How To Make A Boho Chic Beach Bag For Your Next Tropical Getaway

Welcome To Paradise - Make Your Own Boho Beach Bag!

Packing for a tropical getaway is always exciting, but finding the perfect beach bag to carry all your essentials can be tricky. Why not channel your inner crafter and make your own boho-chic beach bag? With a few simple supplies from your local Michaels craft store, you can create a stylish and functional tote that will be the envy of everyone on the sand. This easy DIY project is perfect for beginners and can be customized to match your unique personal style. Let's get started!

Pick Your Perfect Palette

The great thing about making your own beach bag is that you get to choose fabrics and colors that reflect your personality. For a relaxed boho vibe, look for lightweight cottons, linens or muslins in earthy neutrals and sun-faded hues. Try combining different patterns and prints like stripes, ikat or floral for a free-spirited patchwork design. Don't be afraid to throw in some pops of tropical colors like seafoam greens, sunset oranges or aqua blues. The right fabric choices will make your handmade tote look like a little piece of paradise.

Gather Your Supplies

One of the easiest parts of this beachy DIY is that you only need a few basic craft supplies, most of which you can find at your local Michaels store. Here's what you'll need to get started:

• Fabric - About 2 yards of your main fabric and 1⁄2 yard of complementary fabric for the strap and other design details.
• Rope - 3/8′′ rope cut into two 15′′ pieces.
• Leather cord - Leather cord cut into one 30′′ piece.
• D-rings & lobster clasps - Two 1.5′′ D-rings and one 1.5′′ lobster clasp.
• Interfacing - Fusible woven interfacing to add structure to your bag.
• Sewing machine & supplies - Thread, scissors, straight pins, measuring tape, etc.

Of course, feel free to improvise with whatever embellishments speak to you, like pom poms, tassels, appliqués or found objects from the beach. Now let's start sewing!

Cut Your Fabric

The construction of this boho beach bag starts with cutting out the main fabric pieces:

• Front & back panels - Cut two 20′′ x 16′′ rectangles
• Bottom panel - Cut one 20′′ x 5′′ rectangle
• Side panels - Cut two 5′′ x 16′′ rectangles
• Strap - Cut one 5′′ x 36′′ rectangle

Next, cut two 20′′ x 16′′ pieces of interfacing and fuse them to the wrong side of the front and back panels following the manufacturer's instructions. The interfacing adds structure and stability to help your bag hold its shape. For a professional finish, be sure to zigzag or serge the raw edges of each panel.

Sew the Exterior Seam

Lay out your fabric pieces in this order from top to bottom:

1. Front panel (right side up)
2. Side panel (right sides together)
3. Back panel (right side down)
4. Side panel (right sides together)
5. Bottom panel (right side down)

Pin the layers together along the 20′′ sides and 5′′ bottom edge. Sew together using a 1⁄2′′ seam allowance. This will give you a basic bag shape. Press the seams open.

Box the Corners

To create the boxy base for your beach tote, you'll need to box the bottom corners. With the exterior of the bag facing out, flatten the bottom seam. Measure 2′′ in from the sewn seam on both sides and draw a line perpendicular to the seams. Sew across each 2′′ line. Trim off the excess corner fabric to reduce bulk.

Make & Attach Straps

For the adjustable strap, start by folding the strap piece in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew along the long edge and turn the strap right side out. Topstitch along both long edges for a clean finish. Slide the rope pieces into the channel. Repeat for the leather cording.

Next, take the D-rings and fold the strap over 1 1⁄2′′. Pin the edges in place and sew a box to secure the strap and encase the D-ring. Repeat on the other strap end. Attach a lobster clasp to one end.

Pin the straps to the upper corners of the exterior bag, 4′′ in from the side seams. Use a box stitch to attach the straps to the bag.

Sew the Lining

To give your bag a polished look, cut two more 20′′ x 16′′ rectangles from your lining fabric. Sew them together along the sides and bottom edge right sides together, leaving a 5′′ opening along the bottom for turning. Box the bottom corners just like the outer bag.

Assemble the Beach Bag

Place the outer bag inside the lining bag so right sides are facing. Make sure the straps are tucked inside. Pin around the top edge. Sew all the way around the top using a 1⁄2" seam allowance. Pull the liner through the opening and push out the corners. Sew the lining hole closed.

Topstitch all around the top edge of the bag to give it a crisp, finished look. Add any embellishments or tassels to the strap ends. Then fill your new boho beach tote with towels and sunscreen and head to paradise!

Make It Your Own

The wonderful thing about sewing your own beach bag is that you can customize it to match your personal style. Here are just a few ideas:

• Add colorful pom poms, tassels or appliqués
• Use fabric ink or stamps to decorate the fabric
• Swap the rope for colorful cotton cording or ribbons
• Sew pockets or pouches to hold small items
• Personalize it with your name, initials or fun vacation quote

You could even make matching bags for your whole family. The options are endless when you DIY. Just have fun with the fabrics and make something that reflects your unique beachy boho vibe. Your custom bag will be a stylish statement on the sand.

Dreaming Of Your Next Beach Vacation

After being stuck at home for too long, we could all use a relaxing beach getaway. A handmade boho bag using fabrics and supplies from Michaels is the perfect accessory for your next tropical vacation. The simple yet stylish design is easy to customize so you can make a beachy statement wherever your travels take you.

So go ahead - dig your toes in the sand, feel the warm sunshine, and carry your DIY paradise purse with island vibes. Let us know how your boho beach bag turns out using #Michaels, #makeitwithmichaels and #diy. We hope you have the ultimate beach vacation. You deserve it!

FAQs

What type of fabric should I use?

Look for lightweight cottons, linens or muslins in fun prints and colors. Make sure it is durable and machine washable.

How do I make the straps adjustable?

Cut long fabric straps, fold them over cord or rope, and attach D-rings and a lobster clasp to create adjustable tie straps.

What size should I make the bag?

Cut the main panels 20" x 16" for a medium/large tote bag. Adjust sizes up or down depending on your needs.

What sewing skills do I need?

You need to know how to sew straight lines, box corners and make simple squares/rectangles. Beginner friendly!

How do I decorate the bag?

Get creative with pom poms, tassels, fabric paint, appliques, embroidery or iron-on patches. Personalize it!