DIY Canvas Satchels
These are quick to sew up and can be made from any kind of fabric you might have hanging around. We used canvas drop cloth here, which is helpful because it’s inexpensive, can be found at any local hardware store, and typically has at least two hemmed edges you can put to use without needing to sew them. Still, an old bed sheet, or tablecloth would work equally as well.
Materials:
+ Canvas drop cloth
+ Scissors
+ Thread and needle (a sewing machine will make this a much quicker project)
+ String or cord
+ Ruler (optional)
Directions:
+ Determine the length and width you want your finished pouch to be. (I have left out the dimensions for this pouch intentionally so you can modify it to make the size you’d like.)
+ Cut a long rectangle that is 2 ½ times the desired length (b) and 2” wider than the desired width (a). If possible, incorporate the hemmed edge of the drop cloth along one of the width edges to save time with sewing.
+ With the right sides facing in, fold up the the bottom (*hemmed) width edge up towards the top, double over the length proportion and leave ½ length remaining.
*If you do not have a pre-hemmed edge you can quickly make one by folding over the fabric and sewing a straight stitch across.
+ Zig-zag stitch the entire length of each long side of the bag. Be sure to sew the two sides together and continue to the single raw-edge layer. You can reinforce this stitch by stitching over a second time. Cut any loose threads.
+ With a sharp scissor cut away any remaining fabric right up to the zigzag stitch. This should create a clean edge with little fiber threads.
+ Zig-zag stitch the entire length of each long side of the bag. Be sure to sew the two sides together and continue to the single raw-edge layer. You can reinforce this stitch by stitching over a second time. Cut any loose threads.
+ With a sharp scissor cut away any remaining fabric right up to the zigzag stitch. This should create a clean edge with little fiber threads.
