I have had this idea mulling through my mind for a few years and I finally made my own DIY Handmade Drop Cloth and Recycled Sweater Tote.
With one of my old sweaters, a drop cloth and some chunky trims and laces, I now have a pretty tote to carry to the farmers market, out to the pool, and trips to the beach.
I am excited to share the tutorial with you, as well as some other sweater projects with you. All of these creative sweater ideas are from my talented blogging friends on the International Bloggers Club.
Every 2nd Monday of the month each of share a themed challenge. Although this month I am MORE than a week late. Spontaneous family time happened and I never got to finish my project OR write the tutorial for you. So, now here I am and will link ALL of the amazing sweater projects linked at the end of this post.
So let’s get started with this DIY Handmade Drop Cloth and Recycled Sweater Tote…
You will need:
1- cable knit sweater
1-yard drop cloth (pre-washed)
5-yards various trims and laces of your choice
hot glue gun
hot glue sticks
fabric glue
scissors
measuring tape
needle and thread
iron and ironing board
plus-other embellishments that you will like
I love this gorgeous sweater with the pearl details. I wish it still fit, but alas, it doesn’t. So why not make it into a tote that I can use all the time, right?
Using scissors I cut my drop cloth into two pieces of 13×16 inches. With hot glue, I attached both pieces together-JUST ON 3 SIDES. Then pulled it all right side out- so the hot glue seams do not show. The side not glued together will be your opening or top.
Laying the drop cloth on top of the front of the sweater, I used the template pictured above for measuring and cutting reference.
Then it was time to adhere the sweater front to the drop cloth. Once again, I used hot glue around all 4 edges, carefully pulling to make the sweater as smooth but NOT stretched. Also I was careful not to burn my fingers.
The above picture shows the extra sweater edge to fold inside of the top OPENING for hemming with a needle and thread. (I tried using hot glue for this but the kept stretching and pulling. So for this a hand stitch worked much better.)
For the tote strap, I used one long strip of drop cloth measuring 4×36 inches. With hot glue, I adhered right sides together leaving each end open.
Once the hot glue was cooled down I pulled the strap right side out. And ironed the ends tucked inside the strap for a clean look.
Now for the fun part. Adding the embellishments! You may have seen my DIY Boho Pillow as shown here. Using what I had left over from the pillow PLUS new trim and lace from Hobby Lobby, I was ready to get started.
The shells are TOTALLY ME! I can’t ever resist a shell trim, can you? This time I used fabric glue to attached the trim. It takes longer to dry, but was much easier to handle while working.
Once the shell trim was attached, I used scissors to cut the “waistband” at the bottom of the tote. I love the frayed look with the shells for a Boho look.
On the TOP “back side” of the tote, I added trims (with fabric glue) for more layers of Boho goodness.
The fabric glue was ideal for attaching lace to the strap. Sewing the strap with a needle and thread on both sides of the tote was a secure way to attach it for future use.
To prevent shredding of the sweater on the tote sides, I covered each side with fabric glue and crocheted lace. I like the finished look.
And let’s just say how cute the fringe looks from the back!
The finished look is so much better than even in my mind. I am glad I FINALLY made a Boho style tote from my beautiful old sweater.
I hope you try making your own soon. I would love to see and hear all about your ideas.
Make it a wonderful day.
The International Bloggers Club projects are linked below. Sit back and enjoy each and every one…
Interior Frugalista-Recycled Sweater Easter Wreaths
A Crafty Mix-How To Turn a Sweater Into a Handbag
This is seriously the poshest tote bag I have ever seen. Your attention to detail made this tote bag stunning and very elegant.
What a beautiful handmade beach bag, Meegan! I bet you’ll get lots of compliments around the pool. The pearls and lovely trim make it extra pretty.
So pretty and I love your embellishments! I have so many sweaters that no longer fit, but they’re all smaller than I’d want the tote – lol!
Oh, be still my boho beating heart. It’s beautiful, Meegan. All the textured layers go so well together. What a wonderful way to keep wearing a sweater that no longer fits.
beautiful bag.
This is so cute! I’m not great at sewing but I think I could pull this off. I’m going to have to give it a try.
Meegan this is such a cute tote. I have an old sweater and some drop cloth…I am going to have to make one for myself. Thanks for the tutorial.
What a cute market/beach bag. Love the shell trim you added! Super cute!
What a lovely idea. Perfect for having it on your door!
I love this – it makes me think of making granny square purses back in high school – just a lot better.