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.
Thank you so much! That’s very generous of you to share this.
It made the process much easier and quick.
All the best!
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I have just finished my first bag ever, in fact this was my first own sewing experience. Fantastic bag. ๐
I just made 2 bags for a friend’s granddaughters aged 4 and 2 (not having any myself!), adjusting the size downwards for the 2 year old. I quilted the outside fabric with some cotton wadding, added pockets inside and out and embellished them with ribbon trims and buttons. I also slightly stiffened the straps with iron on interfacing. I think they look great – hope the girls will love them too. Many thanks for the tutorial. I rather fancy having a go at the crayon roll next…..
Thank you so much for this tutorial! It’s so straightforward and easy to follow! I love the finished product too! ๐
Fianlly got the bag correct and I love it!! Now I am going to make 5 more for my bridesmaids, but going to add a pocket and a closing feature!
Thanks soo much for this tutorial!!
Method of sewing fabric portfolio for mobile
Made this for my sister’s birthday. WalMart had a lot of material on clearance for $2 a yard. I added heavy iron on interfacing on all pieces. put of piece of corrugated plastic (Lowe’s) in the bottom and embroidered her initial on the outside and inside. Now it is does not collapse. Cute, Cute, Cute. Thanks for easy instructions!!
So far I love the tutorial! Everything turns out beautiful until # 7. I am very new to sewing and would love to make this bag for my daughter. When I get to the turning of #8 the top is sewn shut. My tips on what i am doing wrong. For number 7 do you sew arounf the bag to close the top or stitch right across all 4 pieces of the bag? Thanks!
very nice
thank you so much
I just wanted you to know that I found your site a month ago or so when I was going to make a reversible bag and needed some guidance. I made one and LOVE it thanks to your pattern. Today I came back to your site to make another one! I love it even more! Both the bags I’ve made I made the handles longer and on the sides to make them sling bags but thanks to your great instructions the bags look great! THANKS!
Thank you for this brilliant tutorial! I’m a beginner at sewing and wanted an easy bag pattern. This fits the bill to a tee! I’ve made 2 up to now. They don’t take too long to make, a project for a rainy afternoon.
Thank you once again!!
Thank you for the wonderful tutorial. I’m a beginner at sewing and you made this very easy for me. I am SO happy with my bag! It only took me about an hour to make the whole thing. It’s beyond adorable!!!
I just finished making 2 totes for my pre-school age grandsons, using “boy fabrics” of course. They are preparing to move to a new city and I thought it would be great if they each had a “travel bag” to put all their prized possessions (cars and trucks) into, along with some treat, crayons, books, etc. to keep them busy during the move. The tote bags turned out really cute and the boys loved them! Thanks for the easy to follow instructions.
Such a great tutorial. Very well eplained and the photos are wonderful!!! I’m going to make one of these cute totes for my neice. Thank you so much for sharing!
Hello,
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