Learn to Sew - The Pre-Loved Edition - A Tote Bag

(Project: Box-Corner Tote Bag from cotton shirts, tea towels, sheets, or duvet covers)

This stand-alone class teaches you the structural magic of turning a flat piece of fabric into a deep, 3-dimensional tote bag with a sturdy flat bottom. Using larger pieces of pre-loved fabric like a duvet cover, a flat sheet, or two shirt backs sewn together you will create a roomy, robust carry-all perfect for groceries, beach trips, or library runs. This class focuses on handling bigger pieces of fabric and reinforcing stress points for long-lasting durability.

Who is this for?
This class is suitable for beginners who are comfortable with the absolute basics. If you can thread a sewing machine, wind a bobbin, and sew a reasonably straight stitch, you are ready for this project. You do not need any previous bag-making or upcycling experience this class will walk you through every new technique step-by-step.

Materials You Must Bring:

Body: 2 x Large pieces of flat, woven fabric at least 60cm x 80cm (e.g., a duvet cover panel, a flat bedsheet, 2 matching tea towels, or the front/back of 2 matching shirts).
Handles: A sturdy old pair of jeans (to cut denim straps from), thick cotton webbing, or a long strip of matching fabric cut on the grain.
Please pre-wash and iron all fabric before class.

Important Restrictions:

❌ No stretchy knits or t-shirt jersey.
❌ No slippery silks or satins (they are too difficult for beginners to control).
✅ Medium-weight woven cottons, poly-cotton blends, and lightweight denim are ideal.

Please note, this class is for Adults 18+

As a not-for-profit organisation, NGĀ ART (Te Whare Toi o Ngaaruawaahia) relies on grants, community funding, and donations to keep our classes affordable and accessible for everyone in our community. This programme is generously subsidised thanks to funding support from the Waste Minimisation Fund (WMF) to boost Aotearoa New Zealand’s performance in waste minimisation.

Learn to Sew ✦ The Pre-Loved Edition ✦ A Tote Bag