I love books. And the beach. Unfortunately, books and sand don’t mix.
Rather than constantly trying to protect my reading material from the horrors of my purse or current beach bag, I decided to make my books their very own tote. (Plus, it doubles as a cover and bookmark!)
Materials used:
- 1/2 yard Floral Cotton Sateen Print
- 1/2 yard Rag & Bone Heather Gray Wool
- 1/2 yard ribbon
- Large book
I decided to base the measurements of my tote off of a Harry Potter book, since a lot of what I read tends to be similar in size. The tote is mainly a long rectangular panel, folded in on the ends, much like a dust jacket. To figure out what size to make your panel, find the circumference of your book and add about 10″. Since HP measured in at about 14″, I made my panel 25″ long and 12″ wide (giving myself a little wiggle room for seam allowances).
I double sided my tote, so I cut one panel of cotton and one of wool. In addition to those, you’ll also need to cut 4 strips for the tote handles, each measuring 2″x11″, like below.
To start, place your panels on top of each other, right sides together. Pin your ribbon between your two fabrics, in the center of one of the long sides of the rectangle. Then, sew around the perimeter of your panels, leaving a 4″ opening opposite the ribbon pin. (Be sure to only sew one end of the ribbon to your fabrics!)
Turn your panels right side out and topstitch around the perimeter, closing the 4″ opening along the way. Sew your straps similarly: right sides together, turn right side out, topstitch.
Five inches from the short edge of your rectangle, pin and attach your straps. As an afterthought, I decided to add the tabs you see below, and I think they’re an adorable addition! Clean and cute.
And all they need is a little topstitching!
Flip your panel, fold the ends in about 4″, and sew. Knot your bookmark, and you’re tote is complete. Simply add your favorite book!
It’s so cute and easy, I want to make one for every bookworm in my life! I’m imagining one with pockets for notebooks and pencils too… time to get sewing!
6 comments
Cute bag, great idea. I think the idea for a couple of pockets that can be sealed with Velcro would provide a place for a cell phone and the other could be, as you mentioned, useful for pencils or pen. It would make a great gift for a child. Use coloring books and make a larger pocket for crayons. Good for travel.
Great project, it’s simple and easy.
Clever DIY idea
I really am glad to find this pattern since I need to make one
for my granddaughters new Bible, Thanks.
[…] Are you prepared for Mother’s Day? If you’re one of the many looking for a last minute gift that you can DIY, look no further. This handy pillow can be used as a cushion, a carrying tote, a bookmark, and it can hold your pages open while you read! Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make a matching cover tote! […]
Just stumbled across this. Such a cute idea, I need one for all my huge books!