"Heraldry's modern equivalent is the college sweatshirt meeting the business card–something unique to you so you can be identified from a distance! This cotehardie is of the IL019 linen with appliquéd fleur-de-lis and hare. On the OTHER side of this dress is another whole pattern with greyhounds. His garment is a surcote, worn over armor for medieval martial arts combat. So fun to make, but even more fabulous to wear! I get to teach many people about my sewing when they ask about the clothing."

Congratulations Lynne, your works really show off your unique creativity and talent! You’ll be able to sew plenty more inspirational linen designs with your $250 prize to spend at Fabrics-Store.com!

Shop for medium weight 100% linen IL019 here>>>

2nd Place Winners:

Molly with 725 votes:"The hustle My Bustle skirt, drawstring waist in the back, linen a-line maxi with pink and white coordinating ruffled fabric."

Shop for medium weight 100% linen IL019 here>>>

Rachelle with 553 votes""This early period Norse ensemble is made from medium weight linen. The dress is Krista Natural, and the hangarok(apron) is Crimson. Both garments are hand finished/embroidered with silk floss."

Shop for medium weight 100% linen IL019 here>>>

3rd Place Winners:

Deanna with 338 votes.

"Linen Regency Dress"

Wendy with 315 votes"Spring is the start of fighting season. Rapier fighters slough off the winter by getting outside for duels and small unit combat. This is a heraldic cote made from several layers of medium weight linen, in black, potting soil, taxicab, white, crimson, natural and orange."

Shop for medium weight 100% linen IL019 here>>>

April with 279 votes"I wanted something different to wear to Ren Faires and SCA events (I'm a musician in a band, the Tulstin Troubadours), so I chose 15th century Flemish for its unique look and comfort. This outfit is very versatile! If it's hot, I can wear just the smock and the blue kirtle, and if it's cold, I can add the two layer overdress and tie-on sleeves. The entire overdress is lined, so I can tuck up the skirt to show off the yellow. My band's colors are green, blue, and gold, so I used IL020 Bleached for the smock and the partlet, IL019 Cobalt for the kirtle, and 4C22 in Emerald and Autumn Gold for the overdress. The tie-on sleeves are reversible IL019 Cobalt and 4C22 Emerald, which makes for nice contrasting cuffs when I roll them up. The partlet was made completely by hand, and the back of both the kirtle and overdress were pleated using double box pleats to provide extra poof without using a bumroll."

Shop for medium weight 100% linen IL019 here>>>

Thank you to everyone who participated! We were overjoyed with the amount of designs that were eagerly submitted.

Everyone really proved that when it comes to linen, you can design some amazing Spring Crafts.The variety of projects was absolutely amazing! Keep on designing and showing off your incredibly talent!

Ribbon meets linen in today's post that shows you a clever way to add a beautiful detail to your bedding.  I already showed you how easy making a linen duvet cover is, and now you can make that bedding even more special.  Grab some ribbon and get crafty!

Whether you feel like adding one or two rows of ribbon along the edge of your duvet cover and pillows, this border will boost your bedding to another level!

Before we begin, I should mention again why linen makes an excellent choice for your bedding.  You know by now that linen is actually soft against the skin (forget all those burlap bag comparisons!) and that it just gets more luxuriously soft with each wash.  Linen is the best thing to wrap around you while you sleep!  Need more reasons? I've got you covered!

Here is just a few more reasons I choose linen for my bed:

• Linen suppresses live pathogenic bacteria, micro flora, and fungi and is allergy free.
• Stimulates blood flow and promotes relaxation.
• It is a breathable fabric that keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. No more waking up in sweaty damp polyester/cotton sheets.
• Has an excellent ability to absorb superfluous moisture.
• Stronger than cotton.
• Long lasting and grows more comfortable with every use.
• Linen is environmentally friendly. It is a renewable resource and biodegradable.

The white linen with a border of black grosgrain ribbon looks beautiful, but there are so many colors to choose from!

Get creative and mix up colors.  

View all colors here>>

Grosgrain ribbon can be found just about anywhere.  Your local fabric store is a great place to look.

