Bamboo Ring Handle Tote Bags

I thought my bag-making mania might be slowing down after three Noodlehead 2-4-1 totes, four Noodlehead Trail Totes, origami bags versions 1, 2, and 3, a panel tote, and a foldover bag, but then I discovered the completely adorable ring handle bags, and I am obsessed again!!!

There are a few different options for shapes for this bag, and I look forward to trying more, but for my first version, I followed the directions in this video from kcoton. Below, I described the steps in the video and have provided the dimensions for different sizes.

Here’s what you’ll need:

I’ve included a table below based on the proportions of the bag in the video. You can vary the dimensions and get great-looking bags of different shapes – for example, for the pink and daisy bags, I used 6″ handles with the dimensions listed for the 5″ handles. The dark green-blue cherry blossom print bags are a bit longer (taller) than these proportions, because I was trying to make the most of the fabric, which is cut from an old kimono.

Pair of ring handles. I found many cute options on Etsy and eBay
Fabric for the exterior
Fabric for the lining
Basic sewing supplies

Here’s how to make it:

If you are using a lightweight fabric, like a quilting cotton, fuse interfacing to the back of the exterior fabric, except for the last 4″ on the two short ends
If you want to add a slip pocket, sew it place 5″ from a short end, with the opening facing the end of the fabric
Line up exterior and lining fabrics, right sides together
Sew along short ends with 3/8″ seam allowance
Press seams open
Shift the tube you have created to line up the seams, right sides still facing and pin in place
Measure 7.5″ out from the center seams towards the four corners and mark with pins – see picture below

Sew from corners to the 7.5″ mark – see blue lines marked on picture above – with a 5/8″ seam allowance and backstitch
In the center unfinished section, press the edges wrong sides together to make 5/8″ seam allowance
Sew box corners (see dimensions above) in all four corners and trim
Turn the bag right side out and push the lining inside the exterior
Topstitch the open sections where you had pressed seams
On the inside of the bag, mark a line 3.5″ from top of opening
One small section at a time, fold the top of the opening down over the handle to line up with the 3.5″ marking and stitch
Repeat on the other side

Last step: get sooo excited to see your adorable new bag!

These first two bags are for my nieces. I hope they make it through the shipping lanes all the way to Hong Kong!