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 Lynn!
Lynn, please email me a picture I would love to see it.
This is a great, easy-to-follow pattern. I made a few modifications (overall size, strap construction) to make an appliquéd bag for my ukelele song books. Would love to share a pic with you, but that doesn’t seem to be an option here. Have had several requests for my pattern. I most certainly gave you credit and linked to this page.
Loved this tutorial, easy peasy gorgeous totes!!
Thanks so much for sharing your patterns and directions with us for the tote bag and matching zippered pouch.
I am teaching my granddaughters (ages 8 and 10) to sew and these are perfect for them.
Love the Bible verse on the pouch– Joshua 1:9 is one of my favorites!!!
Wow so simple and so amazing! Thank you.
Shannon, you can use the pattern to make totes to sell! Please though, don’t reprint or sell the pattern (just link back here). I hope you can use the pattern to bless your family with some extra money!
I leave the corners on and don’t notice the extra bulk. You may also trim… but not too close to the stitching line. You wouldn’t want the fabric to give way.
thanks a lot, very useful tutorial
How do you print instructions for the fabric tote. I am not too computer literate. But I didn’t see printer friendly. So, I must have to do something to get the printer to just print the pictures and instructions. Can you help so I might print other things I like.
Thank you dor this lovely tutorial. I still managed to get my lining inside out!! 😩 Another bag for my daughter!! Lol
I love this tutorial… planning to make a few for birthday gifts for nieces and nephews this year. Also saw the previous poster’s question about making them to sell. That was my question also, so I was happy to find the answer, and plan to add them to my site for purchase, linking back here for credit. The other question I had was whether you cut off your corners after stitching them or leave them on? It would seem to me to leave extra bulk after turning.
Thank you for the simple pattern!
our local woman’s transition house has started a campaign for sewers and crafters to make reusable bags for all their hampers that get distributed to women and families. I’ll be using this pattern and sharing with all involved!
So cute , thanks for the ideas and instructions!
I found this ages ago but only just got around to trying it. I love the idea of the gap being left at the top to be sewn up with the top stitching. Most things I’ve done leave the gap in the bottom of the lining which I don’t really like hand stitching or stitching closed on the machine. I also love the fabric you have used and will definitely be having a look at the matching tissue holder and pouch. I made gifts for Christmas but ran out of time so I am already thinking of making plenty of things ready for next Christmas. Thank you.
Thanks Sarah for letting me know. That makes my day!