The clean border is a classic touch and makes your bed linen look so beautiful! The grosgrain ribbon trails along the length of both sides of the duvet.  Why not make something gorgeous and handsewn to show the care you give your bed linen? This delicate feature adds elegance to decadently soft linen and will transform your ordinary bedding.

To show you just how easy it is, I decided to do a single ribbon border along the edge of a small pillowcase.

All you need is some linen and ribbon to get started.  I chose to demonstrate this technique with IL020 linen in Cerulean.

You can find Cerulean here>>

IL020 is a lightweight linen is good for decorative pillows like this, but I would stick with IL019 for bedding.  IL019 is a medium weight linen that is ideal for bedding.  If you want to use IL020 for bedding, that is fine, but just keep in mind that it is a little more delicate (think handkerchiefs).I naturally chose a white ribbon to go with this blue shade of linen!

I measured my linen to extend over my pillow 3 inches; this allows extra material to create a border with.  I cut two identical pieces like this.

Sew the ribbon onto the inner stitch by making two seams along the edges of the ribbon.  If you like, you can make a border with two rows of linen (like the the black and white bedding). Fold the ribbon at each corner so you can continue sewing.

Once you place the pillow inside, you can finish all the seams by hand.

I love how the ribbon adds a classic border that is super easy to do.  This is so simple to add to a duvet cover! All you need is some ribbon and you can make a straight stitch to keep it in place.  It is just the thing to add something extra to your linen bedding.

Here's another idea….why not add some lace?  This same technique for adding a ribbon border to linen bedding, can be applied with lace.  Lace trim is a beautiful touch that looks like it took forever to do, but in reality takes just a few minutes to add!

I hope you all found these tips to be useful.  Linen is a great canvas for creative ideas.  Even the addition of ribbon can make your bedding look like it belongs in a home decor magazine!

All the linen you need for your sewing projects is available here>> 

Comments are always helpful and I love to know what you think.  Our Facebook page is growing everyday…come check it out!

Does your chair need a cushion to make it more comfy? An easy-to-sew seat cushion is just the answer!

I made my seat cushion with natural linen so it will match any chair.  I plan on making a set for all the chairs at my table. I love how the natural linen will go great with vintage wrought-iron chairs and wood chairs.  

The sturdy weave of the linen helps these seat cushions withstand the test of time.  You won't need to replace these after a year! They will last you for years and years to come.  The ties help keep these cushions in place and the bows add a lovely detail!

I went with natural linen, but you can select the color you like.  I suggest using a 5.3 ounce per square yard linen or heavier for this project!

Check out all the colors for your cushion here>>>

|Materials:

• 1/2 yard of linen (prewashed)
• craft paper
• 20" sqaure piece of 1/2" thick foam padding
• pencil
• scissors
• measuring tape
• pins
• sewing machine
• cotton cord

You can find foam padding at a craft or sewing store.  Try to find some that is 1/2 inch thick so your cushion will be comfy.

I took a photo of the finished seat cushion to give you an idea of the shape you should trace for the pattern.

On the craft paper, trace the shape of the chair's seat.  march on your paper where the back of the chair attaches to the seat.  Then, cut out the paper shape.

Trace the shape onto another piece of paper.  The first paper pattern will be your foam shape.  The second paper pattern will be your cover shape.  

Using a measuring tape or ruler, mark 1/2" all the way around the outside of your cover shape.  Cut out the paper on this line.  Cut two of these cover pieces out of the linen fabric.  Transfer the marks where the back attaches to the seat onto the "wrong" side of the fabric.

This is the cotton cord that will be inserting into the seam that goes around the edge of the seat cushion.  This is just for a nice detail and is completely optional.  If you prefer, you can seam the top and bottom pieces of linen together with a simple straight stitch.

The seam along the top shows your where I placed the cord and then sewed it into place.  Just do this to the bottom piece of the linen for the cushion.  The other piece of linen will soon be attached to the bottom by making a stitch over the one we just made.  Not just yet though….first we need to make the ties.

I'm sure if you've been following our blog, you are pro at making straps with linen.  If you need a refresher, don't worry!  Just cut four piece of linen 2 inches wide and 12" long.  Fold your linen strip down halfway down along the center and the fold the edges in to meet the centerfold.  Then just make a seam along the edge to complete your strap.

