Heartmade Gifts You might like to experiment by fastening the straps with a knot, rather than sewing them together. You could also try making two handles, of course. (This is a very adaptable recipe! Created, as with all Heartmade projects, to be played with. Have fun making it your own!) Use overlapping stitch to close the ends of the straps:
Place the ends inside the bag, against the sides, adjusting for length:
Attach with overlapping stitch along all seams inside and out:
You can add extra stitches to secure, as for the middle of the strap. Or sew some buttons on, making things more secure, while also adding decoration. Or you could use a kilt pin, which you can use to hang some pretty charms. You could add a fastening flap, pockets and lining, all from more tea towels. You might like to make a base, re-using an inner bottom from a shopping bag and covering it with a tea towel. My daughter prefers the soft, floppy feeling of the bag without a base. If you choose to make this from tea towels with a fine weave, it will roll up small enough to put in a handbag: Of course, you don't need to use tea towels for this project, you could use up any fabric you have, or recycle clothes, bedding, towels or curtains. Have fun!
And enjoy your Summer!
e Diann