Pampisay To(te) Bag

Fast fashion has been a current trend for years and unfortunately, it causes an output of garments that lacks good quality and is easily disposable. This can cause a bulk of disposed clothes that affect the environment. Additionally, it also affects the livelihood of retail workers who are paid inadequately. One solution to combat this is thrifting.

With this problem in mind and notes from interviewees, the proposed project is to create a chic and useful tote bag from old Pisay uniforms. These uniforms will only add to the large pile of discarded clothes as they will not be of use anymore, however, this project will give the clothes another chance for revival. Once done successfully, it can also be replicated by other Pisay students with their old uniforms to help recycle the clothes. 

The tote bag will be in the form of a heart for a stylish look. The inside will have a pocket for a laptop on one side and another pocket for other materials. Instead of a usual zipper, it will be secured with a drawstring for it to be more spacious while the straps will be adjustable. 

• Used clothing
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Clothing shears
• Paper

Create a pattern for the following in a paper:

• Heart shape (4 pcs)
• Bag lining (1 pc)
• Straps (4 pc)
• Front pocket (2 pcs)
• Inner lining (2 pcs)

Image above can be used as reference but it is recommended to change the size based on preference.

Using the paper pattern from the first step, cut the cloth that you will be using. Remember to add an extra inch for an excess margin when flipping the pattern.

Sew the following parts but remember to leave a small part open to reverse it easily. Always sew on the 'wrong' part of the fabric.

• Heart lining (2 pieces)
• Bag lining (1 piece)
• Straps (2 pieces)
• Front pocket (1 piece)
• Inner lining (1 piece)

Combine all the parts following these steps:

1. Connect one heart lining and inner lining
2. Connect straps to their respective heart lining
3. Connect front pocket to one heart lining, preferable the one without the inner lining
4. Connect the bag lining to both heart lining.