I like to knot the ends of the ties to keep them from fraying.  Pin the ribbons to the location where you will seam them into place when you sewing the two pieces of linen together.  There is a image of what this looks like once complete if you scroll down the page a bit.

With the "right" sides facing each other, sew the cover pieces together, with the exception of an 8" opening to insert the padding into.  Make sure to keep the ties in place, so they a included in the seam at their marked spots.

Now that the edges are sewn, it is time to place the foam padding inside the linen cover.

Fold or roll up the padding so that it fits through the opening.

When it is all inside, straighten it out so all the edges line up.

You just need to grab a sewing needle and thread to stitch up this opening once the padding is inside.

Make the stitch as neat as you can so it blends in with the rest of the seam.

This is how the ties should be attached to the seat cushion so you get a better idea.  Just simply include them in the seam as you sew, so that the raw edge is concealed.

Tie your seat cushion to your chair and see how comfy it is!  Get started on more cushions and have a complete set that is ready for any table.  This is a great idea for patio chairs too!

I hope you all enjoyed this latest linen tutorial.  I love the look of natural linen for this project, but colorful seat cushions might be next up for me.

If you want to check out other linen colors, look at the selection for Il019 and 4C22 linen!>>

Let me know what you think about the this DIY Linen Seat Cushion by posting your comments here or on our Facebook page.  

Thanks, everyone! Have a great weekend!

A linen wash mitt is a great idea if you are looking for a simple way to add a thoughtful addition to your bath. 

The bath mitt is made with linen for its absorbent quality and its ability to dry quickly.  You can store your bar of soap inside or wear it on your hand as you wash.  These are perfect for children to use in the bathtub because they are fun to use in a soapy bath.

These classic mitts are stilled featured in many Europeans bathtubs are a beautiful way to decorate your bath with a useful item.  View the easy steps and get started on your bath mitt today.

Materials:

• Two different shades of linen
• Twill tape or just extra linen
• Sewing machine
• Measuring tape
• Scissors

Remember, you should always preshrink your link by wasking, drying, and ironing it before starting any project.

I used IL019 and 4C22 linen for my wash mitt because they are both thick and durable.  They are the perfect weight for a wash mitt.  I still double-layered them when sewing to make it even thicker.I select IL019 in Mixed Natural and 4C22 in Emerald.

These are the colors I chose, but you should have fun choosing whatever shades of linen you like!  I would explore the color options available for heavy-weight 4C22 first.

Here is an even better reason to stock up on more shades of 4C22- right now, until Sunday, March 25th, 4C22 Linen is ON SALE!

View 4C22 colors here>>

Cut a rectangle 10" wide by 26" long out of the Mixed Natural linen.

I wanted my linen mitt to be thicker and more durable, so I double-layered mine by folding it in half.  This gave me a rectangle measuring 10" wide by 13" long.

Cut another rectangle 3 1/2 wide by 26 inches long, out of the green linen.

I double-layered this as well, giving me a striped measuring 3 1/2" by 13"

With the "wrong" side facing up (this isn't a concern unless  you are using a linen with a pattern), fold both short ends of the green linen in by 1/2"

Press these folds down with a hot iron and center the strip on the Mixed Natural linen's edge.

Sew over the folded edges and down the long edge.

Flip the undyed strip to the "right" side of the Mixed Natural linen. Fold the edges in of the green linen to prepare for a topstitch.

Topstitch all the way around the green linen, close to the edges.

Maybe sew the line a little straighter than me…haha.  It's okay though.  I always consider mistakes as "rustic" details.  It works!

I can't even tell it's not straight from far away!  Anyways, I like to iron my linen between steps to make the edges cleaner.  Sewing straight lines is usually easier that way too.

Fold the mitt in half with the right side facing up, making a 9 1/2" x 6 1/2" rectangle.  Sew the raw edges with a 1/2" seam.

Once the raw edges are sewn, trim the corners and trim the seam allowance down to a 1/4"

If you have bias tape or twill tape, use it for this next step.  If not, then cut a strip of fabric, like I did, about 1 1/2 inches wide and long enough to fit around the side of the mitt, plus a few extra inches for the handle.

