You need a piece of material 18" wide and 42" - 44" long to make a bag the usual size with a fold at the bottom. Start by fringing either or both of the short edges by pulling out the threads that run across the width of the material. Just pull out a few at a time or they snag.

Continue til the fringe is as long as you want it to be.

Fold over the short edge by about three inches - WITH THE WRONG SIDE OUT and press.

Fold the top edge under again, away from the fringe to form an edge to tuck the handle ends under, in the usual way.

Repeat with the other end of the bag if you want both sides fringed, or fold over once, then again, as usual if you want the other side plain.
You then make up the bag in the usual way, tucking the handle ends under the fold of material on the inside of the bag. I finished off the fringe by sewing a line of decorative stitching just above, but this is not essential.

The finished articles -

Don't forget that the top edge of the bag has inside out material between the fringe and the top. It would make an interesting contrast with some material (e.g. denim) and might look unsightly with others, (e.g. printed materials)


