DIY These Produce Totes With Just TWO Materials

Earlier this week we took you behind the scenes of our Ultimate Edible Garden. Now it’s time to show you how to make quick and easy produce totes for stocking up on fresh veggies at a farmer’s market, at your friend’s gardens and at your local CSA. We created a super simple sewing tutorial with just two materials! :)

Materials:

– oil cloth

– wooden dowels

– thread

Tools:

– pins

– sewing machine

– scissors

– measure tape

Instructions:
1. Fold your oil cloth in half, measure and cut a 13 inch square.

2. On each end fold over a three inch piece and pin.

3. Sew about 1 1/2 inches down from the seam to create a pocket for the dowels.

4. Fold the oil cloth in half and use to hand to measure where your handle should be.

5. Again fold in half, draw and then cut out a handle shape. Typically a half circle.

6. Insert your dowels and start piling up goodies for friends!

This project is so easy and a great handmade piece for friends and family to keep.

If you can’t make a trip to the store, or can’t find good patterns of oil cloth, try using an old vinyl tablecloth. Then, measure and cut out a 13 x 13 inch square from your oil cloth.

Fold over about three inches and pin down.

Sew about 1 1/2 inches from the top to create a pocket for your dowel. Oil cloth has a plastic covering and does not slide well on a sewing machine. Have your hands guide the fabric by placing one at the top and one at the bottom.

Time to create a handle. Use your hand to measure how far down is comfortable for your grip. Fold the fabric in half and draw a half circle on the fold, then cut.

Insert the dowels and get ready to start sharing your garden!

Nom nom nom! These would also be great for gathering wildflowers!!

The holidays are officially here and winter breaks and vacations are starting ASAP. These easy sewing projects will make perfect holiday gifts *and* are fun ways to pass the time while you're deep into holiday nesting. Whether you're in the mood to make something simple like a pillow or want to try your hand at upcycling a dress you no longer wear, we've got you covered. These are simple sewing projects that both beginners and novices alike can stitch up, no problem. So dust off that sewing machine and get ready to whip up some sewing-project magic with these 70+ easy DIY projects.

Pocket Dress

Have dress? Add pockets! It's actually not hard. (Brit + Co)

Dress up your pup in this DIY dog collar bow from See Kate Sew.

Notebook Tea Cloths

Wouldn't these just be the most adorable teacher's gift? (via Say Yes)

Holiday Tags

Add a personal touch to gifts and table settings with the darling monogrammed tag. (via Joann)

Super Easy Grid Blanket

Pick out the colors you love and make this super easy blanket for beginners! (via PurlSoho)

Hugs and Kisses Pillows

Show your love with these huggable projects. (Brit + Co)

Sweater Beanie

Recycle your sweater into some cozy new accessories like this beanie. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Whip up this corduroy overall dress for winter with tights and long sleeves. (via Brit + Co)

Reversible Tote

This tote is the ideal size for a grab-and-go bag. It is big enough to hold all your essentials, yet small enough for a quick trip to the store. Try this Rainbow Stripe to get the look in our main photo! (via Haberdashery Fun)

Or try this tote that folds out to a picnic blanket! (via Brit + Co)

Leather iPad Case

Dress up your iPad in a super svelte, super DIY-able leather case. (via Almost Makes Perfect)

Holiday Bottle Gift Bag

Bring a bottle of wine or bubbles gift-wrapped in a reusable bag made by YOU! (via Singer)

Fabric Keychains

The best DIY gift is something that everyone will actually use. These keychains are easy enough you can whip up a whole batch in just an hour. (via My So Called Crafty Life)

Make a basic tee or three! (via Brit + Co)

Lunch Bag

These cute lunch bags make great gift bags too! Maybe toss in some holiday cookies? (via Purl Soho)

Book Clutch

A book lover on your list? Head to the thrift store for some old hardbacks and make these adorable zipper clutches. (via See Kate Sew)

Kid Travel Pillow

Make your little ones holiday travel a wee more comfortable with this easy travel pillow pattern. (via Joanns)

