Handloom fabric is so special — it's woven completely by hand by skilled artisans, creating a one-of-a-kind fabric that has a gorgeous, unique texture that can't be replicated by machine. The kind we carry is made in Ethiopia with 100% cotton.
To show off the unique nature of this handmade fabric, we thought it would be nice to whip up a little bag. This comes together easily, and the fabric can be quilted or left in its natural state. There is a lot of room for making this your own — from selecting the handle style and length to adding batting for extra volume to hand sewing the edges or quilting patterns throughout.
Watch the tutorial below to see how to make this bag and pick up a kit when you're ready to make your own!
Cutting Instructions
- Outer fabric piece: 18” x 38.5”
- Lining: 18” x 39.5”*
- Strap: 5” x WOF (42”)
Sewing Instructions
- Fold strap in half and press. Bring raw edges in to center and press. Stitch around entire strap.
- Fold outer bag piece in half to mark the middle (which will be the bottom of the bag) and press. The folded piece should measures 18” x 19.25”. Repeat for lining piece.
- For the outer bag and lining, hem the short edges by folding them under 1/2”. Sew the hem.*
- Align the bag front piece and lining piece right sides together and pin. Sew the sides together using a 1/4” seam allowance.
- Turn the bag right side out through the top of the bag.
- Optional: Add loft and softness to your bag by inserting a piece of batting in between the lining and outer bag fabric pieces. You can also add hand stitching in this step if you'd like.
- Insert the ends of the strap in between the lining and the outer bag piece at the top edges of your bag, adjusting to your desired length. You can also cut your strap in half if you prefer two handles. Pin edges of the strap in place.
- Topstitch the top of the bag to close the raw edges, making sure to backstitch over strap to secure.
- Close up the sides of your bag either by machine (flip right sides together and then stitch 1/2" in from the edges) or by hand (in which case, you can leave the bag lining sides together). I used sashiko thread and a blanket stitch to close mine by hand.
- Optional: Add hand sewn details to your handle to finish.
*If you would like to preserve the finished edge of a handloom fabric for added texture, cut the lining to 18” x 39.5” and DO NOT hem the outer bag piece in step 3.
