How to make a tote bag
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 fabric up and press each outside edge to the center.
3. Fold fabric in half and press.
4. Top-stitch down each side of strap close to the edge. Cut fabric in half so you have two straps about 22 inches long each.
Now let’s make the tote bag.
1. Cut four pieces 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 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 fabric on each side about two to three inches from the side edge.
7. Pins straps and the top edge of bag well. Stitch around the top of bag 1/2 inch from the edge. Leave a 2-3 inch opening for turning bag (I usually leave this on the side).
8. Turn bag inside out.
9. Push lining inside the bag and top stitch all the way around to hem the top of the bag. This will close up the opening used for turning.
Top stitching 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 left over 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!
Never learn without trial&error.
The fabrics are stunning. I like the one with the flowers very much!
pattern.
Wish I could insert a picture.
Elie
I liked your tutorial. It was insightful. I have been away from sewing & quilting for about 30 years, except for the odd costume when my daughter was in primary school. I have helped making her a couple of costumes in her adulthood for Halloween.
However, I usually I only did the cutting out. My mom did the sewing.
I have invested in a new sewing machine since I have retired & want to quilt & paint for the rest of my days that God blesses me with.
My first project is going to be a purse, simple (I hope) & easy till I can get back in the swing of things. I’m having difficulty using invisible thread. Man, what a problem. I can’t keep my machine needle threaded. Plus, I haven’t even tried to wind a bob in with the stuff!
Also, I would like to put in the usual zippered inside pocket, as well as a cell phone pocket & key keeper.
I am looking for a tutorial on how to cut out & put the pockets inside the purse & I would like to put a decorative & fold-over pocket outside.
Any hints or tutorials you can help me with will be immensely appreciated!
I must admit the invisible thread has “whopped my b-t” & shattered my confidence in my ability. I don’t usually have this much trouble with machines.
I have ordered some very expensive fabric & ribbons/borders from the studio of French designer Odile Bailloeul. So, I don’t want to make a mess of it.
Thnx from my heart for your tutorial.
With love from umeå, Sweden.
I just made 2 for my daughter and her Big. It's for the Big/Little gifts for her and her sorority sister. I can't wait to fill them with "rescue treats" during those long study nights. Thank you so much. I wish I could post a picture for you. I made 2 in under a hour and a half from start to finish and they are my first tote bags ever made. Love Love Love it.
Wonderful, easy to follow tutorial!
I am teaching my granddaughters (ages 8 and 10) to sew and these are perfect for them.
Love the Bible verse on the pouch-- Joshua 1:9 is one of my favorites!!!
I leave the corners on and don't notice the extra bulk. You may also trim... but not too close to the stitching line. You wouldn't want the fabric to give way.
our local woman's transition house has started a campaign for sewers and crafters to make reusable bags for all their hampers that get distributed to women and families. I'll be using this pattern and sharing with all involved!
From a happy grandmother !
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Thank you!
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It was truly informative. Your site is useful. Thanks for sharing!
This is the first ever thing I've made with my sewing machine - I'd never even touched a sewing machine before this - and you made it so easy.
I am very proud of my bag even if it has a few wonky lines :)
Thank you again, the tutorial was perfect and gave me the confidence to make my own bag.
Amy
I will be making some more for gifts.Thank you so much.
Love Angela x
Betty Love
And if I were to put a batting liner, to make it sturdier, does that get sewed to the liner. In other words the outside of the bag gets sewn good sides facing each other, the liner is also good facing each other....where do i put and sew the batting? LOL
Sorry to bother you. I understand if you can't help me. I should have picked an easier hobby. LOL
Mary Ann
Happy sunday
tokoabdullahonline.blogspot.com
Here is a picture of it for you...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/8392540997/
Thanks for your tutorial and help!
Katy, with the pinching of the corners, I took that to mean we need to bring the side seam to the bottom seam at the corners in order to make the bottom of the bag flatish. The 'pinching' pulls out the fabric between and makes those triangles. I hope I didn't make it more confusing...
its very nice and beautiful.
i want to sew for my mom!
Thanks
Now I feel confident to make some totes.
I've seen cute ones made with oilcloth, feedsacks, etc.
and lined with fabric.
Thank you!
Thanks vry much for great directions!!
Loved your choice of fabric too!!!
You've just helped me solving the mountainhigh problem of how to sew in the straps. Gosh, such a tote bag seems to be so easy - but I surely couldn't have done it without your help. Thank you very, very much.
Kind and happy greetings from the Frankfurt area in Germany
Christiane
and would like a copy.
I am going to make this pattern for the tote bag. Did you know you have the best and clearest tutorial I have ever seen. And there are a lot out there. Hope this encourages you.
Thank you by the way.
Heather
It made the process much easier and quick.
All the best!
Thanks soo much for this tutorial!!
thank you so much
Thank you once again!!
I recently(yesterday) found your tote bag on the internet. I got excited about them because I want to make a tote for my bridesmaids. I had some extra fabric so I decided to try it torday. Well, I am stuck on Step 5. Maybe I am a little slow but I dont know for the step if i am suppost to turn one with the patterns on the outside then stick it in the one you do not turn over yet. Or am I suppost to place a unturned (pattern on the inside) piece inside the other. If you can please get back to me when you have a chance.