Dinner Napkins

These cloth napkins are eco-friendly *and* make great gifts in the fabric of your choice. (via Sunday Sews)

Pillowcases

DIY your own pillowcases for a playful mix of prints. (via PurlSoho)

Black Faux Leather Clutch

This black faux leather clutch costs less than $5 to make and can be sewn in under an hour. Talk about the perfect afternoon sewing project! (via The Felted Fox)

Crop Top

Make this easy crop top just in time for summer - popsicle print optional! (Brit + Co)

Make these cases for your laptop or tablet. (via Brit + Co)

Flannel Scarves

Made with a rich, luxe flannel shirt, these are simple to sew but are sure to impress. (via Delia Creates)

Seat Cushions Sewing Project for Beginners

Keep your outdoor seating classy with some colorful cushions. They are so easy to make that you can change ’em up every summer to keep them looking fresh. (via Brit + Co)

Lampshade Cover

Refresh an old lampshade with these easy wrap. (via Sunday Sews)

Sew your own pencil skirt in a shade of your choice. (via Brit + Co)

Fringe Purse

This cute leather fringe purse is a great first project for sewing newbies. It’s also the perfect size to hold makeup or money in your purse. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Cozy Mittens

Make these adorable mittens from an old sweater. The only “trick” is to open your thumb a little to make your new mittens more roomy and comfy. (via Brit + Co)

Wallet Organizer

You won’t need a lot of fabric for these bad boys. Plus they sew up quickly, making them great gifts for holding stuff like iPhones, jump drives, memory cards, credit cards, business cards, cash, notes, memo pads, etc… (via LBG Studio)

Leather Tablet

Stylish, protective and tablet-friendly, leather is much easier to work with than you’d expect. (via Brit + Co)

Break out the holiday dog bed with this beginner sewing project. (via Joanns)

Sew this two-piece eyelet set for warm weather travel. (via Brit + Co)

Quilted Box Pouch

Don’t let the zipper deter you from trying this little DIY — it’s really simple once you get the hang of it. Plus, these bags are amazing for all kinds of storage. (via Fort Worth Studios)

Turn Jeans Into A Skirt

Turn those old jeans you don't love anymore into a cute skirt with this easy DIY. (via Singer)

Ruffled Hem

Make those sweaters last one more season by adding a ruffled hem to the bottom. Not only is it adorable, it will add a couple inches to the length. (via It’s Always Autumn)

Make this no-sew wrap crop top in 15 minutes for your BFF this holiday. (via Brit + Co)

Simple Leather Tote

Head to a thrift store and hunt down a leather skirt to make this project super cost effective. (via Kojo Designs)

Kimono

Cozy up with this easy-to-sew, modern take on a kimono. (via Francois et Moi)

Headwrap Bands

These are perfect for getting your hair out of your eyes at the gym or while running errands. They’re another easy-peasy craft you can make out of scraps you have laying around your craft space. (via Delia Creates)

Outdoor Pillows

Here are three options to decorate your outdoor space with big, colorful pillows. You actually probably have most of the items you need sitting around your house right now. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Lumbar Pillow

Make this extra long lumbar pillow using, wait for it… a table runner! (via Liz Marie)

Business Card Wallet

Quit losing your business cards at the bottom of your purse and make one of these cute little card holders. (via A Spoonful of Sugar)

Canvas Totes

Play around with the measurements to get the exact size you need. These bags would work great as a library tote, pool/beach bag, shopping bag or anything else you could possible use a giant tote for. (via The Sweeter Side of Mommyhood)

Swing Dress

Loose and flowy, this bright dress is a breeze to whip together and we are obsessed with that color. (via Merrick’s Art)

Drawstring Travel Bag

Add some gold lettering for a super trendy bag to take to the beach this summer. Instead of iron-on lettering, just add the letters with a gold pen to make things easier. (via Sew DIY)

Leather Passport Holder

This project comes together really quickly and would be an awesome bon voyage gift for someone who's finally embarking on summer travels. (via Lovely Indeed)

