How to Make a Farmhouse Style Canvas Tote Bag
In my last post I showcased a jute tote bag with a sheep stencil – the perfect bag to hold your yarn stash! Today I’m going to show you how to add a fabric sheep applique to a plain canvas tote bag. I think cute little sheep are the perfect animals to represent farmhouse style, and ticking stripe fabric is the perfect pattern. But feel free to use any farm animal silhouette or fabric you desire. Cows are fun, too! Whatever you choose, this project takes little time and effort, yet gives a big impact.
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If you’d like to embellish a plain canvas bag with this farmhouse motif, keep reading for all the supplies and steps you’ll need.
Supplies
- plain canvas tote bag
- ticking stripe fabric
- sheep silhouette stencil. You can find one on Amazon or Etsy, but I also have a free printable template for email subscribers (gain access below).
- fabric scissors, fabric pen, sewing needle, sewing thread
Steps
First you’ll need to gather your ticking stripe fabric and sheep silhouette stencil. If you’d like my free sheep silhouette template, you can gain access by subscribing below…
Next, trace the sheep silhouette on the wrong side of the ticking fabric using a fabric pen, being sure to place it on the bias (diagonally). (I think the applique looks best cut on the bias).
Cut out the sheep carefully using fabric scissors. It may be best to use small fabric scissors to trim out the legs.
Center the sheep in the middle of the canvas tote bag:
Once you are happy with the placement of the sheep, pin it in place (on the front of the bag only – be careful not to pin through both layers of the bag):
Now you want to sew around the outline of the sheep to attach it to the bag. If you are able to do this on a sewing machine (being able to maneuver just one layer of the bag fabric), that would be quicker.
However, I chose to hand-sew the outline around the sheep. I used a simple whip-stitch in an imperfect & rustic manner. The fabric may fray a bit, but you could always add some fray-check liquid. Another option is to cut the silhouette with pinking shears prior to sewing.
I like the hand-made & rustic feel of my stitches, but if you want smoother edges you could always use iron-on transfer sheets. With those sheets, you simply iron on the fabric to adhere to the bag. (No sew!)
Showcase your finished canvas tote bag
Whichever way you choose to add the sheep to the bag, the process doesn’t take too long and the end result is a cute farmhouse style tote bag!
Use it to stash supplies for your next craft project or to carry your produce at the grocery store.
When caring for your canvas bag, it would be best to spot-clean only rather than machine wash. Be gentle with your sheep. 🙂
Want to remember this sewing craft? Post this canvas tote bag idea to your favorite Pinterest board!
