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.
This is a topic which is close to my heart…
Takke care! Exactly where are your contact details though?
I just made four of these totes as Christmas gifts – actually, they were used in place of Christmas stockings for adult women. I made the first one exactly as directed then decided to play with the size a bit, because it seems just a bit narrow at the opening. I ended up cutting the fabric at 14×16 inches, and that one inch difference in the opening (after sewing the seam) made all the difference. The recipients were so happy with the bags! Thank you for a great, very useful tutorial!
Yay! Mary
Thank you! Great instructions. I bought some very expensive fabric several months ago, to make into a gift tote bag, and have been too nervous to start. I just made 3 totes in 2 days, the 3rd one in the very expensive fabric and it looks great.
Fantastic tutorial- really clear and simple. Great confidence booster for a newbie like me to complete a project successfully. Thanks for sharing!
I just made this bag and it looks great, especially for a newbie sewer! These are going to be Christmas presents!
Wonderfully easy pattern and fun! Making them out of leftover fabrics for neighborhood welcome wagon duties to give to new folks with goodies inside. Could use some hints on the corners though. Couldn’t make them push out. Thanks again!
Thanks so much for this tutorial, I will be using it to teach a class of homeschool kids how to sew. Great project. ๐
We have been having some trouble with links. Edie, could you let me know which tutorial?
I am having trouble printing tutorials off of your website thank you Edie
I am no sewing marvel and my bag came out so cute! I used an old tablecloth to do a first version in case I ran into snags, and there were none! (Now I have an adorable bag with old food stains on it! Ha!) Even though I couldn’t wrap my brain around how those straps were going to somehow emerge correctly, they did, and I am thrilled with the result. Great tutorial, thank you for posting!
This is a great tutorial. I used a 1/4″ seam all around; is this right? Also, I used fat quarters to make one and purchased cotton webbing for the straps. I used leftover fabric for another one, buying fat quarters for the lining and using more leftover fabric to make a pocket on the inside.
What seam width did you use on side seams?
Thank you!
i am gonna try this bag for my granddaughter love it
Hola! Me encanto el tutorial del bolso, pero hay no entiendo las medidas! Serร posible alguien me las digas en Centimetros? Para saber las medidas del tote bags POR FAVOR!! Saludos desde Venezuela! ๐