Yoga Bag Sewing Idea

You'll be the most stylish girl at the gym with this colorful yoga mat bag. (via Brit + Co)

Gold-Dipped Tote Bag

We’re all about the gold-dipped look on this pretty tote bag. (via Brit + Co)

Geometric Pillows

We think these fluffs are a must for your spring redecorating plans. Why be square when you can add eight sides and a bunch of tassels? (via Brit + Co)

Gold Clutch

We’ve created the most mini metallic clutch ever. It also happens to double as a fanny pack so you can rock it all night long on the dance floor. (via Brit + Co)

Turn a thrift store skirt into a holiday party dress. (via Brit + Co)

Make this no sew clutch for the holidays too! (via Brit + Co)

Make these DIY squeaky dog toys for just under $5. (via Spoonflower)

Fabric Heart Coasters

A great hostess gift any time of the year, these coasters will show your coffee table some love. (via Thirty Handmade Days)

Earbud Pouch

There is nothing more annoying than having to untangle your earbuds from a huge knot. Keep them tidy and knot free with this cute little pouch. (via Dog Under My Desk)

Feather Dishtowel

Spruce up your kitchen with some colorful towels and trendy feather silhouettes. (via Flamingo Toes)

DIY a backpack for kids! (via Brit + Co)

Woven Rag Rug

Technically it’s weaving, not sewing, but this sweet rug would be a really cool addition to your kitchen or laundry room. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Tiny Zipper Pouch

This convenient little bag is a must for all you travel addicts out there. (via Lovely Indeed)

Lace Shorts

Amp up your old summer shorts with some lace trim… or just lace the whole thing for an extra feminine pair of bloomers. (via Sincerely Kinsey)

Kimono Coverup

Stitch this coverup up in just 10 minutes! (Brit + Co)

Skinny Jeans

Update those old bootcut jeans lurking in your closet by turning them into skinny jeans. (via Brit + Co)

Leather Fringe Bag

Be prepared for any adventure with a little carry-all bag you can take any and everywhere. (via Sincerely Kinsey)

Metallic Gem

You can use these for just about anything or stuff them with jewelry to give away as gifts. (via See Kate Sew)

Leather Dipped Pillows

Use some throw pillows you already have to make this the simplest room makeover ever. (via Brit + Co)

Bow Back Sweatshirt

This easy project takes less than two hours and is great to wear as the season changes over from winter to spring. (via Sincerely Kinsey)

Polar Bear Tablet Case

You could make this case with the silhouette of your favorite animal, but the polar bear is pretty cute for these colder months. (via Sincerely Kinsey)

Easy Circle Skirt

Swirl into warmer weather with this bold skirt. The DIY is so simple you can make one in every color. (via Merrick’s Art)

Simple Tulle Skirt

Channel Carrie Bradshaw and wear this flirty skirt to all your holiday events. (via Cotton and Curls)

Baby Headbands

Perfect for the boho babe, these pretty headbands are the cutest thing ever. (via Brit + Co)

Five Star Project

Give yourself a gold star… on your shirt. You deserve it. (via Brit + Co)

Faux Fur Winter Hat

This is one of the coolest, most-stylish Ikea hacks we’ve seen so far. Make yourself into a snowbunny princess this season with this fluffy faux fur hat. (via Kristi Murphy)

Turn a shower curtain into a produce tote with the clever craft. (via Brit + Co)

We can't wait to see all of the DIY magic you come up with. Whether you're looking to update your closet or your decor, these easy sewing projects are a great place to start!

Main Photo by Mikhail Nilov

Follow us on Pinterest for more DIY inspiration, join our newsletter, or check out our online sewing class!

This article has been updated from a previous post.


Things are heating up betweenSelena Gomez and Benny Blanco since late last year to the surprise of some, but it seems like the couple's romance is just getting started. They're not shy about PDA and posting each other on social media and pretty much telling anyone who doesn't like it to get lost. We love how fiercely supportive they are of each other, giving us so many good green flags! Here's everything we know about the lovely new couple so far.

