The Perfect Handmade Bag: Recycle and reuse to make 35 beautiful totes, purses and more

Give fabric a new lease of life with one of these fantastically chic recycled bags. In today’s modern, environmentally conscious society, with its emphasis on reusing and avoiding plastic bags, a practical bag has become an essential part of everyday life.

Every bag is designed to make the most of the materials that are readily available and easily recyclable. Try turning a dish-towel into a smart shopper to carry all your groceries in, or use an old hessian sack to make a sassy bag to take to the gym. Reuse is at the heart of this book, as projects like the floral scrap tote bag and the patchwork weekend bag demonstrate, and you will soon be able to transform an old blanket or a few scraps of discarded clothing into a unique bag in no time at all. Each project comes complete with beautifully illustrated step-by-step instructions and there are designs suitable for all skill levels—the packaging bag requires just a few simple stitches, while the design of the adorable owl pocket bag will appeal to more experienced crafters. You are certain to find the ideal bag for you or the perfect gift to give to friends and family.

Since childhood, Clare Youngs has loved making beautiful handcrafted objects. She studied graphic design and went on to work in packaging for a number of high-street stores, including Marks and Spencer and House of Fraser. Clare has since worked in illustration and book jacket design before deciding to turn her attentions to craft full-time, and is the author of Stylish Papercraft: 25 Contemporary Projects for Your Home (Hamlyn, ISBN 978-0-600618-53-9). The Perfect Handmade Bag is her second book.