I folded in the edges of the strip to make a clean border around the raw and then sewed it down.

It's really easy to do and makes a nice border around two edges.

I just kept sewing the strip along the border so there was some extra fabric for a loop handle.  This makes it possible to hang your wash mitt in the shower.  Just make a loop and stitch the end to the base to create your handle. Now you can use a linen bath mitt the next time you relax in the tub or take a hot shower!

Don't forget the SALE on all shades of 4C22 Linen!

Get all the linen you need to make a wash mitt here!>>

Come check out our Facebook page for more fun ideas!

The fringed border on these placemats give them a unique touch!  You no longer have to reserve you placemats for only special occasions.  These a great to use everyday because of the casual striped pattern that give your table an easy-going charm.

I made mine with a striped pattern for the front and another shade for the back so they can be flipped over depending on the table setting.  The fringed edge on these placemats add a rustic elegance to your table.

The striped linen I used can be found here >>>

I chose Cerulean for the other side of my placemat because I thought it went well with the striped pattern.  I really think any of our linen weights will work great for this project.  Check out IL020, IL019, and 4C22 for different color options!

The yarn dye linens are where you'll find more patterns for the patterned side of your placemat.

The reversible placemat is a great idea! I like to keep one side simple with a solid color that coordinates with my everyday tablecloth.  The striped pattern is when I feel like adding a little more character to my table!

Materials:

• 1 yard of striped linen
• 1 yard of solid color linen
• coordinating thread
• measuring tape
• scissors
• pins
• iron
• sewing machine

I used a striped linen for my placemats.  Find the one I used here>> Striped Linen.  It is a fairly lightweight linen and works great for this project.

I chose a solid color for the other side of my placemat.  Feel free to have fun picking out different patterns and colors!  You can use these same steps to create a variety of placemat looks!  

I used Cerulean in IL020 linen for mine because I liked the way the blue matched the striped pattern.

Cut 1 rectangle, 14" by 20", out of the striped linen.  Do the same for the solid color linen.

Now stack the two pieces of linen so that all the edges are evenly aligned.  I like to use pins along the sides to keep everything in place.

For the nicest fringe, cutting must be done exactly on the straight grain of the fabric.  The grains are really easy to see on the linen fabric.  I love how the fringed strands reveal a bolder color.  It makes the edge look even better!

I really like how this is reversible.  The blue shade will look great against white dining ware.  I am taking these to outside to the patio to complete the perfect sunny day meal!

Now I have a great reason to slow down and enjoy my breakfast.  Even if it's breakfast for just one, I love doing things like this for myself!

There are plenty of different pattern options for your placemats.  Pick out your favorite and get started! Find all the YARN DYE linens here>>

I think any type of linen will work for this project!  Lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight- the all work! Take a look at the entire linen selection here>>

Visit us on Facebook and say "like" us if you enjoyed today's linen craft! Thank you! Have a great weekend, everyone!

Using remnants from previous projects, I cut out circles from checkered and natural linen.  Then I stitched both fabrics together using a machine stitch.

The heavier linen weights, such as 4C22 or anything above 7.1 ounces per square yard, works well for these coasters.

Linen is a great fabric to use for coasters because it absorbs liquid and dries quickly!

Materials:

• two different prints or shades of linen measuring 1/4 yard each.
• 1/4 yard of fusible webbing or linen
• coordinating thread
• scissors
• sewing machine

Fusible webbing is the iron on insulating material that you can use in between the two pieces of linen. Insul-bright can be found at any craft or sewing store.  I just ran out of this material, so I used another piece of linen to use for insulation.  The extra linen will work just fine in this case in protecting your table and soaking up any liquid.  It is a fairly thin coaster either way but it does the job and looks great.  You'll have something functional and beautiful!

Start by cutting the topside of your coaster.  I chose a red checkered print linen I found in our Doggie Bag section a while back.  This is why it is always good to check what we have in this section! The Doggie Bag fabrics are the remaining end pieces from our bolts that are offered at a discounted price.  They come pre-cut at different lengths and are a great deal.  Although this color isn't available at the moment, there are many Yarn Dye linens that are perfect for this coaster.  I would check those out too!