Keep reading For The Latest News On Selena Gomez And Benny Blanco's Relationship

Selena Gomez And Benny Blanco's Relationship Timeline:

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

March 2019

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco first collaborated on the song "I Can't Get Enough" along with Tainy and J. Balvin in 2019. Though they were featured in a cute scene together, there weren't any rumors about them being romantically linked then.

August 2023

They didn't work together again until late summer 2023 when he produced Selena's single "Single Soon" with Cashmere Cat.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

December 2023

Before 2023 ended, Selena started leaving comments on Instagram that suggested she and Benny Blanco were in fact together. One of the comments she left appear on this Instagram fan page and it reads, "He is my absolute everything in my heart."

Some fans weren't so thrilled to see the two together though and they weren't afraid to express their opinions. But, this only prompted Selena to leave more comments that defended her relationship with Benny.

People grabbed a screenshot of one of the comments Selena responded that revealed the couple had been together for a while. "Not mad. It’s been 6 months bb. I will always defend my friends, family and fans till the day I die," she wrote. They even shared another screenshot from Selena's Instagram Story that showed her wearing a "B" ring on one of her fingers.

Craig Barritt/Getty Images for TIME

December 15, 2023

Soon after that, Selena shared a photo carousel on Instagram that included some of her favorite moments in New York and Benny Blanco can be seen in BTS moments. The last picture of the carousel features them sharing a kiss in a black and white photo that basically confirms the responses the singer had for fans.

December 28, 2023

Before the new year began, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco spent some time at a cute art exhibit during a date. From the looks of things, it seemed like they discovered their love language of physical touch early on.

Presley Ann/Getty Images for GQ

January 2, 2024

Feeling the love of being with Selena, Benny Blanco took to Instagram Stories to officially signal that the two are dating. People grabbed a few more screenshots that Benny shared and all we can see is the happy glint that was in Selena's eyes.

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

January 3, 2024

The next day the couple were seen court side at one of the Los Angeles Lakers' game. Once again, their love language was on full display in the most intimate way. A source revealed to People that they understood why people had so many opinions about Selena's relationship with Benny. "Everyone was a fan of hers before Only Murders [in the Building], and now everyone is protective of her."

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

January 15, 2024

Later that month, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco showed up to the Emmy Awards together. They were sitting side-by-side and weren't afraid to show affection with each other.

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for AFI

March 2024

When Benny Blanco's birthday rolled around, Selena Gomez shared a sweet message to him on Instagram. She wrote, "Happy birthday baby! Your emotional endurance, positive disposition, unbelievable talent (that blows me away), undeniable humor and loving, kind heart absolutely kill me. I love you @itsbennyblanco 🎂🥹."

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

April 2024

Although we're only four months into the new year, Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship is still going strong! The Only Murders in the Building star has been seen smiling in every pic she posts which indicates she's genuinely happy in her relationship. A source hinted to People that the two are doing well. "It’s a very serious relationship, and they’re making long distance work while she’s in New York for work commitments," they said.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Spotify

April 25, 2024

In an interview with WSJ, Benny Blanco gave his POV of how his relationship with Selena Gomez began and it was the cutest revelation. "It’s crazy how your partner could just be sitting there the whole time, right in front of your eyes...And then you have a Clueless moment where you're like, Wait, I'm in love," he says.

A man who compares his relationship to that moment in Clueless where Cher and Josh admit their feelings for each other gets brownie points from us!

May 15, 2024

It looks like Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship may be ready for the next step — that's if you ask Mr. Blanco. He appeared on The Howard Stern Show yesterday to chat about everything, including his relationship with Selena. When Howard Stern asked, "You want to have kids with Selena? Have you told her you want to have kids yet," Benny replied, "That’s my next goal, to check the box. I have a ton of godkids. I've got a ton of nephews. I love being around kids."

