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.
I really like this bag but I am struggling with the bottom corners and what you mean when you say to pinch in the corners. Any chance anyone could clarify or explaing further what this means. Must just be me not quite understanding what I am trying to do.
Thanks
Great tutorial! I just whipped up one of these bags in 30 minutes. I will use it as a gift bag for a baby quilt I just finished. Thanks!
Thank you so much for you great tutorial. I made 4 of these this weekend and I plan to make more for Christmas. Keep up the good work!!
Adorable! I’ve been on a “de-stashing” kick lately, and was looking for an easy way to use up some of my fabric collection. I love this. So simple and quick and easily modified. Thank you!
So I am going to attempt to make this bag today as my first real sewing project but I a having trouble conceptualizing step #3. Does this basically just mean fold the corner over on itself? Also what is a top stitch? Is that like a regular stitch? Any clarification is appreciated. Thanks!
Great,easy instructions for such a cute and functional bag. This will be perfect to use up some fabric I have taking up space in my craft closet. Thinking of making a bunch of these in various sizes throughout the year and selling them at our church craft boutique. Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi. So can you explain the “pinch corners together” step a bit more? I’m just not understanding that one. Looks like a great project.
Hi, I made my first tote bag last night and posted the result on my blog at carolyncrowndesigns.wordpress.com. Thanks so much for the tutorial. All the pictures were really helpful!
I love the bag…Mine turned out perfect except for those bottom corners…I just can’t seem to get mine to do right…any suggestions?
Thank you so much! Fantastic tutorial – I love all the pictures. I finished my first bag today; it looks really great. One suggestion I’d make is to cut the excess fabric off the bottom corners after you’ve completed Step 4 – just to reduce the bulkiness in the corners a little.
Great step by step directions!
Wow – great tutorial! I made my very first totebag last night and was so imrpressed with how it came out. Your tutorial was very easy to follow and very precise. I can’t wait to make my next one! Thank you!
Wow! What clear, concise directions!
Now I feel confident to make some totes.
I’ve seen cute ones made with oilcloth, feedsacks, etc.
and lined with fabric.
Thank you!
I’ve just added this to my do list! Tutorial is great and fabric choices are beautiful! Found you via Random Thoughts…do or “di”
I made this today in under 3 hours (my first bit of sewing since textiles AS level back in 2005). I did make 2 mistakes (both with where to put the straps), but that was down to me not reading it properly. Great tutorial, thanks a lot ๐