Sew It – A Fall Plaid Crossbody Bag

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When fall finally shows up in my area (central Texas seems to be a month behind), there’s a strong urge to not just ease into fall colors and decor, but jump head first into Halloween extra early. So, please be warned that the lines between early fall and Halloween will be blurred for a while (until Halloween takes over completely like a zombie-virus). Today I want to share another simple sewing tutorial on how to make a fall plaid and faux leather crossbody bag. Can you believe it was made from a simple kitchen towel?!

Easy Sewing project for beginners - How to Sew a tote bag - Crossbody bag - Craft - DIY - Gift idea - Fall fashion - DIY Sewing tutorial - how to sew a bag
Easy Sewing project for beginners - How to Sew a tote bag - Crossbody bag - Craft - DIY - Gift idea - Fall fashion - DIY Sewing tutorial - how to sew a bag

Oh yeah! Who knew a simple towel could look so good?! Follow along below for the full tutorial.


The Supplies:

Easy Sewing project for beginners - How to Sew a tote bag - Crossbody bag - Craft - DIY - Gift idea - Fall fashion - DIY Sewing tutorial - how to sew a bag

Start by cutting your faux leather into a 5″ strip that covers one side of the kitchen towel all the way up.

Using a teflon foot, stitch across the top of the faux leather (on the edge) to attach it to the kitchen towel. Fold the towel over with right sides together and pin. About 3″ down from the top of the bag on each side (the end opposite where you stitched the faux leather), pin in a loop of elastic or folded over faux leather with the loop facing in. This will be where you add your crossbody strap once the bag is sewn.

Now it is time to stitch around the sides and bottom of the bag. Make sure to give at least a 1/2″ or larger seam allowance so you avoid sewing over the hemmed parts of the towel.

Cut off the excess fabric around the seams and turn the bag right side out.

The last step is to fold in the top portion of the fabric so that the top opening of the bag is slightly above the two pieces of elastic.  Top stitch the top of the bag to hold the fabric in place, then clip on the crossbody strap.

Easy Sewing project for beginners - How to Sew a tote bag - Crossbody bag - Craft - DIY - Gift idea - Fall fashion - DIY Sewing tutorial - how to sew a bag

Feel free to add a snap or velcro closure if you want, but it works totally fine with out one (or ‘totelly’ because it’s a tote? No? Let’s just pretend that didn’t happen).

Easy Sewing project for beginners - How to Sew a tote bag - Crossbody bag - Craft - DIY - Gift idea - Fall fashion - DIY Sewing tutorial - how to sew a bag
Pretty simple, huh?! I love when I can make a bag from unexpected things like a kitchen towel. And the $3.5 price tag doesn’t hurt either. I really love this yellow plaid, but I think the gray would look awesome too! Be sure to share your fall totes with me by tagging your projects #mykailochic on social media. Now go get to sewing!
Easy Sewing project for beginners - How to Sew a tote bag - Crossbody bag - Craft - DIY - Gift idea - Fall fashion - DIY Sewing tutorial - how to sew a bag

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  1. Amy W says:

    You can do it all! LOVE this purse!!

  2. veggievixen says:

    I'm just learning how to sew and am really excited to try and make this! Looks simple enough, and you did great on the explanations. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  3. I have never heard of a teflon foot. Do I have to have one to sew faux leather? What other types of fabric to you suggest instead of the faux leather?

  4. […] A Kailo Chic Life […]

  5. Deborah Williams says:

    Simple but cute

  6. […] The plaid pattern is recognizable and familiar, ideal for those of you who want to bring something classic to your style. The beauty of DIY projects is that you can always choose your own color palette, so opt for bright and joyful colors to give the plaid cross-body bag a unique look! Find out the details at A Kailo Chic Life. […]

  7. […] Fall Plaid Crossbody Bag by A Kailo Chic Life: […]

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