DIY: How To Make A Bucket Bag

A few months ago, I bought this handwoven Guatemalan fabric from Colores del Pueblo. They call it the 'Pineapple Express' fabric. Can you guess why? It was used to make James Franco's pants in the movie Pineapple Express. Kinda random information, I know...

Anyway, I've always wanted to share how to make a bucket bag with you guys, so here it is. As I say time and time again, the possibilities are endless with this pattern. Have fun. 

Step 1: Decide if you want to use interfacing (for this tutorial I did not use interfacing). Then, cut all necessary pattern pieces out. I included a 5/8" seam allowance to the pattern pieces. So you don't have to worry about adding that in. 

Step 2: Sew pom poms onto 'fabric pattern 1'. On the right side (along one of the 27 3/4" sides).

Step 3: Fold fabric in half with right sides facing. Sew seam as shown below. Don't forget about that 5/8" seam allowance.

Step 4: Pin then sew 'fabric pattern 2'  to 'fabric pattern 1'. 

Step 5: Okay, the lining fabric pieces. You're gonna do the same thing you did in step 3 and 4. The only difference is you're gonna leave a 3" - 4" opening in the center of 'pattern 1', as shown below.

 

Step 6: Decide how long you want the strap to be. Here, it's 32 inches long. Pin then sew the strap in the desired spot.

You should have these two pieces so far. 

Step 7: Main fabric should be right side out and lining fabric should be inside out. Follow instructions below. 

Step 8: Remember that 3" - 4" opening in the lining fabric? Pull main fabric out from there. Then, sew that opening closed. 

After you do that...

You can either topstitch the top opening  of your bag or just leave it as it is. 

Step 9:  Attach eyelets. You can put in as many as you like. Here, I used 6. Weave in drawstring cord.