However, he's not in a rush and wants everything to happen naturally. All that matters is that the two of them are in each other's life. He said, "I just know that when I look at her, I just say, ‘I don’t know a world where it could be better than this.’ That’s what I always say to her.”

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

May 29, 2024

Selena Gomez tells TIME just how much Benny Blanco means to her — no matter what anyone else says. "My own fans, who I adore and feel like have shaped who I am, will say the most hurtful things to me about how I live my life," she says. "But he has the strength in him that none of that noise fazes him. It’s really impressive, and I just cherish every moment with him. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that he’s not going anywhere any time soon.”

Selena Gomez/Instagram

October 27, 2024

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco looked amazing in their Alice in Wonderland couple's Halloween costume. "Curiouser and curiouser," Selena wrote on the post, which is totally reminding us of Taylor Swift's 1989 (hello "Wonderland"!!!).

Selena wore a corset dress in what looks like slate blue with cap puffed sleeves and a tulle skirt, along with a blonde wig, black bow, and slingback shoes. Benny went all out as the Mad Hatter with face paint, a wig, a top hat, and a waistcoat. We'd follow them down the rabbit hole!

November 11, 2024

Benny Blanco's been featured in People's'Sexiest Man Alive' issue and we're kind of feeling it! What started off as an unlikely choice for Selena has turned into a deep understanding of why she loves him so much. The man is an excellent host, cook, and gentleman which makes him an off-the-charts lover. And when it comes to date night, he believes in making sure every time is special. "I [still] go all out for every date. It doesn't mean spending your entire bank account. It means being attentive and listening," he said.

His most memorable dates with Selena involve the times she "rented out a whole botanical garden" and he "got her Taco Bell" before proceeding to make her "movie-theater nachos" and deep-frying her "favorite pickles from Texas" for Valentine's Day.

He also gushed about his favorite time of the day. "I'm a real morning person. It's my favorite time to spend with Sel, because we both wake up really early. It's like our moment before the rest of the world wakes up." Not only that, but the music producer is thrilled he has "a true best friend" he gets to spend his life with.

What do you think about Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's relationship?Follow us on Facebook for more celebrity news!

This post has been updated.

Running a business can be one of the most rewarding creative pursuits but sometimes life and work can blend as an entrepreneur. Finding ways to escape your work life so you can focus on your life-life can be good for your well-being and your business.


Conscious fashion designer and TikTok sewing star Tracy Garcia runs her business out of her NYC studio apartment. “My studio space is in my living room, so even when I'm on my couch, binging on a new show and just wanting to decompress, my work is surrounding me,” she says. Getting out of the apartment is key. “It's healthier for me. I'll grab lunch with friends or go on a walk if I need a little bit of fresh air.” She also boxes… like in a ring!



Tracy sells her own sewing patterns, teaches online, creates content and runs a fashion business that keeps her living her dream life in NYC. “I'm so passionate about sustainable fashion, and just being conscious about consumption,” she says. With these many facets of her business, Tracy looks to TurboTax experts to help her with her taxes each year, which allows her to focus on the things she loves most.


In this video, Tracy shows us how she recharges when she finds a little me time around tax time, thanks to TurboTax.




Tracy chatted with us about following her dream and running a successful business while taking care of herself. Here are some of her best work-life tips.


Be Open To Different Paths. Tracy always knew she wanted to start a business but didn’t expect it to happen so soon. “I thought my dream was to become an assistant designer for someone else,” she says. But sometimes life has other plans and it’s important to take the cues and follow the path that makes sense for you, even if it wasn’t what you originally thought would be your journey. Be nimble and follow what feels right.



Seek Out What Brings You Joy. Have a creative passion? The best work comes out of love for what you do. “Sewing is so meditative. When I took sewing classes, I forgot about everything. I was like, I can do this the rest of my life, and I'd be so happy.” Follow your passion and success will follow.


You Don’t Have To Do It All. “If I can hire someone to do things for me, it makes my life so much easier. Why am I going to stress about trying to learn something new? I cannot be my own accountant,” she says. Tracy spends her days mostly on the creative side of her business, designing and making clothes and teaching online. During tax time, she enlists the help of TurboTax experts to review all of the aspects of her business, help her find the best deductions, and file her taxes so she can focus on what she loves to do (and what she’s good at).



