Upcycled Souvenir Tote → Lined Drawstring Bag with Slide Pockets
If you're tired of flimsy “gift with purchase” bags from your favorite retailers, turn them into a structured, functional upgrade that keeps the original tote artwork while giving you a polished bag! Baby Lock Ambassador Bianca Springer of Thanks! I Made Them. Sew Can You shares this creative way to reinforce cute "gift with purchase bags" from shopping or special events. Transform a basic tote into a lined drawstring bag with pockets, and never worry about your essentials spilling out!
Keep reading to follow Bianca's step by step process.
Seam allowance ½”
Supplies
One souvenir shopping tote (any size)
1 yard Lining fabric depending of the size of the tote bag used.
2 yards Mid-weight Fusible Interfacing
Two 1-inch D‑rings
Two 1-inch swivel clasps
One, 1-inch slider bar
1 ½” yards half inch twill tape or cording
Ten 1” grommets and setting tools
Baby Lock Sewing Machine such as the Altair 2
Cut Your Fabric
Apply interfacing to the lining fabric
Cut 2 pieces to match the tote body with an added ½” in seam allowance
Cut 1 pocket width of lining x 14”
Prepare the Outside of the Tote
Remove the original straps using a seam ripper. Apply interfacing to the wrong side of the tote.
Prepare the Strap Tabs and Strap
From each original tote strap, cut 2 inches off one end. Thread each 2" piece through a D‑ring. Fold raw ends together and baste — this creates two D‑ring tabs.
Add D‑ring tabs to exterior with the tote inside out. Place each D‑ring tab into the side seams, raw edges aligned with the top edge of the bag. Sew in place.
Make the Adjustable Strap
Open out the cut ends of the straps. With rights sides together, raw edges even sew the strap ends together. Tuck the sides in and sew to match the previous stitching of the strap.
Thread one end of the strap through slider bar. Sew. Thread one swivel clasp onto the strap. Bring the free end back through slider bottom slot, over center bar back through the top slot. Pass the end through the other swivel clasp. Stitch end securely.
Make the Lining
Fold the pocket piece right sides together, matching the short edges. Sew bottom. Turn right side out and press. Topstitch the top edge.
Center the pocket on one lining piece, 4" down from the top. Stitch the sides and bottom to secure, dividing into compartments if desired.
Place the lining pieces right sides together. Sew side seams and bottom seam, leaving a 4–5" turning opening in the bottom.
Box the bottom Measure 3 inches from the corner point. Align seams, stitch across, and trim ¼” from cut edge. Alternatively, leave it uncut to give added support to the bag bottom. Box the bottom of exterior bag.
Join Exterior and Lining
With the exterior right side out and the lining inside out, place the exterior inside the lining so right sides are together. Match side seams and top edges. Sew all the way around the top. Under-stitch the lining to keep it from rolling out.
Pull the bag through the lining opening. Stitch the lining opening closed. Push lining down into the bag and press the top edge crisp.
Install the Grommets
Mark 10 evenly spaced points around the top edge, 1” down from the top fold. Punch holes and install grommets according to package instructions.
Add the Drawstring
Thread twill tape or cording through all grommets. Knot or finish ends with metal tips.
