How to Make a Square Bottomed Canvas Bag

Wash, dry and press the fabric. Cut a rectangle 18 inches by 12.3 inches from the canvas. Cut a 2.5 inch square from each of the four corners. Cut a rectangle 38 inches by 11 inches from the cotton material. Cut two straps 40 inches by 2 inches from the canvas material.

Fold and pin the four corners of the canvas piece, right side facing out and sew the sides together using a straight stitch to form the square bottom of the bag. Sew over the stitch again to ensure it remains sturdy.

Turn the bottom canvas piece so the wrong side is facing out and pin the wrong side of the cotton material to the canvas bottom with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Pin the second fabric together to form a seam where it meets itself and trim any excess fabric.

Sew the top portion to the bottom section using a straight stitch, removing the pins as you sew. Repeat the straight stitch to ensure the bag remains sturdy. Hem the top portion with a seam allowance of 1/2 inch. Turn the bag right side out.

Hem the straps with the same 1/2-inch seam allowance on both sides of the strap. Pin the first strap to the bag at your desired length. The strap can be pinned lower on the bag to create shorter handles or higher on the bag to create longer handles. Measure the distance from the end of the strap to the bottom of the bag to ensure both sides of the strap are even.

Attach the strap using a straight stitch, making sure to only sew through one layer of the bag. Make a series of small horizontal stitches at the top and bottom of the strap to increase durability.

Repeat step six to attach the other strap on the opposite side of the bag.