Have a Good System in Place. Tracy took a business course in college that helped set her on the path of entrepreneurship but she also had parents who knew how to run a successful business. “My dad was always such a good motivator. He made it clear that you just want to have a good system in place, so you want to do it.” That could mean everything from getting help on the business side of things so you can focus on the creative to setting a schedule, which brings us to our next tip.


Set A Schedule. “Every morning, I look at my calendar. It's in my bedroom for that reason, so when I wake up I can see what's going on that day and what goals I need to reach,” says Tracy. Getting into a routine that works for you can help you stay on track and better manage your business for growth and day to day. “It's reinforcing goals that I set for myself,” says Tracy, who wakes up early in the morning so she’s more productive.


Recharge With Me Time. Taking time away from work to focus on self care or other creative endeavors will only make you a better business owner. It can lift your mood, clear your mind, and help you de-stress. “I love my boxing class. It's really nice to hit a bag and just get all that stress out. I feel so much more motivated and energized throughout the day,” says Tracy.



Find Community. Being a solopreneur can be lonely sometimes. Find a community where you can connect, get your mind off of work, learn something new, and have fun. “On the weekends, I'll go Salsa and Bachata dancing,” says Tracy. “Everyone is so friendly. It's so social. You just dance with everyone. I love just being able to just mentally not think about work sometimes.”


Have A Future Plan. Set your sights high on the big picture, which will keep you motivated over the long term. Create a vision board to help you realize your dreams. A business plan helps too. “My ultimate dream is to open my own production company in Mexico. My parents are from Mexico, so I'd love to go back and employ local artisans and be transparent about the entire process. I want to be able to provide jobs and pay a livable wage and provide health insurance, because I think it's very important to care about everyone who's involved in the entire process.”

Video Direction & Editing by Tracy Garcia.

*Available with Full Service products only. Video meeting while expert does your taxes required.

Major Outer Banks season 4 spoilers ahead!

ICYMI, Outer Banks season 4 dropped its second half on November 7, and fans have a lot of very strong feelings about it. Despite the fact JJ's entire character arc is about defiance, hope, and being the ultimate Pogue, Outer Banks season 4 ended with his biological dad, a kook named Chandler Groff, killing him in cold blood.

It's an absolutely devastating ending for everyone's favorite character, and fans are having a hard time coping with the loss. The fact we only got 10 episodes of JJ and Kiara together (a relationship written into the show after viewers picked up on the chemistry between Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey) makes it even worse — and a lot of fans are saying they won't watch the show again.

"I can’t even watch the previous seasons anymore knowing how it all ends," viewer Jordyn Bruder says in an email. "JJ was the literal heart of OBX and he was the glue that held the Pogues together. There is no OBX without JJ."

Outer Banks Fan Reactions To JJ's Death

​In which episode does JJ die?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

JJ dies at the end of Outer Banks season 4 episode 10, "The Blue Crown" after rescuing Kiara from his father Chandler Groff. "I feel mad, betrayed, disappointed and heartbroken to say the least," Bruder adds. "JJ went through a lot of crap through the show and he was the one character who deserved his happy ending the most. When the series first came out, people fell in love with JJ and [Kiara]."

While the cast obviously found out about the ending while filming, fans are frustrated with how they chose to promote the show. "Obviously the cast can’t spoil a character death, but to blatantly lie and mislead fans by saying that Jiara was 'evergrowing' and fans would be happy with how the season plays out?" Bruder says. "Jiara fans deserved so much better than what we got, ESPECIALLY when they knew they were killing JJ off."

