How to Make a Beach Towel Tote

With summer just around the corner I wanted to make a convertible beach towel tote.  This is a super simple project.  You can use it as a tote and later as a towel simply by folding it up.  I absolutely love this project. It is perfect for the beach or as a picnic blanket if you make it on a larger scale.  This project requires only basic sewing skills and can be made in only minutes using a towel, a remnant and some webbing. Honestly, it doesn’t get any easier than this.

For this project I used a nice plush beach towel. I also used a remnant that I had on hand.  You really do not need much fabric for this project so if you have a remnant on hand use that otherwise head over to Hobby Lobby or Fabric.com to get exactly what you need.  You will also need something to use as a strap for your tote.  I chose to use some cotton webbing that I had on hand but you could make some handles from your fabric if you like. This is all you need for this simple project. This post contains affiliate links that if you click on them and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

If you would like a video tutorial of this project head over to YouTube and check out my video.  While you are there subscribe to my free Youtube channel.  

What you will Need:

• 1 beach towel
• 1/2 yd coordinating fabric
• 2 yds 1″ cotton webbing (Optional)

Step 1: Create the Pouch

Cut a piece of fabric 18″ x 30″.  Fold it in half widthwise so it is 18″ x 15″.  Hem the two raw edges of the 18″ side by folding under 1/2″ then again 1/2″.  Place the fabric right sides together and sew along the sides.  Turn the piece right sides out.  You should have a little pouch.  

Step 2: Add the Pouch to the Beach Towel

Place the pouch at one end of the wrongside of the towel in the center.  The fold should be at the end.  Stitch along the sides and the bottom to attach the pouch to the towel.  

Step 3: Create the Strap 

If you are making your handles you will want to cut a piece of fabric that is 4″ x 70″.  Fold the raw edges to the center lengthwise and press.  Fold again in half lengthwise so the raw edges are encased. Then fold the raw edges of the short ends to the inside of the strap. Top stitch along both long edges.

Step 4: Add the Strap

Place the handles on top of the edges of the pouch and stitch along the previous stitching just to the top of the pouch. There will be no previous stitching if you are using webbing.  You are now finished with your tote.

Step 5: Fold the Beach Towel

To fold the towel into a tote turn the pouch right sides out so that the handles are inside the bag.  

Step 6: Create the Beach Towel Tote

Roll up the towel starting at the long end and place it into the pouch.  You will end up with two pockets and straps to carry the tote.  Place your essentials into the tote and head to the beach.  

 

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This project was adapted from a video on https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1891645144423542.