1. Firstly, find a grocery bag the desired size of your bag and measure it. Here are the approximate measurements of my bag.
2. Cut out the correct amount of leather — this might get tricky. Turn it inside out and sew down the sides.
Length = 2 x 12″ (width) + 4 x 2″ (handle width) = 43″
Height = 21″ (height of bag + handle drop)
This is how it should look like after you’re done.
Here’s a closeup. Turn it over to the right-side and start working on your tote!
3. Lay the piece flat on a table and push the sewn side inwards as shown. Make sure that both sides are folded in to the desired width of the handle you want to achieve. Pin it down and repeat to the other side.
4. Sew straight across the bottom on top of the folded sides, securing it all down.
5. Now working on the top, use a fabric pen and draw out the handles. You can simply cut out a rectangle but I chose to add a slight curve.
This is how mine looks when it’s done! Remember to cut through only TWO pieces of fabric & not the folded in sides!!!
6. Should you try and carry the bag now, you’ll find that there are no “holes” for the handles. Snip downwards as in the picture (for the side without the seam) to create the armholes for the handles.
7. For the side with the seam, simply snip downwards right beside the seams, cutting them away and creating a hole for the handle.
8. Finally, sew the top of the handles together!