simply screen printed totes

I have customised plain white cotton and calico tote bags with screen sensation screen prints. I have used  the 'dog', 'gothic peony', 'kaleidoscope', 'plumage' and 'plumage & folliage' screens with 'black', 'chrysanthemum', 'harbour blue', 'raspberry' and 'turquoise' inks. The screen prints add a bit of personality to a plain tote, perfect to use for shopping or gifting to others!

If you fancy screen printing at home, check out my blog post here all about screen sensation... plus there is a discount code to get 25% off supplies at crafting.co.uk
Mx

colourful creations...

 I took some basic white tote bags and customised them using two processes to create these colourful creations. To get the background colour, I first dyed the totes using inkodye. Each bag was scrunched and folded in different ways to create the tie dye effect. Although the dye can look great on it's own, I decided to add another layer to some using screen sensations prints. I have used the 'dog', 'fantasy flight', 'gothic peony', 'kaleidoscope' and 'plumage' screens with 'black', 'chrysanthemum' 'raspberry' and 'shadow purple' inks. I think these make the perfect gift for somebody who likes to be unique, since no dyed bag comes out the same and the screen adds a bold dash of personality to each one.

If you fancy screen printing at home, check out my blog post here all about screen sensation... plus there is a discount code to get 25% off supplies at crafting.co.uk
Mx

black strap totes

I found these totes online which come with the black handles and thought they would look great customised with black screen printed designs. I have used the 'kaleidoscope', 'plumage' and 'wisdom' screens and the black ink from screen sensations and I'm pretty pleased with the results.

Mx

square cornered pouch...

For this step by step, I wanted to show you another way to box your corners. I have also included a neat way to finish a zip, with coordinating fabric tabs which give you square corners. The outer fabric for this pouch is simply calico which has a screen printed design on one side.

Begin by cutting your fabric as follows: 

• 2 x outer fabric to measure 13 1/2" base length x 8 1/2 height, angled in to 9 1/2" across the top.
• 2 x lining fabric to measure 13 1/2" base length x 8 1/2 height, angled in to 9 1/2" across the top. 
• 2 x outer fabric to measure 1" x 2" (for zipper tabs)
• You will also need coordinating cotton, a zip measuring 8" and a handmade label if you would like to include one.

To cut the shaping of the main fabric pieces, cut rectangles measuring 13 1/2" x 8 1/2". Then, mark the top (long) edge of the fabric 2" in from the end and draw a line down from this point to the bottom corner on each side. Cut away these triangle pieces to leave the pieces needed for the bag. 

 Press each of the tabs in half, then fold the ends into the centre fold and press again. Then, place the end of the zip between the folded edges, down to the centre fold of fabric. Wonder clip or pin and sew across the zip to secure the fabric tab in place. Repeat for the other end of the zip, so both ends are enclosed in your outer fabric.

Centralise the zip on the right side of the outer fabric, zip facing down, and layer a lining fabric piece on top right side down. Ensure the top edge of all three pieces line up, before pinning and sewing using a zipper foot on your machine.

 Fold the fabric so the right sides are facing out and the zip is visible. Press, then top stitch along the edge of the zip to create a neat finish.  

 Repeat for the other side, to attach the outer and lining fabrics to the zip, press and top stitch.

 Now, open the zip wide enough to turn the project through. Then, fold the project so the outer fabrics are right sides together and the lining fabrics are right sides together. Ensure the zip is laying towards the lining. Pin around the edge, securing in your handmade label between the lining fabrics. Make sure you leave a gap in the lining for turning through.

 Sew around the edge, then overlock the edges to prevent fraying if possible, (if not, you can use a zig-zag stitch on your machine, sewing within the seam allowance.)  

 Make sure you still leave a gap in the lining for turning through!!

 Now onto shaping the corners. You will need to pinch the base and side seams together, ensuring the seams line through. You can check by pinching the corner, then poking it through the hole in the lining to have a look (as i have in the picture above). Put a pin in along the seam to hold in place.

 Measure 1 1/2 " from the corner down the seam and mark.

 Draw a line across the seam making sure it is level.

 Sew along the line, reversing at either end to secure it.

Overlock across the corner, just to the outside of the stitched line. If you don't have a overlocker, you will need to zig-zag stitch and then cut the corner off. The corner piece can be discarded. Repeat for the other three corners, so the outer fabric and linings all have squared corners.

 Press, then turn through. Your corners should all be boxed with a neatly lined up cross section as seen in this photo.

 With the hole in the lining, you can either slip stitch it closed by hand or sew it with your machine. The machine is a faster and stronger method, but it does leave a small line of stitching visible inside the bag. To do it, you need to fold the raw edges in, matching the depth of the seam allowance for a smooth edge. Pin along the gap to hold in place.

 Simply sew along with your machine to close the hole. Then, push the lining inside the bag and give it a final press.

Mx