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.
Great tutorial! I just made my daughter a Halloween treat tote using it with some pumpkin fabric for the outside and black & white chevron for the inside.. She loves it! Thanks!
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Thank you for such a quick and easy tutorial! I just used your tutorial, but cut the fabric 1 inch smaller (12.5 x 13) and made trick-or-treat bags for my little ones. The smaller measurements are perfect for them at ages 3 and 5! Even better, I had both bags cut in sewn in just about an hour! <3
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Hi Cindy- thank you for such an easy, nicely written and photographed tutorial. I am learning to sew and find your blog so helpful. There will be a little link love in my post tomorrow. You can find it here:
https://julie-prichard.squarespace.com/blog/2013/10/25/treat-bag-sewn-keepsake
Happy halloween!
Used this tutorial today and had a blast. First craft project in a long while.
My bag: http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/4344/8ihd.jpg
Made this just this morning for a last minute birthday gift! Our little giftee loves animals and princesses, so reversible was perfect. Farm animals on one side and princess-kitty-unicorn on the other! Very easy. I used cotton handles you can buy by the yard. Can’t wait to give it to her!
This is such a cute and easy tutorial. Very good. My 11 yr old is learning to sew and she did everything but put the two together. THank you!
I have just started sewing with a machine and will be giving this a try, it looks pretty simple. Thank you so much for sharing!
I made this tonight and just sent you two pics (from my gmail email address). I hope you like it – Your tutorial was very easy to follow and very quick to sew. It will be my “go-to” tote bag pattern from now on! Thank you! You have inspired me and I can’t wait to make some more for gifts (Christmas is coming up soon)!
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This tutorial is so simple to follow and really clear to understand. I have linked to your site via my blog as your tutorial inspired me to create my own! 🙂
http://found-inspiration.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/reversible-tote-bag.html#more
Best wishes,
Charlotte