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.
Cut and Prepare Your Fabric
Stitch the Side Seams
Fold the main panel in half with the right sides facing inward.
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
Reinforce the Bottom Corners
To create a flat bottom, pinch each bottom corner so the side seam lines up
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.
Attach the Handles
Turn the bag right side out and fold the top edge down 3 cm toward the inside.
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
"Hand-stitched seams, done right, outlast machine seams. The thread does not cut through fabric the way a machine lock stitch can over time.
"KaiRenner26th of April 2026