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!
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.
Now let’s make the tote bag.
1. Cut four pieces of fabric 13 1/2 inches X 14 inches.
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.
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.
4. Repeat until all four corners have been sewn.
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.
6. Place straps in between right sides of the fabric on each side about two to three inches from the side edge.
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).
8. Turn bag inside 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.
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!
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.
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.
Thank you so much i tried it and will be making a few more (al ready requested by family and friends. i will put up a video post at http://a1brown.blogspot.com ) by tonight
Thank you so much i tried it and will be making a few more (al ready requested by family and friends. i will put up a video post at http://a1brown.blogspot.com ) by tonigh
I’m not a crafts kind of girl and this was so incredibly easy to make. Great instructions, and the bags came out so well that all my friends want me to make more for them.
What a great idea! Thanks for the idea and the clear instructions!
This is the first thing I have ever sewn! I went pretty well, except I confused and my lining is showing the wrong side, but I really don’t mind. You can’t really… I will know what not to do next time! Thanks for the help…. I have many more projects in my future. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Great pattern and soooo easy. I made a purple paisley with a solid purple lining… so cute. Plan to make a larger one soon. Thanks so much !
Featuring this wonderful post on my “Walk Around Blog-Land” today!
http://estherscardcreations.blogspot.com/2011/07/walk-around-blog-land-8_18.html
I am curious which blogging and site-building platform you might be running? I’m new to running a blog and have been thinking about using the Tripod platform. Do you consider this is a good foundation to start with? I would be really grateful if I could ask you some questions through email so I can learn a bit more prior to getting started. When you have some free time, please be sure to contact me at: Camire@yahoo.com. Thank you
I’m getting ready to try this out. My daughter’s preschool requires a tote of this kind, but there are size restrictions. Can anyone tell me what the finished size is?
I really liked these instructions. They were very clear and concise. Thank you!
I made one today! Thanks for the instructions!! I cut mine on the fold and made a pocket on the inside.
http://www.erikajean.com/2011/06/tote.html
Hello, I want to make a bigger bag, but I don’t know what measures must be there. Can you help me?
Thankyou for wonderful instructions. Just made one and i love it!!
Thank you so much for an easy to follow tutorial. I am just learning to sew and this was so easy!! I made a tote for my daughter’s teacher and it came out beautiful. I can’t wait to make another one 🙂
Thank-you for these very clear instructions. I have started making these for my residents at work (in an aged care home) for their knitting bits and pieces.
🙂
This is the easiest set of directions I have seen yet.
Thenk you, I think it makes a great gift bag. Then, the gift is especially nice.
I am going to make one to match the baby quilt I made for my nephew’s baby.
Sooooo easy and cute.
Thank you for sharring with us.
Cathy
Ms Gulf Coast