Thank You,
Catherine
and share my facebook page with friends.
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Let me know what you think?
Thanks
from Matilda
I just love this tutorial. I have just finished my second one as gifts for a couple of little girls that are coming for a sleepover from my daughters 8th birthday. Just 3 more to go now.
Thanks for such a great site.!!
Rose
I always iron along the way and found it helpful especially when lining up the seams to make the corners for the bottom. Thanks so much!
it was very helpful and made it so easy!
hugs and kisses from germany,
silvi xoxo
Also, I find ironing them before measuring/stitching to be extremely helpful. Actually, although some people find it annoying to do it, I find ironing almost every step of every project to be invaluable as it produces a very professional, polished looking end product.
To make the bottom even, once you're lined up the seams and ironed the corners, measure up from the point to 1.5 inches (for this tutorial) and draw a line (where you'll stitch) and use the same measurement on each corner of the outside and the lining.
I found this tutorial to be so easy and the finished product is excellent! (I'm a novice sewer, btw)
For one bag, I added a strip of fabric to one side and sewed up 2 parts to make a 3 piece pocket. This works as an outside pocket on one side, and if reversed it becomes an inside pocket. I'm giving this as a gardening bag, and wanted a pocket to help hold some tools. Here's a link to a picture of this bag: https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yuPcqLoFuKY/Ty65mxlnqHI/AAAAAAAAA3o/5CU02fnI9i0/s640/gardenbag.JPG
Another bag I did was for my daughter, who loves pink. Thought she could use this for books, or toting small amounts of groceries, etc. I added a couple of pieces of ribbon and a pretty buckle clasp - as decoration, as well as a way to sort of close the top of the bag. This works on both sides of the bag - just flip it to the opposite side and run one side of the ribbon over the center of the clasp to secure. Here's a link to a pic of that bag: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Wr62F1-d8vA/Ty65nWS2YII/AAAAAAAAA3s/gJebNvCM7-U/s640/jensbag.JPG
I know I will be using this pattern more. Thanks so much creating and posting this :^)
I made three bags recently, and I modified your instructions to account for my mistakes. :-) Here they are; feel free to use them, if you want.
-- Lea
You will need:
2 pieces fabric 14 1/2 inches X 16 inches (outside)
2 pieces fabric 14 1/2 inches X 16 inches (lining)
1 piece 4'' X about 44" long, or 2 pieces 4" x 28” long (longer straps)
The Straps
1. Press strap fabric in half lengthwise.
2. Open fabric up and press each outside edge to the center.
3. Fold fabric in half and press.
4. Top-stitch down each side of strap close to the edge. Cut fabric in half so you have two straps about 22 inches long each.
The Bag
Sew lining fabric right sides together on three sides and also outer fabric right sides together on three sides.
Pinch bottom corner together and stitch across 1 1/2 inches from corner. Repeat until all four corners have been sewn. Press long sides open.
Turn lining fabric right side out. Pin straps to right side of lining fabric, matching edges, about 2-3 inches from the side seam. Make sure the straps are oriented the same way.
Insert lining and straps into outside of bag (which is still inside out). Pin straps and top edge of bag well. Stitch around top of bag 1/2 inch from edge. Leave a 2-3 inch (no less!) opening for turning bag. I usually leave the opening on the side.
Turn bag inside out. Push lining inside the bag and top stitch all the way around the top of bag. This will close up the opening used for turning.
I also made my first bag with your tutorial! Thank you, thank you, thank you. It was very easy with your explaination and pictures! My three little girls ara all waiting for there own now, so I know what tho do with my sewing machine and fabrics! Again, thank you so much!
Kind regards
Francesca
Here's my bag: http://aimlessknitter.com/2011/10/reversible-tote-bag/
Here is my version of your bag. Thanks again for taking the time to write this tutorial.
I'm from Brazil and I don't speak English very well.
Thank you for your attention.
Thanks.
My email id is [email protected] if anyone can give me an idea.
xoxo
Cat @ Budget Blonde
Thanks so much!
Patte
What a great idea! Thanks for the idea and the clear instructions!
http://estherscardcreations.blogspot.com/2011/07/walk-around-blog-land-8_18.html
http://www.erikajean.com/2011/06/tote.html
:)
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
Also wanted to let you know I posted a link to my website. I hope you don't mind? http://christinas-created-creations.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-came-across-this-today-and-i-just.html
Keep up the great work.
God Bless,
Christina
Now I'm thinking that when I make a baby quilt or other gift, I could gift it in a matching tote bag. How fun would that be?
http://simplyjenna.blogspot.com/2010/05/tote-aly-awesome.html
God bless you!!!!!
Thanks!
thank you for posting really clear instructions!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alchemyjen/4123536581/
Thank you!!
I will bookmark in hopes the photos will start working again so I try this later !
Fantastic!
☼Hope you're having a sunshine ☼ filled Sunday!☼
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-reversible-tote-bag/2009/07/18/
--Anne
Janet