Bucket Bag help!

[barefootonmars]

Hello all,

I am planning on going to a ton of festivals this upcoming year and I need a bag to put all my junk in but still travel light. Anyway, I would love love love to make one of these but dont know how to begin going about it:

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lokipeyvDF1qmvehbo1_400.jpg

I understand that the fabric looks to be woven, I don't know how to do that. But are there any alternative fabrics I can use to make it sturdy like that? Id like to have it in a bright and beautiful pattern as well, so I guess Id just consult fabric stores for that. The point is it has to be fairly medium-large and able to endure the weight of water bottles, a camera, and some psychedelics…ahem!..who said that?! Water bottles. Right!

Many thanks in advance, sending all much love & wishing you a happy autumnal equinox!

[CraftyChef]

Um, I don't think many of us here actually weave our own fabric! You can use whatever fabric you like on the outside and toughen it up with interfacing or a lining of denim, duck or canvas.

[flutter-by]

CraftyChef is right that you can use whatever fabric you want as long as you use interfacing with it (you can look at a craft/fabric store for the thickness you want or order it online).
 
I’ve never made a bucket bag, but I would start with a circular base, a rectangle, strap piece and drawstring piece (if you want the casing to be a different color).  The circle should have a diameter that is as big as you want the base of your bag+ seam allowance.  Then use the circumference of that circle to make the long side of a rectangle+ seam allowance.  The height of the rectangle should be however tall you want your bag to be+ seam allowance. If you want a separate drawstring casing, make that.  If not, add extra height to your rectangle or use grommets or a buttonhole stitch to make room for your drawstring to weave through the top of the bag. 

I don’t often make drawstring bags, so there may be an easier way of doing it, but I would do something like this:

Sew the rectangle to the circle.  Sew the short side of the rectangle.  Repeat for the lining but leave a hole to turn it right side out.  Sew the drawstring casing to the top of your exterior piece (right sides together.  Attach the strap (but be careful not to sew through the drawstring casing).  Put the exterior of the bag (including the strap and drawstring casing) into the lining of the bag.  Sew around the top.  Turn right side out through the hole in the lining.  Sew up the hole and finish with topstitching if desired.     

Hope that helps.  Let me know if you still have questions.