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 for sharing this wonderful tutorial.as beginner this is exactly what i need…hope can make this bag “successfull”..wish me luck:-)
Thank you so much for the tutorial. It was easy to follow and my bag turned out very cute.
I’m not much of a 3-dimensional sewer (I can sew a baby quilt because it’s 2-dimensions). Your tutorial was so easy. I used it to make hula fabric bags for my daughter’s hula halau. You can see how they turned out here: http://organized31.blogspot.com/2013/01/hula-fabric-bags.html.
Thanks for your tutorial and help!
Thanks So Much- my bag turned out great!
Thank you much! I’ve been on the brink of buying a cute chevron tote on etsy. I used your tutorial and whipped up my own yesterday. I cut my fabric 14in x 18in to make a little bigger and used webbing for handles instead of fabric. I also appliqued a burlap “a” on it. What awesome instructions! Thank you!
I made one of these this week end for my daughter (we added a simple patch pocket to the front, as well). I was a little hesitant, but this tutorial is so easy to follow. The end result is simply darling! (
I LOVE this pattern! Thanks so much for sharing. I am new to sewing, and I found this very easy to follow. I will be making many more of these in the future. ๐
Thank you for this fantastic tutorial!!! It was EXTREMELY easy to follow and the tote bag turned out great. Thank you.
many tnx that was so easy ๐
Wow, this was a godsend. After initially resisting making crafty gifts for Christmas, I decided last minute to make some goodies for the girls in the family, and needed something quick and cute. This is PERFECT. Thank you so much for helping me to get over my Grinchyness. This will be my go-to quickie bag from now on!
For those wondering about the “pinch corners together” part… What you want to do is create a “gusset” at the bottom of the bag to make a flat bottom. Just take a good look at the picture on step #5. It shows it more than step #4 for beginners. Just feel confident and see what she’s done. Take your hand inside the bottom corner to be sure your layers are together, then turn it so the bottom seam is facing you and is centered in the fabric as you look at it. Do you see how it makes a point? It should look like what you see on image #4. Now, simply sew that line as she shows you, and you will have a nice flat bottom to your bag. If you still cannot see it, I would recommend examining one at a discount store and seeing what one looks like ready made, so you can get a better idea… it is a little tricky to describe.I warn you this will be addictive! I’m making one now that is quilted and has little pockets for pens and cell phone, etc. You’ll be doing that soon with tutorials like this! Very well made tutorial! ๐
Hi! I just made this totebag, I’m very happy with the result! Thank you for this tutorial ๐
Great tutorial! Thank you so much!
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…
Awesome!!! I wanted to make a little back to hold my niece’s new nook. This was perfect (with some size adjustments). I also added a button to help keep the tote closed. Thanks so much!
so thanks.
its very nice and beautiful.
i want to sew for my mom!