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 am a beginner sewer i was really excited to try this,unfortunately i didt fully understand the part where you have to construct the straps and stitch top of bag,i stiched all the way round thing the small gap left for turning was the only opening needed,
I made this bag with iron on stiffener on the wrong side of the outside layer (front and back) notching out the lower corners of the stiffener for the diagonal bottom corner stitching so it wouldn’t be too bulky. Came out great – thank you!
Just wanted to say that I have just made this bag and I am sooooo pleased with it. Your instructions were excellent, so clear and easy to follow. Thank you from across the seas in Belgium.
Well I’ve done it! Thanks to your fabulous instructions! I’m thrilled to bits with my pink tote bag. It’s a small one. I adjusted the sizes. I love it! Thankyou so much!
Thankyou for these wonderful instructions and photos! I am making this bag my first project with my new little sewing machine! I am a beginner so fingers crossed! I will let you know how I get on. It may take a while!!!
I just bought my first sewing machine on the weekend. I’m going to try this when I get home. My first project!! Thanks so much for providing a free, easy pattern for beginners. You rule!
Thank you so much for this tutorial. It popped up first during my Google search and was exactly what I was looking for.
Betty Love
Just made the bag…it is awesome. Thank you for sharing!
I am new at sewing and came across your adorable tote bag. I understand everything except where to leave the opening to turn the bag inside out. Do they have a sewing for idiots book? lol I wonder if you could explain that part one more time.
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
This is amazing and So very easy to understand thank u! I havรฉ made to today ,i cant see to stop you can check it out here http://mymusecomesandgoes.wordpress.com/2013/02/10/diy-tote-bag/
Happy sunday
I am going to use this tutorial today. My daughter is making first night bags for foster kids for her senior project. This tote is perfect. Thank you so much for giving us a place to go.
Nice work…i wanna try at home..
tokoabdullahonline.blogspot.com
Very cute and easy to make. The possibilities are endless to create your own unique and one of kind tote!!!
Your bag is totally adorable! Thank you for sharing it with me. Love it.
Thank you SO very much for this wonderful tutorial. I started a Bible study that has a lot of materials and ‘homework’ and needed something to keep them contained. I ran across you tutorial and it couldn’t have been more perfect. I love the wonderful pictures and the instructions were spot on. Thank you, thank you!!! I was the perfect morning project.
Here is a picture of it for you…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23692140@N04/8392540997/