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Say It Ain't Sew: No Sew 5-Gallon Bucket Tote
This DIY is “totes” a lifesaver. From toys to tools and everything in between, create a canvas-covered bucket that can withstand the harshest of contents and look good doing it.
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The ability to throw everything you need in a big bag, toss it over your shoulder and head to the pool or park is a gamechanger. However, nice totes can be very expensive and cute, structured totes are even more pricey. With an upcycled five-gallon bucket, some duck canvas and rope, you can easily create a tote of your own.
Materials Needed
- 5-gallon bucket
- drill + 1/2” spade bit
- duck canvas
- scissors
- hot glue gun
- measuring tape
- screw-on grommets
- screwdriver
- rope
- iron-on letters
- iron
Line the Bottom of the Bucket
Cassidy Garcia
Cassidy Garcia
Cassidy Garcia
Cassidy Garcia
Begin by removing the metal handle from the bucket and drilling out the holes with a 1/2-inch spade bit. On a piece of duck canvas, trace the bottom of the bucket twice, and cut out the pieces. Attach one of the pieces to the outside bottom of the bucket with hot glue. Repeat on the bottom of the inside.
Line the Sides
Cassidy Garcia
Cassidy Garcia
Cassidy Garcia
Cassidy Garcia
Cassidy Garcia
Measure the height of the bucket below the handle, and measure the circumference of the bucket. Add two inches to each measurement. Starting at the top, glue a piece of fabric cut to these measurements around the bucket. Cut off the excess, and tuck and glue the remainder to hide any raw edges. On the bottom, bead hot glue around the rim and tuck the remaining fabric.
Line the Inside
Cassidy Garcia
Cassidy Garcia
Drape a large piece of fabric inside the bucket, and fold it around the top, covering the remainder of the plastic. Fold the edge under for a clean seam, and attach to the sides with hot glue. Leave the inside unglued to allow for easy cleanup and less rigidity.
Attach Rope
Cassidy Garcia
Cassidy Garcia
Cassidy Garcia
Locate the pre-drilled holes in the bucket, and cut small holes in the fabric at these points. Attach screw-on grommets, and run the rope through the holes. Tie knots on the inside of the bucket beneath the inner lining.
Style and Accessorize
Cassidy Garcia
Cassidy Garcia
On the outside, add a personal touch with an iron-on monogram, team logo or anything else that makes it special to you. Now, this beautiful tote ready to be shown off!
Cassidy Garcia
