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 โ 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: Supplies needed
For this reversible tote bag sewing project, you will need the following fabric pieces:
- 2 pieces of fabric 13 1/2 inches X 14 inches (outside)
- 2 pieces of 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 the 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 the 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 wonโt 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 โ in which case youโll need to adjust your sewing machine needle accordingly.
- If you use a lightweight fabric, you may want to line it with a fusible fleece โ 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 for these projects are from the talented Heather Bailey. I used the vibrant Pineapple Brocade in green and the chic Zag Stripe in gold.
With so many fabric choices available, the possibilities are truly endless! Have you tried this pattern yet? Iโd love to see the tote bags youโve madeโfeel free to share your creations!
Want to make your tote bag more personal? Try these easy appliquรฉ 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.
Other Sewing Projects to Try
- A Simple Scrunchie Sewing Pattern {Craft}
- How to Make a Fabric Corner Bookmark โ Fun & Easy!
- Fabric Coffee Sleeve Tutorial
- Hot Pad Tutorial
- DIY Appliquรฉ Gift Bag
- Vintage Doll Quilt Tutorial For Beginners
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.
Thanks for posting this tutorial. This is the first bag I’ve ever made. The instructions were clear enough for a beginner like me. Thanks again!
Thanks a lot. It is very clear!
Thank you so much for your tutorial, i found the step by step (with pictures ) so easy and clear. I will try the zipped purse next x
I have just made one of these bags from oil cloth with a fabric lining. I wasn;’t able to do the turn out like you said but with a bit of patience, it’s all gone together beautifully and I love it! Picture this: Navy blue oil cloth with white spots lined with cerise fabric with white spots! It looks brilliant! xxxx
Hey I was hoping you would give me your honest opinion and check out my bags on http://bagsunique.ie
and share my facebook page with friends.
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Let me know what you think?
Thanks
i am 11 and am looking for a present to make for my mum and the tote bag is so beautiful! i do love to sew and this is a great idea!
from Matilda
Hi! Thank you for the tote bag! You have provided easy to follow instructions with wonderful and clear photos. I really appreciate the instruction. I am new to the sewing world. You have made this so easy. Thank you very much!
This was so much fun to make! I am a nocvice sewer and had no problem at all except for the fact that I made the bag much bigger (18″ across the bottom and 15″ up the sides with straps long enough to be slung across the chest) and followed the instructions to leave a 2/3″ hole to turn the bag out. Well, I had SUCH a challennge getting all that fabric through that tiny hole! Next time I will leave a 3″ opoening. I can’t wait to make my next one! Thank you!!
made mine today! thank you for the tute!
Thank you so much for the great tutorial! I found it on Pinterest and couldn’t wait to try it out. I’m just learning how to sew and still managed to make this successfully thanks to your clear instructions. I can’t wait to try some of your other tutorials now! I’m thinking maybe the lined, zippered pouch next. I put some pictures of my finished bag on my blog if you’d like to see it. Thanks again for all the work you put into these tutorials. It makes it so much easier for a newbie like me to learn some skills without having to invest in a mountain of books (and probably still be lost).
Thank you for the great bag tutorial! Just made a bag as a gift for a paris themed birthday party and it turned out quite cute! Thank you so very much!
This is the best tote bag instruction, thank you so much for the simplicity you made it such a pleasure to make,
I made 15 of these for my daughter to give as gifts to bridesmaids etc. at her wedding. She loved that they were in her colors and was something unique for her special people. It was so popular that my niece also asked for 10 for her wedding. My daughter does a lot of traveling and uses them to sort her clothes, make-up, undies etc. in her suit case. She actually puts whole outfits that she has to wear in a bag. I am visiting her and am making some more and forgot my notes which I need as it has been a couple years. I really appreciated finding your web site so I could review the layering technique with the lining and handles! THANKS
Thanks very much for this tutorial. It’s really easy to follow. I’ve used it 3 times now to make bags for birthday gifts. Thanks!
Hi…
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.!!