You can even choose a solid color for your coaster and add some nice embroidery!  I recommend picking the heavier weight 4C22 linenfor this project.

Back to the cutting! Just cut one 5 inch square from your linen for the top, one for the back, and one out of the fusible webbing.  I picked out 4C22 linen in Natural for my coaster because of its heavier weight.  If you are making your coaster without fusible webbing, like me, follow this same step.

Using a circular object, such as the bottom of a jar, trace the round coaster shape onto the Tight side of your top fabric with a light pencil or fabric chalk.

Set your sewing machine to a zigzag stitch with very tight tension.  All modern sewing machines have a zigzag setting with adjustable widths and styles.  Zigzag stitching is perfect for sewing stretchy fabrics when your seams need to have some give to them, and zigzagging is often used to finish the raw edges of a project in place of pinking or overcasting.

Test the zigzag on a scrap of fabric and adjust the machine's settings until you achieve a zigzag that is about 1/4 inch wide and produces a very tight, satin stitch effect.Zigzag around the coaster shape on the pencil line. Go slowly, making sure to maintain an even satin stitch.  If your coaster ripples around the edges, press the entire coaster again before trimming.

Here is the stitch from the top.

and from the bottom…

Now it is time to trim off all the fabric on the outside of the circle.

Trim the fabric away and try to get as close as possible to the stitching as possible.

Your coaster is made!

I love how the bottom of the coaster is done is a natural shade!

There you have it! An adorable coaster is now ready to use with your next cup of tea, or perhaps some lemonade!

Check out the Doggie Bags for new specials that come up every two weeks.  This is a great way to get linen at a really low price. I'd take a look at some of the floral and striped prints we offer!

The Yarn Dye and 4C22 linens are just the thing for this craft. Check them out and pick out coaster colors to match your style!

If you have ideas for linen crafts and sewing projects, let me know! Leave a comment here or on our Facebook page.  You can always just say "Hello!" too.  Thanks, everyone! Have a fun sewing day!

Storing bread in linen is the best method to prevent it from going stale.  Better than plastic bags or tupperware, linen maintains the softness of bread, while preserving its crisp exterior.  So enjoy your bread another day or two without having to hurt your teeth on tough crust and tasteless bread!

I really enjoy baking and so when I'm giving away some baked treats, I like to wrap them in one of these linen bags.  It is always nice to add a nice homemade touch to something.  Plus, it looks so much more thoughtful and beautiful than plastic wrap.  Giving away freshly baked goodies in a linen bag you sewed yourself is a really sweet gesture.  It doesn't take very long to do, but sometimes the smallest touch like this can make a difference.

I just sew these up in my spare time with any scraps of linen I have from other projects.  The size of these bags can vary, depending on your preference.  Also, feel free to get creative with your linen colors!  I think some embroidery is the perfect thing for this bag.  If you know how to embroider, then this is a great craft to add some embellishments to.

Materials:

• Pre-laundered linen (about a 1/4 yard)
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine
• 1 yard of 4C22

I choose to make my bag with heavy weight 4C22 linen.  This linen is 7.1 ounces per square yard and works well for this particular project.  

I've made this bag before in Natural linen, but today I am making it in a softened White linen.  The softened linen goes through a different process when it is manufactured.  There are no added chemicals or anything like that.  The only difference between the softened and unsoftened linen options are the texture.  I like both types, but just chose to go with the softened version today.

With your sewing machine, just make a straight seam all the way along the two side edges.

I couldn't help but show it in a Natural linen just for fun!  I know its obvious I am a huge fan of the Natural linen, but can you see why?  I just love how it looks.  I like the way it adds a rustic charm to my kitchen and home.The one pictured above is 4C22 Natural unsoftened linen, but you can look at all 4C22 linens by clicking on the button below:

Fold the top of your bag in a 1/2 inch and then over again another inch.  Sew this fold to create your drawstring.  Leave a little opening at the end so you can slip your string though!

Using a safety pin or paper clip, work your string through the opening and along the space.

Now that the string is in place, just remove the paper clip or safety pin.

Adjust the drawstring so it is evenly distributed along the top and you are all done!

