This beautiful round rope tote bag combines quilting, rope sewing, and colorful fabric wrapping techniques to create a stylish handbag with incredible texture and structure. Inspired by coiled rope baskets and fabric rope bowls, this oversized circular tote is both artistic and functional perfect for everyday use, beach trips, craft storage, or gifting.
The spiral design creates a stunning visual effect, especially when using bright batik fabrics, florals, or coordinated cotton prints. Best of all, the project is highly customizable, allowing you to create a completely unique bag every time.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to wrap cotton rope with fabric strips, sew a large circular panel, shape the bag sides, add sturdy handles, and finish your tote with decorative tassels and lining.
Skill Level
Intermediate
Finished Size
Approximately:
18–20 inches wide
16–18 inches tall
Adjustable depending on rope length
Materials Needed
Supplies
- 100–150 feet cotton clothesline rope (3/16”–1/4”)
- Quilting cotton fabric strips
- Sewing machine with zigzag stitch
- Denim or heavy-duty needle
- Coordinating thread
- Fabric scissors
- Wonder clips or pins
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Fabric glue stick (optional)
- Iron
Fabric Requirements
You can use:
- Jelly roll strips
- Batik fabric
- Fat quarters
- Scrap fabric strips
Recommended Strip Size
- 1¼” to 1½” wide strips
Long continuous strips work best.
Best Fabrics for This Bag
Beautiful choices include:
- Batik fabrics
- Floral quilting cottons
- Ombre fabrics
- Tropical prints
- Tula Pink style prints
- Pastel combinations
- Bright rainbow scraps
The example bag uses pink and turquoise tropical batiks for a vibrant summer look.
Step 1 — Prepare Your Fabric Strips
Cut fabric into strips approximately:
- 1¼” to 1½” wide
Join strips diagonally to create long continuous strips.
Press seams open to reduce bulk.
Step 2 — Wrap the Rope
Place the end of the fabric strip at an angle over the cotton rope and begin wrapping tightly around it.
Continue wrapping:
- Overlapping slightly
- Keeping tension even
- Covering all exposed rope
You can:
- Wrap continuously
- Or wrap as you sew
Many quilters prefer wrapping gradually while sewing to avoid tangling.
Step 3 — Start the Spiral Center
Take the wrapped rope and coil it tightly into a small spiral.
Using a zigzag stitch:
- Stitch across the rope coils
- Catch both sides of the rope
- Keep stitches centered
Zigzag Settings
Recommended:
- Width: 5–6
- Length: 2–3
Sew slowly at the beginning to keep the spiral flat.
Step 4 — Build the Circular Base
Continue wrapping the rope around the center spiral while sewing with zigzag stitches.
Important tips:
- Rotate frequently
- Keep the spiral flat
- Avoid pulling too tightly
- Guide the rope evenly
The circle will gradually become larger and larger.
Step 5 — Shape the Bag Walls
Once the base reaches your desired size:
- Begin slightly lifting the outer edge upward while sewing
This changes the shape from:
- Flat circle
to - Curved tote bag
The more angle you add:
- The taller the bag becomes
Go slowly during this step because shaping determines the final look.
Step 6 — Continue Building the Bag
Keep sewing additional rows upward until your bag reaches the desired height.
You can:
- Alternate fabric colors
- Create stripes
- Use random scrap placement
- Build gradients or rainbow effects
The spiral effect becomes more dramatic as the bag grows.
Step 7 — Create the Handles
Option 1 — Rope Handles (Like the Photo)
Wrap additional rope with fabric strips.
Create two long cords approximately:
- 24–30 inches long
Attach securely to the inside edges of the bag.
Sew multiple reinforced zigzag rows where handles connect.
Option 2 — Fabric Handles
Use:
- Quilted straps
- Webbing
- Leather handles
Step 8 — Add Side Tabs (Optional)
The example bag includes decorative side tabs where the handles attach.
To make them:
- Fold small fabric rectangles
- Sew around edges
- Wrap around handles
- Stitch securely to bag sides
Step 9 — Add a Decorative Tassel
Create a matching tassel using embroidery floss or yarn.
Attach:
- Near one handle base
- Or at the zipper pull
This gives the tote a beautiful boutique-style finish.
Step 10 — Add a Lining
For a professional finish:
Cut:
- Two lining circles matching the bag size
- Side lining strip
Sew together and insert inside the tote.
Hand stitch or machine stitch lining into the top edge.
Optional additions:
- Zipper pocket
- Magnetic snap
- Interior divider
- Phone pocket
Step 11 — Finishing the Top Edge
Fold the top edge inward slightly.
Sew one final neat zigzag or straight stitch around the opening.
This:
- Reinforces the bag
- Creates a cleaner finish
- Helps maintain shape
Helpful Sewing Tips
Use Heavy-Duty Needles
Denim or topstitch needles work best.
Slow Down Around Curves
The tighter the curve, the slower you should sew.
Keep the Rope Flat
Twisting causes uneven shaping.
Use Strong Thread
Especially for handles.
Support the Weight
Large rope bags become heavy while sewing.
Customization Ideas
This bag looks amazing in:
- Beachy tropical fabrics
- Christmas colors
- Cottage florals
- Denim scraps
- Neutral farmhouse tones
- Lavender and lilac combinations
- Boho rainbow scraps
You can also:
- Add zipper closures
- Make mini versions
- Add appliqué
- Embroider initials
- Use metallic thread
This round quilted rope tote bag is a wonderful combination of quilting and basket-making techniques. The coiled spiral construction creates a bold artistic appearance while remaining durable enough for daily use.
Although the project requires patience, the process becomes surprisingly relaxing once the spiral begins to grow. Every bag turns out completely unique depending on the fabric combinations you choose.
Whether you use bright batiks, soft florals, or colorful scraps, this oversized rope tote is guaranteed to become one of your favorite handmade bags.
