the middle AND about 1 inch down from the top. Secure with a pin and repeat for the other side.Make sure the ribbon is out of the way and that the material is flat. Sew around edge of ribbon in a square design or squiggles if you prefer. Repeat until you have done all four handles. NOTE: If you are covering your square stitch with fringe, you don’t have to make your stitch as neat because you will be covering it with the trim.

3”

3”

2. **NOTE: If you want ribbon going down the middle you need to measure so it’s even on outside ends of your placemat (approx 2 ¼” from the top ends of the mat. Then pin the two strips of ribbon, hold tight and stitch down both sides to secure.. ***If you do not want ribbon in the center of your tote precede to step three.*****

3. Fold the placemat in half with the inside out. Backstitch and sew the ends about a ½ inch from the edge down on both sides. (Creating a pocket)

4. With the pocket inside out -- Fold the corners into a triangle and sew across the bottom of the triangle approx. 2 inches from the point to the base of the triangle. DO NOT REINFORCE STITCH yet.

SEW

5. Flip your tote outside in and check for proportion on both sides of the bottom of your tote. If it’s straight and flat on the bottom, on both sides (seam where you sewed the triangle) Flip it back inside out and then reinforce your stitch. If it’s crooked you will have to take out the stitch and redo.

6. Attach trim with fabric glue and take the hard backing on a silk flower off and hot glue some of the layers together and hot glue directly to your bag.

Finished Project

2 ¼”2¼”

Fold

2½”