How To Make A Turkey Tote

How to Make a Charming Turkey Tote Bag: A Step-by-Step Guide

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate this festive holiday than by crafting a delightful turkey tote bag? This project is perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, offering a unique way to carry your Thanksgiving essentials or even use as festive décor. Let's dive into this fun and rewarding DIY project!

Materials You'll Need:

• Fabric: Choose a sturdy fabric like canvas or cotton duck for your tote bag. Consider a neutral color as a base to let your turkey design pop! Approximately 1/2 yard should suffice.
• Felt: Various colors of felt for your turkey's body, wattle, beak, and legs.
• Embroidery floss or yarn: For stitching details on your turkey. Brown, red, and orange are great options.
• Sewing machine: While hand-stitching is possible, a sewing machine will significantly speed up the process.
• Scissors: For cutting fabric and felt.
• Pins: To hold fabric pieces together while sewing.
• Needle: If hand-sewing.
• Pattern: You can easily find free turkey patterns online or even sketch your own design! Consider a simple shape for your first attempt.
• Stuffing (optional): If you want a more plump turkey.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Create Your Turkey Pattern & Cut Fabric:

• Design: Start by sketching or finding a simple turkey pattern. This could be a basic shape, or something more intricate. Remember to consider the size of your tote bag when designing.
• Transfer: Transfer your turkey design onto the felt using a fabric marker or chalk.
• Cut: Carefully cut out the felt pieces following your pattern. You'll need separate pieces for the body, wattle, beak, and legs.

2. Assemble Your Turkey:

• Layer: Layer and pin together the different felt pieces to create your turkey. The wattle might be best attached to the head before the head is added to the body.
• Stitch: Sew the felt pieces together using a sewing machine or by hand-stitching with embroidery floss. Use a whip stitch for a clean and subtle finish.

3. Prepare Your Tote Bag:

• Cut Fabric: Cut your chosen fabric into the desired size for your tote bag. Consider the dimensions of your turkey when deciding on the final size. Remember to add seam allowances! (Generally 1/2 inch).
• Create the Tote Base: Sew the sides of your fabric rectangle to form the tote base.
• Attach Handles/Straps: Cut strips of fabric for your handles. Fold them in half lengthwise, and stitch along the long edge. Attach them to the top edge of your tote bag, securely stitching them in place.

4. Attach the Turkey Appliqué:

• Position: Carefully position your completed felt turkey onto the front of your tote bag.
• Stitch: Stitch the turkey onto the tote bag, using your sewing machine or by hand. You can use decorative stitches for an added touch. Consider using a running stitch for a subtle look, or a more intricate stitch if you prefer.

5. Finishing Touches:

• Embroidery: Add extra detail by embroidering details such as feathers or eyes onto your turkey using embroidery floss.
• Press: Press your completed tote bag to give it a crisp and professional finish.

Tips and Variations:

• Experiment with Fabrics: Try different fabric textures and patterns! A plaid fabric could add a rustic charm.
• Embellishments: Add buttons or other embellishments to your turkey for extra flair.
• Size Matters: Adjust the size of your turkey and tote bag to fit your needs.

This charming turkey tote bag is sure to be a Thanksgiving conversation starter. Enjoy the process and the delightful result of your handmade creation! Happy crafting!