Here is a simple tote bag pattern to walk you step by step through how to make a super cute tote. The best part is that it’s reversible! Make one for yourself — or make a dozen as gifts!

With a little practice, you can turn out these simple bags on a sewing machine in no time. Lined totes are super easy, and they can be made in so many cute variations. Plus, don’t miss our pattern for a matching zippered pouch!

flowered tote bag

Tote Bag Pattern

For this reversible tote bag sewing project, you will need the following fabric pieces:

  • 2 pieces fabric 13 1/2 inches X 14 inches (outside)
  • 2 pieces fabric 13 1/2 inches X 14 inches (lining)
  • 1 piece 4” X  about 44″ long

How to make a tote bag

First, let’s start by making the straps.

1. Cut a piece of fabric 4″ X 44″ long. Press fabric in half lengthwise.

2. Open the fabric up and press each outside edge to the center.

3. Fold fabric in half and press.

4. Top-stitch down each side of the strap close to the edge. Cut the fabric in half so you have two straps about 22 inches long each.

strap instructions showing folding

Now let’s make the tote bag.

1. Cut four pieces of fabric 13 1/2 inches X 14 inches.

fabric cut into pieces for tote bag pattern

2. Lay lining fabric right sides together and sew on three sides. Leave one side open for the top! Next, sew your outer fabric pieces right sides together on three sides.

For this project, the bottom of the bag is 13 1/2 inches wide and the sides 14 inches long.  But the bag can be made any size.

fabric with stitching lines to show how to make a tote bag

3. Now we need to “box” the bottom of the bag. Pinch the bottom corner together and stitch across 1 1/2 inches from the corner. Do this for the lining and also the outer fabric.

corner of tote bag

4. Repeat until all four corners have been sewn.

tote bag inside out

5. Place lining fabric inside the outside fabric right sides together. I slipped the lining fabric up a bit so you can see how it slips in.

how to make a tote bag sewing instructions

6. Place straps in between right sides of the fabric on each side about two to three inches from the side edge.

where to add straps 1 inch from sides

7. Pins straps and the top edge of the bag well. Stitch around the top of the bag 1/2 inch from the edge. Leave a 2-3 inch opening for turning the bag (I usually leave this on the side).

pinned fabric

8. Turn bag inside out.

tote bag right side out

9. Push lining inside the bag and topstitch all the way around to hem the top of the bag. This will close up the opening used for turning.

Topstitching also makes the seams more durable, so they won’t strain and pull apart if you use the tote to carry heavy stuff.

edge stitching on top of tote

Finished! How exciting! You did it. I hope you make tons of totes with this tote bag pattern! They make great gifts.

Tips for the perfect reversible tote bag

Here are some other optional tips that might help:

  • Maybe you need longer or shorter handles than the size in this pattern. To modify, just drape a measuring tape over your shoulder and see what feels right to you.
  • You can use a heavy canvas or Duck cloth — in which case you’ll need to adjust your sewing machine needle accordingly.
  • If you use a lightweight fabric, you may want to line it with a fusible fleece — just follow directions on the fleece packaging to fuse it to the wrong sides of one set of your fabric pieces.
  • Are you feeling ambitious? You might experiment with adding pockets or dividers!
  • Tote bags are perfect for taking your lunch to work, transporting groceries, or packing gym clothes. Cut down on plastic bags with washable, handy-dandy, eye-catching totes!
heather bailey fabric used for reversible tote bag

Now that you know how to make a tote bag you might also like to make a matching pleated zippered pouch to go with your new tote! A zippered pouch is really the perfect use for extra fabric leftover from making a tote bag. You will be surprised at how easy it is to put in a zipper with this zippered pouch tutorial.

flowered pleated zippered pouch

The fabrics used in these projects are created by Heather Bailey. I used Pineapple Brocade in green and Zag Stripe in gold (I think).

There are so many fabric choices out there, the possibilities are endless. Did you give this pattern a whirl? I’d love to see the tote bags you made!

Want to make your tote bag more personal? Try these easy applique monograms with free printable letters.

Tote bags remind me of things like baskets, and other containers that you store things in. Check out these great DIY Fabric Storage Containers. They bring function and decoration to any room.

I would love to keep you fully stocked with creative ideas, yummy recipes, fun crafts, and loads of free printables. Subscribe to Skip to my Lou to get new ideas delivered to your inbox. Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram for all my latest updates.


About Cindy Hopper

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Comments

  1. excellent instructions…easy and fast…did in an hour!!! i made 20 x 17 bag with 23 inch straps (made of cord) with 2 inch triangle corners. definitely will use this again. thanks!

  2. This was so easy. Following the step by step instructions made it very simple. I’m on the second one. Great for Christmas gifts especially since grocery bags are now frowned upon in our city.

  3. I just made my first tote and only my second sewing project following these instructions. Turned out great! Your directions were super clear and easy to follow. Thank you so much!

  4. I am making the reverible tote as your clear, easy instruction convienced me I could do it. I am half way through. Thanks to your site my daughter will be getting xmas this year – homemade. thanks again.

  5. thank you so much. I was all over the make a tote sites last night and hesitant to make the tote but then I remembered your site which I recently found and whola – there you were with clear, easy instructions for a tote. I am half way through it and it is actually looking soooo nice. Thank you so much as I am making it for my daughter for xmas as well as other items, all making from your site. I appreciate your so clear instructions as I am not talented in this but thought I’d try as funds are short this year and all my items are being homemade from fabric I have on hand and they are looking pretty good so far. thank you so much.

  6. Just made my first bag, not only was it easy but it was also fun to do… Thank you for the simple instructions

  7. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I’m quite sure I will learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  8. I just finished this bag yesterday. Thanks for the easy to understand instructions. My bag is so cute, my boyfriend didn’t know that I made it myself when I showed him. I just started sewing and this is my second bag, but aside from the fact that my lining was a teensy big larger than the outside bag, it came out really well! Thank you thank you thank you! I can’t wait to make this again (and cut better the next time)!

    Here’s my bag: http://aimlessknitter.com/2011/10/reversible-tote-bag/

  9. Hello, Just wanted to say thank you so much for this tutorial! I found this post over a year ago and didn’t think I was good enough to give it a shot an make it look good, but tonight I finally gave it a shot. I made a trick or treat bag for my daughter. It has a few mishaps but still looks nice. Tomorrow night I’m going to make another one for my son! I have so many plans for more bags with different prints! <3<3<3 Thank You!

  10. How to bag a big bag with inside pockets, zipper, step by step?

    I’m from Brazil and I don’t speak English very well.

    Thank you for your attention.

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