If you are looking for something to sew with linen, try this project out! It is easy and is something you can use for years to come.  This drawstring bag style doesn't have to be used for only for bread.  It is a good bag to store items in and can be used for many different purposes.

Find the 4C22 linen you need to make one by clicking on the button below:

The DIY Bread Bag in Natural linen post is also up if you want to visit that tutorial once more.

Don't forget to visit our Facebook page for more fun craft ideas!

Learn how to make a comfortable linen tank top with today's tutorial!  This easy-to-sew tank top is made with our Fog linen shade in IL041 fabric.  It is a uniquely textured linen in a stylish hue that is perfect for the approaching sunny days.

There are no fancy sewing tricks to this one!  All it takes is a few cuts and easy hems to make your new, everyday tank top.  This is the perfect article of clothing for stylish, but casual outfits.  I even like to lounge around at home in mine.  It is so soft and comfortable that you won't want to take it off.

Materials:

• 1 yard of pre-laundered linen
• sewing machine
• scissors
• pattern paper

Begin by cutting your two pieces of linen.  Use your pattern to cut a piece for the front and back of the tank top.

Hem the edges around the neck and arm holes first.

A simple 1/2 inch hem is all you need to sew for these edges.

Then sew the straps together.

When the top part of the tank top is sewn and ready, I like to sew the tank top together along the two vertical sides.  After doing this, I then hem the bottom with the same 1/2 inch hem as the shoulder area.

This how all the 1/2 inch hems should look like on the outside of your tank top.

The inside of the hems looks just like this.  These hems finish all the edges and are the trickiest part of this tank top.  Not very tricky, right? That's exactly why this is so easy to sew!

Sewing clothes can seem intimidating at times, so it is always nice to know there are simple ways to sew beautiful items you can wear.

This is the seam that runs along the inside of the tank top and attaches the two pieces together.  I used and outerlock machine to finish my seam, but that is an optional step.

This is the outside of the side seam and the hem along the bottom.  Simple and clean.

I can't wait to wear my tank top.  This Winter has been extremely mild and it seems like Spring will just blend into Summer.  Which is a good if you plan on making more linen clothing.  It's a great fabric for breathable clothing for those warmer months.  

Look at all the IL041 colors available by visiting our site HERE>>.

If you want to look at all the linen selections for any type of craft you have in mind, visit our online store at Fabrics-Store.com>>

Be sure to check out our Facebook for more craft and sewing ideas!

Even better, it allows you use some of your creativity when it comes to variations and embellishments.  A linen tote is a great way to have fun trying out new sewing and craft techniques.

It goes without saying that you can carry just about anything in your tote bag.  Whether its a day at the mall, the market, or the beach- you just need one type of bag.

I have a few tote bags at home, but there is one particular tote bag I am extra fond of.  It's the one I used to take with me everywhere.  I still use it for many outings and it's always in my car in case I decide to make a quick stop at the grocery store on my way home from work.  That's the thing about a linen tote bag and why I like them so much, because I have my favorite one that's been through so much.  I've literally carried it around the world and it hasn't failed me once.  It just keeps looking better with age.  My love of my bag shows in its beautiful texture; something I think only time and use can achieve with linen.

Materials:

• Linen. A half yard is enough for this bag.
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Measuring tape

I used medium-weight 4C22 linen for this bag.  The Natural unsoftened is a favorite of mine, if you couldn't tell!  I just love the texture and rustic look of it.  That's why if I am ever in doubt, I'll pick Natural linen.

You can find all the natural shades of linen here>> NATURAL

Remember to wash and dry your linen before you begin!

This is a really simple design that you can embellish however you like.  Add a pocket, embroidery, you name it!  Play around with different sizes depending on what you will be using your tote bag for.  Make it bigger and wider for a grocery bag, or keep it like this for books.  The uses of a tote bag are limitless if you ask me.

I cut my linen into a larger rectangular shape measuring 37" x 19"Fold your cut linen in half so that the two 19" sides are aligned.  The fold will be the bottom of the bag and we will hem the 19" raw edges to form the opening.

Create a seam on the two longer sides.  I use pins to keep the fabric straight while I sew this part.

