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 — 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
For this reversible tote bag sewing project, you will need the following fabric pieces:
- 2 pieces fabric 13 1/2 inches X 14 inches (outside)
- 2 pieces 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 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 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 won’t 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 — in which case you’ll need to adjust your sewing machine needle accordingly.
- If you use a lightweight fabric, you may want to line it with a fusible fleece — 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 used in these projects are created by Heather Bailey. I used Pineapple Brocade in green and Zag Stripe in gold (I think).
There are so many fabric choices out there, the possibilities are endless. Did you give this pattern a whirl? I’d love to see the tote bags you made!
Want to make your tote bag more personal? Try these easy applique 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.
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 a very easy to understand tutorial with great photos. I’ve made three of these, and am finishing up my fourth one today. I make pockets on the outside of each piece which adds some function and dimension. I’ve sewn all my life, but still struggle with measuring and cutting. This project is very forgiving, though! Thanks again!
Everything is very open with a precise explanation of the issues.
It was truly informative. Your site is useful. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing! This made a great Mother’s Day gift! Very easy to follow =]
Oh Helen, Thank you so very much for commenting! It makes me feel so good you were able to make a tote1
Thank you!
This is the first ever thing I’ve made with my sewing machine – I’d never even touched a sewing machine before this – and you made it so easy.
I am very proud of my bag even if it has a few wonky lines 🙂
Thank you again, the tutorial was perfect and gave me the confidence to make my own bag.
Hi! This simple pattern has been fantastic to make, me and my mum have made a few now of various sizes and shapes and are currently making one for my grandma for her birthday! Thanks for the easy to follow tutorial, great work!
Amy
This bag is so quick and cute! The little darts at the bottom add just the right dimension. Many thanks!
This has become my favorite thing to make and give as a gift! I use deco fabric from JoAnn’s, half yard each of two coordinating fabrics. I cut four inches off the top for the straps (making them a little shorter) and use the remaining fabric for the bag, so very little waste (except for the extra four inches from the other fabric, could make a small pocket?). I make the bottom wider by sewing three to four inches on the pinch. I’ve even made little “gift” bags with single handles made from lighter weight material to put the big bag in when I give it as a gift. I’m so glad I found this tutorial!
I used your awesome tutorial this afternoon to make a child-size tote for a friend’s grand-daughter. I added a coordiating fabric to make a band across the top, embroidered her name on it and put a pocket on the back. It is just adorable! Thanks for making this so easy!( I’ll send a photo if you tell me where to send it.)
That makes me so happy Angela!
Have just made the tote bag so pleased with the easy instructions.I am new to sewing and this is my first achievement with my new sewing machine!
I will be making some more for gifts.Thank you so much.
Love Angela x
I love this, thanks so much. First time I tried it I put the inside in the wrong way round… then I left the straps outside rather than inside, resulting in them behind hidden when the bag was the right way round,hehe. Managed it in the end, just need to work on improving my shabby sewing!
Your tutorial was awesome! I’ve made 7 of them and everyone loves them. It’s so nice to give a gift in a personalized tote bag (and good for the environment!). The only thing I add is a pocket or two to both outside and lining. Thanks!!
I’m fairly new to sewing, but had some fabric that I particularly wanted to make a bag with. I’ve made it today, and am really pleased with how it turned out. I’m feeling pretty proud of myself! Your instructions were straightforward and easy to follow, thanks very much for your post.
I have just completed a bag as per your tutorial and am thrilled with it. I have made simple bags in the past but your method was much simpler and very professional looking! Thank you.