Free Pattern and Directions to Sew a Fabric Bag with Fabric Cord Twisted Handles

By Debbie Colgrove, About.com Guide

This easy to sew bag makes a simple purse or a lunch tote. However you use it, you will love the comfortable handle and that the whole bag can be thrown in the washer as long as you pre-shrink your fabric before you start! The braided fabric handles are comfortable to carry as well as easy to clean. Use more than one fabric to add extra detail or keep it simple with one fabric by following this free sewing pattern and directions. You sew so you are the designer!

Materials

• 1/2 yard of 45" wide fabric
• 1/2 yard of Pellon fleece or Polar fleece (Be aware of stitch requirements if you choose to use batting and quilt the fabric accordingly.)
• Approximately 4 yards of 3/8" cording
• One piece of fabric 15" by 21" for the lining the bag -- water resistant nylon works well as a lunch bag liner
• Optional: 5" by 9" purse bottom such as plastic canvas, Plexiglas, shower wall liner, cardboard coated with fabric or vinyl
• thread to match fabric
• small safety pin for turning and threading the cord into the tube
• 4" piece of sew-on hook and loop tape