Now that both sides are sewn together, we can make the straps of the bag.

I cut two long pieces of linen for the straps.  I made these about 28 inches long, but the length of the strap can be longer or shorter depending on your preference.  Make the straps 3 inches wide to give you a finished strap that is 1 inch wide.
First, I folded and ironed the linen in half all the way down the center.  Then, I folded the both edges in a 1/2 inch towards the center.

Re-fold the linen down the center to conceal the other folded edges.  Iron this to flatten all the folds.

Make a seam along the edge with the two inward facing folds to complete your straps.  I made two straps, but you can make one slightly longer strap to carry your bag with.
To hem the top, fold the top down (the bag is still inside out) a 1/2 inch and then again another 1 inch.  While you sew the hem, insert the straps into their proper places to include them in the stitch.
Sew a little X pattern on the base of all the straps to better secure them.  Make a seam along the sides and the top of the X stitch also.  That will keep your straps from ripping off if you are carrying a heavy load in your tote bag!
The image above gives you a better sense of wear the straps are connected to the bag.  Just make sure they are evenly place.  I'd use a ruler for the first side to be on the safe side.
Wasn't that easy?  In just a few simple steps, a tote bag is made!  Pick up some Natural linen and get started!

All the linen you need for all your sewing projects can be found here >>LINEN

If you like this linen project, then be sure to check out our Facebook page for even more crafty ideas! 

If you are looking for a linen craft that will help you stay organized, this is it!  An ordinary box is transformed into something beautiful once it is covered in linen.

Once your box is covered in linen, you can fill it with all your craft supplies and be proud of how tidy you are!

Materials:

• a box
• linen
• scissors
• fabric glue or hot glue

I used an old box I found lying around house for this craft.  A shoebox works well for this.  A tall narrow box would make a great magazine or paper holder.  There are so many different shapes and sizes of boxes that you can really use this to hold just about anything you like.

I chose 4C22 linen in Natural for the outside of my box and IL020 in Apricot for the inside lining.  You can have fun choosing different colors of linen for your box.  Make a few boxes in different sizes and colors to use around your home.  It makes a good "junk" catcher or box to hold any loose objects around your home.

I started by lining the inside of the box with linen.  Just measure and cut your linen to fit each side.  I cut two separate pieces for the longer sides and one long strip to cover the shorter sides and bottom.

I left about a centimeter of linen to hang over the edge.  This makes measuring a little easier and the final product look cleaner.

Then just glue it down.  Go easy with the glue!  Sometimes they don't dry clear and will seep through the linen, leaving ugly dark spots.

Now for the outside of the box.  I covered mine in Natural linen.

The outside is covered mine with two cut pieces of linen.  By this is mean, I cut a strip to cover an edge, the bottom, and the other edge.  Then another piece to cover the other two edges and the bottom again.  This will give you cleaner edges and be little easier to measure as well.  

I measured both of these pieces to be wider and longer than the measurements of my box.  You will see why I did this in later steps.  I'd scroll down and read all the directions before making any cuts into the linen, just so you can get a good idea of how I covered the box.

There are tons of different ways to cover a box in linen.  I am just showing one way that I found simple to do and follow.  If you make a mistake, then just experiment with another method.  

Don't worry about following everything exactly!  It doesn't matter how you got your box covered, as long as it eventually is beautifully covered in the end!I cut the edges for the corner (as shown in the image above) for the first piece of linen to help them lay flatter once glued.

This is what two sides of your box should look like at this point.  These ugly edges and the exposed box will all be covered up with the remaining piece of linen.

Place the other piece of linen over the bottom and sides of your box that need to be covered.

Don't glue just yet though!  The next step shows how I like to form the edges so everything looks neat.

I like to fold the edges in before glueing the linen in place.  I do this for both sides of the second piece of linen.

The image above shows one edge of my box and how the extra length of natural linen is still remaining.

What I do with this is fold it once so that it reaches the top edge of the box.

Then I fold it down again and glue it in place.  Do this for all the edges.  Doesn't it look great?

Now your box is all ready to be filled.  I put some spools of thread in mine.

I love how the colorful lining of the box looks!

The folded edges really make the box look great, I think.