
I was inspired to make this DIY tote bag after I took a trip to the farmer's market and realized I needed a comfortable and lightweight bag to carry all my goodies. I love the way this DIY project turned out and, more importantly, there was no sewing involved!
A pillowcase already has all the stitching you need to create this easy and stylish tote bag. The cross-body shoulder strap also makes it super comfortable to carry around all day. Just grab a pillowcase from your dresser, stamp it, give it a couple snips and you've got a custom carry-all tote for your next trip to the market!
Follow the steps below to make your very own.
• King Size Pillowcase (you could also use a standard size, but the bag will be smaller. I used this one which measures 41" x 21")
• Acrylic Paint and a Dish Sponge (if you wish to add a pattern to the bag)
• Long Fabric Strip (for the strap)
• Long Fabric Strip (for the strap)
• Scissors
• Lay the pillowcase flat with the open end facing towards you. Then grab the open end side of the pillowcase and fold it about half way up. • To add a pattern to the bag, cut out your desired shape from an ordinary dish sponge and use it as a stamp. Dab it in some paint and create your desired design.
• Turn the bag over and bring the two bottom corners together. Attach them by cutting a small hole in each corner and knotting them together with a small piece of fabric.
You're done! Enjoy your new bag. Follow along on Facebook and Twitter to see all my weekly DIY project.






oh my, I adore this - and your blog! can't wait to see more tutorials!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah! I will have a new tutorial every Tuesday!
ReplyDeletei was inspired by your craft an immediately took some scissors to a smaller pillow case and made this :
ReplyDeletehttp://pinterest.com/pin/172262754467243116/
thanks for your diy inspiration!
Video is now posted above. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHi! LOVE IT! I would like to know if it is safe to carry heavy stuff in it, like a laptop perhaps (seeing it might fit in).. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Nabilah! I think it would be safe as long as you use a fabric for the strap that won't easily tear and that you make sure the strap is secured firmly to the pillowcase. I would test it with some other inexpensive heavy items before using it for your laptop just in case. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDelete~ Natalie
How exactly did you make the straps? Can you buy it already braided or did you cut three pieces and braid them yourself? If so, how long/wide were the strips? I really love this and plan on making one as soon as I get the stuff needed!
ReplyDeleteHi there. I braided 3 pieces of fabric together. They were about 1 inch wide by 43 inches long, but this can vary depending on how long/wide you would like the strap. Hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely does! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great look bag, I love the design on it!
ReplyDeleteHi, just wonndering what the pillow case material is that you used?
ReplyDeleteHi Frances - My pillowcase is a jersey material, but you can use any material. It was from Target: http://www.target.com/p/Room-Essentials-Jersey-Pillow-Case/-/A-13810119
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get the fabric for the straps?
ReplyDeleteI got the fabric from my local fabric store. You can also recycle old clothes by cutting up pieces of a dress or even jeans to use as the strap!
ReplyDeleteWOW!THIS IS GREAT! GLAD I STUMBLED ON UR BLOG!
ReplyDeleteme too!!
DeleteEs una idea fantástica, se puede hacer en un momentos sencilla y muy útil. si quieres pásate por mi blog yo me dedico a la bisutería artesanal.
ReplyDeletehttp://raqueljimenezbisuteria.blogspot.com.es/
hi.. i like all of your DIY.. you're so amazing thanks a lot and hope to see more of your great creations :)) God Bless :DDDD
ReplyDeleteThis is just amazing... I am loving each and every item which has been shown in this site....
ReplyDeletewill it last long?
ReplyDeleteHello! Just wondering what color the pillow case was in? Because I'm on the target webpage and I can't figure out what color it was...Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Bella! I believe it was Heather Ebony. Have fun! - Natalie
DeleteDoes the paint wear off at all when you wash it??
ReplyDeleteHi There - I haven't tried washing it and I wouldn't recommend it with regular acrylic paint. If you plan to wash it, you can use special fabric paint that is washer safe.
Delete- Natalie
Love the weight of this bag - looks so cool and easy!
ReplyDeleteI have a old pillow case that already has a crazy retro patter on it, that will be becoming a bag for the summer time! Thanks for taking the time to make this how to!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant... This looks really profesional, like not homemade at all. Such a great summer projet ! (: x
ReplyDelete