Why are Outer Banks fans so upset?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

The show is the kind of phenomenon that made instant stars out of its cast, but it also made waves because of how the first season portrayed issues like classism, substance abuse, and domestic abuse. "As someone who has been around domestic abuse, I think the handling of the character JJ was detrimental culturally," another fan (who would like to remain anonymous) says. "The character suffered abuse at the hands of a man who was not even his biological father, and the writers almost framed it as if that was okay because in the beginning, his father loved him. Instead of telling a story to victims of abuse about hope and making it through trials, the writers went the opposite way. I also find it interesting that they stated this was a planned death. I think writing a character who is suffering from anxiety and clear mental health issues as well as abuse who is very young like JJ only to let him fall in love and kill him right when he starts to feel happiness doesn’t necessarily make a lot of sense narratively."

Another viewer adds that ending JJ's story that way felt "disrespectful...especially when in an interview following the episode, one of the creators literally referred to his death as pointless." She even says "it feels almost like the show died along with him."

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Actress Madelyn Cline (Sarah Cameron) called JJ the "heart of Outer Banks"and for a lot of fans, JJ also became a beacon of hope, a reminder that you can endure, persevere, and come out stronger on the other side. Since the first season of the show dropped during April 2020, it's been one consistent, fun thing for TV fans since the COVID-19 pandemic began, which makes the loss feel even greater.

"Seeing him die at the hands of another abusive father was honestly kind of sickening," the viewer adds. "It’s also unfortunate that his death didn’t seem to mean anything. A character death like this would be one thing if it meant something. If he had died protecting his friends or actively protecting Kiara, rather than having already saved her and then getting killed afterward, it might’ve be easier to get past."

"It’s like a connection to something good and steady was just broken," X user @onlykiep4l says. "Killing a character that has literally gone trough so much trauma and was finally happy just doesn’t make sense. It’s not just the character that’s gone — it feels like a part of the show has ended too."

Why does JJ get killed off?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Rumors have been circulating for years about behind-the-scenes drama between actors Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey, which has fans believing Rudy asked to be written off the show(for the record, Outer Banks creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke have said it was the plan from the beginning). With Rudy's exit, the writers had a difficult choice in front of them. JJ isn't the kind of guy to abandon his friends, meaning the writers obviously felt like killing him was the only option. But according to an additional viewer, "Outer Banks hasn't been that type of show."

"To attempt to turn this fun, summer, boat show into some dark, depressing story where the heart of the show is gone destroys everything that the show started out as," she says.

Another anonymous fan calls the choice "a character assassination," adding other moments from the season that feel like a different character than the one fans have come to love: barely reacting to John B. and Sarah's pregnancy announcement, or to the fact Rafe had come to talk to Kiara — especially after his reaction to Rafe catcalling Kie in the first season is a moment that led fans to ship them in the first place.

The fan continues by calling JJ's treatment a "lack of respect" toward the character. "The fact that the writers tried to make us dislike him, to soften the blow of him dying. It didn’t work. It has everyone distraught because many people’s favorite character ended up dying after 'finding happiness' for about 10 minutes in Episode 10."

​Does Sarah get pregnant in Outer Banks season 4?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

But JJ's death isn't the only moment that has fans reeling. In addition to the fact viewers are saying the Pogues barely reacted to the death of their lifelong best friend, Pope is now a murderer and Kiara makes an absolutely chilling vow to get revenge on Groff — a far cry from the characters we fell in love with in season 1.

"Outside of the JJ of it all, a lot of plot lines/dynamics in part 2 felt off," one of our anonymous fans continues. "Sarah’s pregnancy plot line, especially when coupled with the quote from a creator about ‘giving her a baby specifically because she wasn’t ready’ feels incredibly tone deaf given the current state of things here in the US. The fact that there wasn’t even a conversation of if she wanted to continue with the pregnancy felt very icky. Overall, episodes 1-4 of this season did feel like Outer Banks, but everything after that felt like it was from an entirely different piece of media."

Jackson Lee Davis/NetflixYep, 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Just Killed Off THAT Character

However, some fans are excited to see where the show goes from here. "JJ was such a strong character and his presence will obviously be missed, [but] I am excited to see how the Pogues react and what they do to get revenge on Groff," Virginia McGrew says in an email. "I also think that the scene of JJ dying with Kiara was extremely well done and emotional, making his passing even sadder. I ultimately believe that JJ’s passing serves as a reminder of the themes the show."

