last year's scarf = this year's beach bag

Summer is on it's way which means it’s the perfect time to embrace carefree boho style. Here's an easy tutorial to reimagine last year’s scarf as this year’s beach bag, with minimal sewing required.
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Any square piece of fabric will work for this project. I used a scarf I had made myself and block printed with my own patterns.  The style of the bag is largely determined by the pattern on the scarf you choose, so pick one that speaks to you!

In the end, when it comes time to decorate it, remember that the beauty of this bag is that it can be as simple or elaborate as you'd like. Keep it pared down and elegant or go for a dramatic boho look. Experiment with different colors, add lots of tassels and embellish it to your heart’s content.

materials

    ⁃    one scarf measuring at least 65cm square
    ⁃    2 yards of 3/8” twisted cotton rope
    ⁃    2 metal eyelets
    ⁃    eyelet setting kit
    ⁃    hammer 
    ⁃    yarn or embroidery thread
    ⁃    large embroidery needle
    ⁃    scissors
    ⁃    sewing machine (or sew by hand, there isn’t a lot of sewing) 
    ⁃    thread for sewing
    ⁃    sturdy metal comb 

STEPS

Fold the scarf in half, top corners together and the sides lined up nice and even. Stitch up both sides.

On each top corner, mark where your grommet will go. I like to put it about 2-3cm down from the top and over from the side.

Cut a round hole through both layers of fabric, large enough to fit the taller portion of the eyelet through. Following the directions on your kit, set the eyelet in place. The fabric should be sandwiched between the two pieces of the eyelet. It’s best to hammer on a sturdy, solid surface or on the floor if you don’t have a sturdy table. Repeat this on the other corner too.

Thread the cotton rope through the eyelet, in through the back and out the front of the bag, on both corners. Wrapping the raw edges of the rope with tape will prevent them from unraveling and make them easier to fit through the holes.

Adjust the length of rope to the length of strap you’d like. You can leave it longer for a cross body bag or make it shorter to create a handbag. Tie a basic knot on each side to secure the length.

Now it’s time to make the tassels! There should be 2 long sections of rope hanging from each side of your bag. Trim the rope to the length you’d like your tassel to be. I like to make mine about as long as the side of the bag.
Begin untwisting the rope and combing out the tassel. Work in sections and continue combing until it’s all untangled. Finish it off by gathering it together and trimming the bottom in a even, straight line.

The bag is basically finished now, but why not go farther and add some colorful wrapping? Take a long length of yarn or embroidery thread and tie it onto the rope where you'd like your block of wrapping to start. Weave the knot and loose end of thread into the rope and then wrap around it. Continue wrapping, wrapping, wrapping, until you've covered as much of the rope as you'd like. If you run out of yarn or want to change colors, just knot both pieces together, weave the loose ends back into the rope and continue on.​

At the end, tie the yarn into another knot around the rope. Using a large needle, weave the loose end back into the wrapping and trim it off. For even more decoration, repeat the same wrapping process on the top of the tassels.

A FEW TIPS

Don't have a scarf? Any square piece of fabric will work, but you might want to finish the edges first. Bandanas are also great for this project.
The only thing needed that you might not have lying around is the eyelet setting kit. Most kits come with all the tools you need, minus a hammer, as well as about 10 eyelets. They can be found in most craft stores.
When it’s time to comb out the tassels, be patient! It could take a few minutes of combing before a nice, fluffy, tassel appears. Work slowly. You might also find it helpful to iron the rope straight after combing each section.

That's it! You're ready to hit the beach. Fill the bag up with towels, a book and some SPF and be happy that you have a bag that's all your own design. We'll see you out there!