Recycle, Adorn and Embellish Your Tote Bag with These Fab Ideas

Michaela Murphy, editor

This oh, so sweet mini-tote by Betz White is made from felting some old wool sweaters.

Courtesy of Betz White

This great tote bag project by Zakkalife could prove to be the tipping point the next time you stand in Costco wondering if you should buy twenty five pounds of rice.

Courtesy of Zakkalife

Now all you sentimental types don't have to part with your favorite tees--make them into tote bags with guidance from Tangledthread.

Courtesy of Tangledthread

Make great use of all of those plastic grocery bags with this cool crochet how-to from Myrecycledbags.

Courtesy of Myrecycledbags

Lion Brand has a wonderful assortment of free pattern downloads, including this lovely Moonlight Mohair Spiral Tote.

Courtesy of Lion Brand

Uhandbag is handbag central for cool supplies, inspiration, and free instruction.

Courtesy of Uhandbag

This oh, so sweet mini-tote by Betz White is made from felting some old wool sweaters.

Photo: Courtesy of Betz White

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Five days and counting to the Craftstylish Tote-ally Craft Bag Challenge. To keep you happily occupied during the anticipatory pre-challenge phase here is a round up of some extremely cool tote bag ideas and free patterns for you to go wild with. This post will focus on inspired uses of recycled or unconventional base materials. If you are looking for great sewing tutorials check out this post from yesterday. Or if you are a yarn devotee click here for terrific knit and crochet online how tos.

Terrific online recycled material tote bag tutorials:

• Here is a great mini-tote tutorial, by Betz White that sparks new life into any old wool sweaters you might have knocking around. White guides you through her simple step-by-step felting process and provides super tips on some smashing embellishments.
• Wonder How To has a fab video by Threadheads of Threadbanger that is sure to get you looking at your recycle bin with fresh eyes. There is even a lickety-split tote bag how-to segment included.
• Last year, Craftzine.com featured this bright and bold tote by Zakkalife. Learn how you can transform huge rice bags into the perfect beach carry-all.
• Before you toss out those old trousers, check out this Basic Booty Tote how-to over at The Longest Year blog. Now your favorite pants can become your favorite bag.
• And now your favorite t-shirt can become your favorite bag too, with this easy to follow T-shirt Tote tutorial at Tangledthread. Oh, and it's reversible
• If you've been wondering how you can crochet with plastic grocery bags, here is the tutorial for you at Myrecycledbags.
  

Tote bag embellishment inspiration:

• Lion Brand has an awesome selection of free tote bag patterns and if you are a multi-crafter, be sure to check out the Moonlight Mohair Spiral Bag.
• UHandbag is an amazing resource for DIY bags. You can purchase great bag fabric, hardware and search for terrific how-to projects like this one on using metal rivets.

If you happen upon any great tote bag ideas that you'd like to share with the other challenge contenders, please leave a comment below.

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madeline_mcrae writes: You know, I just wanted to tell you how much I love this site. It is such a great resource for moms like me who love all of this stuff but don't have the time to search for all of it. Keep up the great work! And thanks so much. Posted: 10:29 pm on July 9th

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