"JJ made the group even more aware of friendship, the importance of chosen family, and loyalty, which was seen throughout the season and especially in the finale," she continues. "Now that he is gone, the other Pogues will have to step up even more, creating a shift in their dynamic. While many believe that Outer Banks might not be worth watching after this finale, I truly think that it is only going to get even deeper and more interesting."

Let us know your thoughts on the Outer Banks season 4 ending on TikTok. And check out why This Heartbreaking Outer Banks 5 Theory Makes THAT Death Even More Emotional.

Outer Banks season 4 part 2 finally dropped November 7, and after theories were swirling around our favorite Pogues — is Sarah pregnant? Will JJ die? Will the group FINALLY get their hands on some treasure (and NOT lose it?) — we got the answers we'd been waiting for. And unfortunately, not all of them were answers we wanted. Sarah is indeed pregnant but the Pogues finally avenged Terrance, but in the final moments of the Outer Banks season 4 ending, we also lost JJ which is something I literally can't believe I'm writing. JJ and Kiara are the one couple fans latched onto (and that the cast and crew never saw coming) and to finally see them in a relationship only to lose JJ 10 episodes later? I'm heartbroken.

Creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke recently revealed Outer Banks season 5 will be "an epic fifth and final season," and there's one theory going around that makes that finale even more emotional. Here's everything you need to know aboutOuter Banksseason 5. Bring it on home John B.!

Keep Reading For The Latest News On Outer Banks Season 5

  • Outer Banks season 5 will be the last season of the hit Netflix show.
  • The series will follow Kiara and the Pogues getting revenge on Chander Groff for JJ's death.
  • Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke say "it will be our best [season] yet."

Is JJ really dead?

@unsiredd#obx#outerbanks#jjmaybank#johnbroutledge#johnb#sarahcameron#obx4#fyp#foryou#fireworks♬ Where'd All the Time Go? - Dr. Dog

There are a few theories about how Outer Banks season 5 will handle JJ's death (aside from Kiara's chilling vow to get revenge, of course). Some fans have their fingers crossed the group will use the Blue Crown to wish him back to life, while others are holding onto hope he was simply unconscious. But there's one theory that stands out among the rest to me: JJ is really dead, and this whole time, John B.'s narration has been telling his unborn child about his namesake.

The show teased Sarah and John B. will name their baby JJ, and since Outer Banks is all about family, friendship, and spending time with one another, the reveal that all along, Outer Banks has been the story of the Pogues' adventures would literally be the perfect way to send them off. I'm literally crying just thinking about it.

Will there be a 5th Outer Banks?

Yes, we're getting a fifth and final season of Outer Banks coming to Netflix soon. While we don't have an official release date yet, we're expecting to see the last installment in 2025 or 2026.

In their official letter "to all Pogues," creators Josh & Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke explain how a photo of teenagers on a beach during a power outage inspired them to create the hit show we've all come to know and love. "From this beginning, we imagined a mystery that would lead to a five-season journey of adventure, treasure hunting, and friendship," they say in an official letter. "At the time, seven years ago, it seemed impossible that we would really get to tell the whole five season story, but here we are, at the end of our fourth season, still chopping away."

"Now, with a little sadness, but also excitement, we're putting Season Four behind us and turning to Season Five, in which we hope to bring our beloved Pogues home in the way we imagined and planned years ago," they continue. "Season Five will be our last season, and we think it will be our best yet. We hope you'll join us for one more paddle out to the surf break."

I can't wait to see Outer Banks season 5, and TBH five seasons will round out the show perfectly considering each season focuses on a different Pogue. That means season 5 will probably focus on Sarah alongside Kiara's revenge. 👀 Stay tuned for all the OBX5 info you need to know.

Here's Yep, Outer Banks Season 4 Just Killed Off THAT Character in case you're still processing.