Easy Screen Tote
Copyright Trudi Koch and Platinum Embroidery www.platinumembroidery.com

A project idea from Platinum Embroidery with thanks to Trudi Koch for her help!

Fiberglass screen can be purchased at Home Depot, or other home stores.  Fiberglass screen is very flexible, and can be hooped.  

Cut a piece of fiberglass screen 16 x36 - Fold in half. Finger press to mark the bottom of the bag.

From that pressed mark, fold from top edge to bottom pressed line and side to side to find the center of the bag.   

Hoop a piece of Vilene or a heavy Solvy and your screen.  Embroider your designs. Be creative, and place them any way you like.  When finished with the embroidery, trim Vilene close, as close to the design as you can, and then run under warm water to dissolve remaining Vilene. Let it dry completely. 

Now, on your sewing machine with regular thread sew your tote together.  

With right side showing, stitch 1/4 inch side seams. 
Turn bag inside out and stitch 3/8 inch seams, encasing the first seams. Now you have a clean French seam.    

Fold top edge down 1 inch, and 1 inch again.  Stitch down, and then edge stitch at top.
This doubled fold will provide a stronger base for the handles. 

Cut 2 strips 4x29 for the straps.  Fold each strip in 1 inch to center, then fold in half.  Straps will be 1 inch wide.   Edge stitch both sides.   

Measure 3 1/2 inches from each side seam and stitch straps in place.  Stitch a box shape, and then an X in the center to give extra support.  

You can pull out the bottom corners (from inside ) to form a point.  Measure from tip of point , up 2 inches and make a  chalk line across the screen.  Stitch across.   This will make your tote 4 inches in depth. 
 
Appox. finish tote is  14x13 1/2 x 4         

All Done..........   Fill with towel, tanning lotion, or beach toys and off you go!