Crafts : Purses : Woven Vinyl Totes : Home & Garden Television

This was indeed another "blast from the past"...MY past, anyway because I first made a couple of these totes from vinyl tablecloths back in the...well, a long time ago. The basic pattern goes back even farther because it was inspired by those woven paper heart "baskets" that children have been making for who knows how long?

Whether you buy a vinyl tablecloth to cut up or buy vinyl by the yard, it makes no difference what weight you use. I used some that was very light weight, some that was flannel backed and some that looked and felt like leather. Obviously the heavier weight will give you a sturdier tote.

It is suggested that before making a large tote you make a small something just to get the idea. The same basic directions apply regardless of the size or shape of the item you make.

Materials:
vinyl* or vinyl tablecloth
sharp scissors
ruler
pen or pencil
* The amount of vinyl you need will depend on the size of the tote you will be making. If the vinyl is 52 inches wide then one yard should be enough.

Figure A

Steps:
1. Determine the desired size of the completed piece and cut two lengths of material the width of the item and four times as long. For example: To make a small two-inch square coin purse you would cut two lengths of fabric 2" x 8" (Figure A).

Figure B

Figure C

2. Fold each length in half crosswise wrong side out (Figure B).

3. Starting at the folded edge measure, mark and cut strips of equal width. Mark and cut from the folded edge to the midway point. The strips will be two inches in length (Figure C).
Note: When determining the width of the strips to cut be certain that they will fit evenly across the width of the vinyl piece.

4. Unfold fabric lengths and refold with the right sides out.

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

Figure H

Figure I

5. Place the folded and cut pieces with the cut strips at right angles to each other. Weave the strips together but instead of weaving in the traditional fashion of over and under you open the first strip and slip it over the first folded strip on the other piece (Figure D). Instead of then going under the second strip you open it and put the folded strip on the first piece through the second strip (Figure E). Continue weaving in this manner across the row (Figure F). Repeat the same process on the next row but alternate the steps starting with through (Figure G) and then go over (Figure H). It is important to push each row up tight to the one before it (Figure I)or you will run out of space before you get the bottom row in. If you have not done this kind of weaving before you may find it a bit tricky but it is not difficult.

Figure J

6. When both pieces are completely woven together tuck the protruding side flaps inside. Then fold the two top flaps inside (Figure J).

7. Blind stitch the open side edges together giving you an envelope that is closed on three sides.

Figure K

The above method was used in making the small vinyl purse shown on the program (Figure K).

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Also in this Episode

Carol Duvall Show : Episode CDS-1905
•	Woven Vinyl Totes
•	Marbled Paper Vase
•	Shoebox: Quirky Lady Dolls, Sports Figures, Eggshell Figures

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