:INFO
What You Will Need
A piece of heavy canvas or cotton duck fabric measuring 60 cm by 70 cm, plus a strip 10 cm by 60 cm for handles. You will also need a large hand-sewing needle (size 16 or 18 sharps), heavy-duty thread such as waxed linen or upholstery thread, fabric scissors, tailor's chalk or a pencil, a ruler, and a thimble. Pre-wash and dry the fabric before cutting to prevent shrinking later.


:TASK
[ ] Cut and Prepare Your Fabric

:PATH
Stitch the Side Seams
Fold the main panel in half with the right sides facing inward.
|
:INFO
Stitch the Side Seams
Fold the main panel in half with the right sides facing inward. Align the side edges and pin. Sew both side seams using a running stitch with 6 mm spacing, then go back along the same line with a backstitch to lock every stitch. Backstitch is essential


:PATH
Reinforce the Bottom Corners
To create a flat bottom, pinch each bottom corner so the side seam lines up
|
:INFO
Reinforce the Bottom Corners
To create a flat bottom, pinch each bottom corner so the side seam lines up with the bottom fold. Measure 4 cm in from each corner point and draw a line across. Sew along that line with backstitch, then trim the corner fabric 1 cm beyond your stitching.


:PATH
Attach the Handles
Turn the bag right side out and fold the top edge down 3 cm toward the inside.
|
:INFO
Attach the Handles
Turn the bag right side out and fold the top edge down 3 cm toward the inside. Pin the folded handles 12 cm in from each side seam. The handle ends should tuck about 4 cm under the folded hem. Sew the hem down around the entire top opening with


:QUOTE [quotetype:personal]
Hand-stitched seams, done right, outlast machine seams. The thread does not cut through fabric the way a machine lock stitch can over time.