OMBRE ROPE SHOPPING TOTE

LEVEL: EASY

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

SHOPPING TOTE

• 1 roll Crafter's Choice 6mm macrame cord (20m)
• 5-6 spools Gutermann sewing thread in varying colours
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Pins

CHUNKY TASSEL

• Light pink yarn
• Mid pink yarn
• 3mm macramé cord cream ric rac
• Pink embroidery floss
• 5cm metal ring

EMBROIDERY FLOSS TASSEL

• 6 skeins of embroidery floss. We used Semco cotton in: S0103, S0001, S0086, S0251, S0305, S0322
• 2.5cm metal ring
• Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS

SHOPPING TOTE

Step 1. Select the colours you want to use on your bag and wind a bobbin for each colour so that when you're sewing, everything is in order and you can just pop those bobbins in and out. Take the end of the cord and cut the end at a diagonal. Measure 30cm and fold it in half into a 15cm piece.

Step 2. Place the fold under the presser foot of your machine. Set the machine to a zig zag stitch that is wide enough to reach both cords. And keep the needle in the down position. Remember to keep both pieces of cord as close together as possible and keep them centred under the needle. Sew down towards the cut end and stop. With the needle in the down position, slowly rotate the sewed strip counter clockwise - meanwhile, using the zig zag stitch to stitch together the curve.

Step 3. Keep rotating and sewing to the 6 o'clock position, sew down again.

Step 4. When you've reached the end, rotate the strip counter clockwise until it's parallel to the working cord - all while you're continuing to sew.

Step 5. Keep going and you'll notice you're slowly creating an oval! This is the base of your bag. Remember, the working cord is always straight and under the presser foot. The bag (or oval piece) will always be on the left and be the moving, rotating piece. You might miss some sections - that's okay.

Step 6. You'll end up with gaps so when you notice them, just stop, cut your thread and patch up the sections. Then, pick up where you left off. After about 20-25 rounds, or when you feel like your base is big enough, stop but leave the cord intact. Remember, the bag will only get bigger so imagine that the top of the bag will be nearly double your base.

Step 7. Now you're ready to start building up the sides of the bag. This is where I like to change the colour of the thread. Start with a few zig zag stitches and then immediately bring the bottom section upwards, hugging the side of the sewing machine. The cord will start attaching at an deep angle. The more perpendicular you hold the bottom of the bag to the sewing machine, the deeper the angle will be.

Step 8. Keep going until you're ready to change colour. If you want the bag to graduate wider, start holding it at a slighter angle. You'll notice the bag getting wider.

Step 9. Continue rotating and sewing. Remember to keep the bag at a consistent angle for each rotation.

Step 10. You can always bring your bag back up to 90 degrees to straighten up the sides. Of if you want it even wider, hold the bag at say 30-40 degrees. Continue sewing until you've reached your desired height. When you're ready to stop, stop sewing at the curved section and keep the cord attached!

Step 11. Pinch the bag in half, lengthwise. Measure about 12cm in from each end and mark those points with 4 pins. This is where your handles will start and end.

Step 12. Put the bag back into the sewing machine and continue the zig zag stitch until you've reached the pin. Give it a few backwards and forward stitches to reinforce the handles. Cut the thread, remove the bag and measure about 75cm of cord. Attach the end of the handle to the existing pin and continue sewing until you reach the other side. Repeat the step, measuring the same amount of inches on the opposing handle.

Step 13. Once you've made a full rotation and back at the first handle, keep sewing along the handle.

Step 14. Repeat the steps until the handles are at least 3 rows thick. After sewing the last row on the handle, sew for another few inches, reverse and forward stitch a few times and trim the cord.

CHUNKY TASSSEL

Step 1. Cut 35cm lengths of yarn, cord, and ric rac, and lay them together on your workspace.

Step 2. When you have enough to make a fat tassel, thread one end through your metal ring, fold them over, then secure them in place by wrapping embroidery floss around them, and tying it off firmly.

Step 3. Trim ends so they are even.

EMBROIDERY FLOSS TASSEL

Step 1. Find the natural loop of each skein of embroidery floss and make one cut, creating
even lengths of floss.

Step 2. Lay these lengths out one at a time, mixing the colours as you go.

Step 3. Thread your bundle of floss through your metal ring until and double it over.

Step 4. Wrap securely near the top to create a tassel.

Step 5. Trim ends to make them even.