Molly's Sketchbook: Echino Oilcloth Grocery Tote

Recently I've noticed a lot more people bringing their own bags to the grocery store which is very exciting. I don't see any reason that those bags can't be exciting too!

This ultra sturdy and ultra exciting oilcloth tote is the perfect grocery store companion.  It's made with the new Echino Oilcloth. We love so many of these prints that we couldn't choose just one so this bag features three! This tote is a truly quick and useful project plus it's put together in a cool way since it has a circular bottom.

I think this would make an excellent housewarming present filled with delicious treats for the recipient. It also works really well as a picnic tote, which will certainly come in handy in the coming summer months. If you want to make your own please visit my Oilcloth Grocery Tote Project Journal. Thanks!-- Molly

Comments

[Flash]

Thanks for the tutorial. I live in Ontario, Canada and the grocery stores no longer provide plastic bags. I don't really want to walk around with their branded totes so this is a great alternative.

[darlene]

where do you get oil cloth? is it hard to work with?

[purl bee]

Hi Darlene,
We sell this Oilcloth. Whenever you see red text on The Purl Bee you can click on it and it will take you to the product. Or you can click this link:
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/fabricdetail/5443

[Ronda]

Love the fabric combo.

[elsa]

I love the bags and the oilcloth! I've been carrying bags to the market for a long time and sometimes they are so cute I carry them as purses too! this one fits into cute grocery bag/purse! thanks for the great idea!

[ina and gumby]

molly and the purlie bunch ... isss gooorgeeoousss!!! thanks so much for the fabulous tutorial ... mille baci ...

[Stacy]

I've been thinking about working with oilcloth for a while.... so glad you shared this!

[Trisha]

I saw that you have the fathers day ties but i was wondering if you have one for boys ties. It's so hard to find one for babys and little boys and that aren't to much.
Thanks

[jaybird]

thanks for the info! i'm all about bringing my own bags... most of mine are made of cotton or old t-shirts

[purl bee]

Trisha, we do have boy's ties too. You can find the pattern here:
http://www.purlbee.com/little-boys-tie/

[Dorothée]

I love this ! I'm almost ready to take a loan to buy a piece of each one of these echino oil cloth, they are just so wonderful ! I'm so far away though...

[Vicki]

Oilcloth reminds me of grandma. Love the tote!

[Claire]

I'm all for BYOB - bring your own bag! I love this one that you made...the prints are crazy cute!

[Sarah]

Really want to try this, but haven't sewn with oilcloth before. Any tips or tricks I should know about?

[Mary]

The oil cloth is beautiful, and I intend to make this tote. My question: What kind of needle do you use in your machine when you're sewing on oil cloth?

[Mary]

Great bag! Beautiful oil cloth!

[Melissa]

I have never worked with Oil Cloth... is it hard to get through the machine? I imagine it is thicker?

[angelina]

i love this pattern thanks guys. beautiful oilcloth, however most certainly over my budget. so....i decided to make my own. you can too with any heavyweight fabric , a paintbrush, and a can of linseed oil. instructions are found for you on ebay guides at reviews.ebay.com keyword oilcloth. happy making!
angelina

[purl bee]

Hi Melissa-
Oilcloth is a little thicker but it's very easy to work with- especially if you are sewing on the wrong side of the fabric, which this pattern does. If you sew on the right (shiny) side it can be a bit slow. For some reason my machine gets a bit stuck when sewing on the coated side- but that wouldn't be a problem in this pattern.

Thanks for your question!- Molly

[purl bee]

Hi Mary-
Thanks for your question. I just used a regular universal needle similar to this one:
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/search/results?search_keywords=Sewing+Machine+Needle+-+Titanium+10%2F70&search_submit.x=6&search_submit.y=12

and it worked fine. Happy sewing- Molly

[purl bee]

Hi Sarah-
There are a couple of tips I can give you about the oilcloth.

1. It's easier to sew on the wrong (un-coated) side of the fabric. This pattern is entirely sewn on the wrong side so it shouldn't be a problem.

2. If you need to iron your oilcloth use a press cloth and a low iron

Please let us know if you have any more questions. Thanks!- Molly

[Elizabeth lee]

The picture of the gals at the Denyse Schmidt quilt workshop really got me going. The works in progress, on the wall in the background, look like really groovy paintings. That's my next art project----thanks for the inspiration----beth

[chase]

I got a chance to see these at a local shop, they are so yummy! This tutorial is a great way to use them!