How to Craft a Wool Tote Bag from a Wool Sweater

This craft project will teach you how to transform a wool sweater into a wool tote bag. By using minimal supplies and a bit of knowledge you will be able to craft a really charming wool tote bag for toting around your daily essentials. The key to crafting a wool tote bag, is choosing a sweater that is 100% wool. A thick wool sweater is best, as it will make the tote bag much stronger. Also try to choose a wool sweater that has a pattern, so your wool tote bag will have a stylish design.

Hints: Thrift stores and garage sales are excellent resources for purchasing inexpensive wool sweaters.

Materials:
100% wool pullover sweater (XL) as shrinkage will occur
washer and dryer
detergent
scissors
strong quilting thread
a sewing machine

Directions:
You are going to begin this project by felting the wool sweater. This is simply done by washing the wool sweater in a washing machine with hot water and a little detergent. Next, dry the wool sweater in the dryer on the regular heat cycle. This will cause the wool fibers to cling to one another, causing the wool to shrink. When you remove the sweater from the drier the sweater will have shrunk and the wool should have a tight dense feel to it. Most of us have done this by accident to our favorite wool sweater, at one time or another. Little did you know, you just felted your wool sweater!

Now using the scissors, cut a straight line across the front of the sweater from one side seam to the next, just below the sleeves. This will remove the top portion of the wool sweater. This will leave you with the bottom portion of the wool sweater, which will be used for the wool tote bag. Turn the fabric inside out and sew along the bottom, using a 1/2" seam allowance. Run a stitch around the opening of the wool tote bag to keep the wool from stretching over time.

Now you are going to use the sleeves from the sweater to create a strap for the wool tote bag. Cut the length of the sleeve 2" longer than you would like your strap to be and make it approximately 4" wide. Fold the fabric in thirds lengthwise, and run a stitch along the edge. Sew the ends of the strap inside the opening of the wool tote bag, one on each side. Sew each one in the shape of the letter X to make it secure.

Care: When your wool tote bag needs cleaned, it must be washed by hand in cool water and air dried on a flat (towel covered) surface.

Make a wool tote bag for toting around your knitting or crochet projects or for holding onto your Kleenex, winter gloves, hat and scarf etc. You can also use your wool tote as a handbag. A wool tote bag would make an excellent gift idea for family and friends!