https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/lace-up-transparent-vinyl-bag • Posted by Christine R. B.
If you are coveting a unique transparent tote bag but are terrified at the thought of sewing up one, I guess this would be a perfect project for you! With the eyelets, you will have the flexibility (and fun!) coming up with different lacing styles using materials of your choice. For my versions, I included a macrame focal panel on the tote bag and came up with a furoshiki style handle.
If you are coveting a unique transparent tote bag but are terrified at the thought of sewing up one, I guess this would be a perfect project for you! With the eyelets, you will have the flexibility (and fun!) coming up with different lacing styles using materials of your choice. For my versions, I included a macrame focal panel on the tote bag and came up with a furoshiki style handle.
For the template, you can either download the pattern sheet PDF and assemble the pattern according to the assembly diagram; or download the schematics PDF and draw your own, following the dimensions in the diagram. I suggest printing the pattern sheet on thicker weight papers as this will make tracing easier in the next step. If you are drawing out your own template, I suggest a stiffer material like thin cardboard. (I used a piece of vanguard sheet that I already had on hand) For both methods, redraw the circles to fit the inner circumference of your larger-sized eyelet (follow the size recommended by the manufacturer) if you are not using similar sized ones. Cut out the template, including the circle cut-outs for the large eyelets.
Fold the vinyl in half. I recommend flattening the folded edge by pressing it with an iron at the lowest temperature with a pressing cloth. Lay the template over the vinyl, with the bottom of the template flushed along the folded edge. Trace the pattern with a non-permanent marker, including the circle cut-outs and the 1-inch marks. (If you only have a permanent marker like sharpie, you would need to prepare some rubbing alcohol for cleaning up later)
With the vinyl still folded in half, carefully cut along the traced lines and circles (except the 1-inch marks) with the cutter and metal ruler. You might want to use scissors for the curved areas.
You will get something like this. Next, you will need to fold the top flaps down inwards, making sure that the circle cut-outs on each flap overlap exactly with the circle cut-outs on the respective side of the bag. Then, fold the sides in at the 1-inch marks. It would be easier if you unfold the middle first.
Again, I recommend pressing the folds (at the lowest setting with a pressing cloth) for a cleaner and neater finish.
Once everything is folded like so, wipe off all the marker markings. (If you used a permanent marker, use some rubbing alcohol to get rid of the markings.)
Following the manufacturer's instructions, set the larger eyelets through both layers of circle cut-outs (flap and body) on each side of the tote-bag. For mine, I just need to snap the parts together.
Next, you will need to mark out the positions for the smaller eyelets. From the bottom of the tote bag, measure 3/4" up and 1/2" from the edge, make a small mark with the marker. Make 14 more markings, 1" away from each other. The last marking should be about 3/4" away from the top. Do the same for the other side.
Following the manufacturer's instructions, place and set a small eyelet on every marking, going through all the 4 layers. If your eyelet setter does not come with a hole punch, you can possibly use a regular single hole puncher or an awl and scissors. However, this might take longer as you would most probably not be able to punch/cut out a hole through all four layers at a single time.
You now have the base of the vinyl bag to start lacing up and embellishing with!
These are the materials that I had decided to use to embellish my bag. I decided to create a furoshiki look for the handles and do the lacing with some cords which I had hand-dyed a batch to match the color of my fabric. I also spruced up my bag with a simple macrame decor using some cords, polymer clay geometric beads which I had made and a couple of hexnuts. (For my second bag, I was very inspired by macrame wall hangings, and decided to incorporate that look into it.)
For the furoshiki-style handles, I just made 2 long strips from my fabric.
For the lacing on this bag, it was a straight-forward criss-cross pattern by passing the ends of the cord through each eyelet in the opposite direction. I started from the top of the bag.
Once I reached the last eyelet, I finished the lacing with a square knot, followed by some glue on the knot. I then trimmed off the tails.
For the macrame decor, I planned the design that I wanted. I needed 8 strands of cord from the middle of each side of my bag. To do so, I located the middle 4 eyelets on each side of my bag. I then threaded 4 long strands of cord through the lacing coming out from each eyelet. After which, I started doing my macrame design. To learn more about macrame stitches, I suggest taking a look at this website: http://www.stonebrashcreative.com/MacrameTutorial.html
For my other version, I created a separate macrame panel using a thin brass rod to emulate a wall hanging. I then attached this panel to my bag with more cords.