American Flag Tote Bag

This roomy, patriotic carryall is great for all your everyday gear.

(Photo by Evan Bracken, Light Reflections. Courtesy of Lark Books.)

All About

Product Ideas

From Patriotic Crafts: 60 Spirited Projects that Celebrate America by Chris Rankin (Lark Books)

You can tote this to the gym, on picnics, and to the library. For a matching T-shirt or jean jacket, just repeat the instructions below using narrower ribbon.

Materials and Tools:

canvas tote bag
2-1/2 yds 1" red grosgrain ribbon
1-1/2 yds 1" blue grosgrain ribbon
1-1/2 yds 1" white grosgrain ribbon
1 yard iron-on adhesive
measuring stick or tape
iron

Steps:

1. Measure and cut four 10-inch lengths and three 16-inch lengths of red ribbon.

2. Measure and cut six 6-inch lengths of the blue ribbon, and six 6-inch lengths from the white ribbon.

3. Following the manufacturer's instructions, apply the iron-on adhesive to one side of all ribbon lengths.

4. Working on a flat surface (an ironing board is ideal), position all six blue ribbon pieces horizontally on the upper left corner of the tote bag with their side edges touching.

5. Starting on the left side, vertically weave a length of white ribbon through the horizontal layers of blue ribbon. Repeat this process with the five remaining white ribbons, alternating the weave of the ribbon. Once all the ribbons are woven, adjust them as needed so there is no space between them.

6. Position one of the 10-inch red ribbons horizontally on the tote bag, aligning its top edge with the top edge of the blue and white square. Position a second 10-inch length of red ribbon at the bottom edge of the woven ribbon square and center the remaining two 10-inch red ribbons in the space between the top and bottom red ribbons.

7. Position the three 16-inch red ribbons in the space below the section assembled in steps 4-6, allowing the same amount of space between ribbons.

8. Secure the ribbons in place with a hot iron as directed in the iron-on adhesive manufacturer's instructions.