The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Conn Coll chapter.
A tote bag is a perfect project for any sewer – it is simple and easy, yet a lot of fun to make! This pattern will show you how to make your own tote bag with pictures and step-by-step instructions.
Materials:
½ yard Exterior Fabric (Exterior and Pockets)
½ yard Lining Fabric (Lining and Handles)
Thread
Button (optional)
Supplies:
Rotary Cutter
Cutting Mat and Ruler
Iron and Ironing Board
Sewing Machine
Scissors
Pins
Tutorial:
- Cut out fabric:
- Exterior fabric: (2) 14” x 14” for the main body of the bag
- Exterior fabric: (1) 8” x 6” for inside pocket
- Lining fabric: (2) 14” x 14” for the lining of the bag
- Lining fabric: (2) 4” x 22” for bag handles
2. Bag handles:
- Fold the handle fabric lengthwise with the wrong sides together. Press with iron.
- Unfold the fabric, and then fold the raw edges on both sides towards the crease and press again.
- Fold the handle in half with the folded edges on the outside. Iron again and clip to hold in place.
- Top stitch ⅛” down both sides of the handle.
- Repeat with the other handle.
3. Pocket:
- Fold each side of the pocket fabric down with a ¼” seam allowance and sew a top stitch.
- Pin onto one of the lining pieces in the center.
- Sew a top stitch with a ¼” seam allowance on the sides and bottom of the pocket, leaving the top open.
4. Body of the bag:
- Using a ¼” seam allowance, sew the side and bottom seams of the exterior fabric with right sides together.
- Repeat with the lining fabric.
- Create a pleat in the bag:
- Fold the bottom corner of the bag so that it creates a triangle. Try to match up the side and bottom seams, but it doesn’t have to be perfect!
- Stitch 1.5” away from the corner across the pleat. It is helpful to measure first and draw a line with a white/blue colored pencil.
- Cut off the triangle above the stitching.
- Continue this process on all corners of the exterior and lining of the bag.
5. Finishing the bag:
- Insert the lining fabric inside of the exterior fabric with right sides together and pin in place. Make sure that the seams are lined up.
- Place one of the ends of the bag handles in between the exterior and lining fabrics, about 3” from the side seams. Pin in place. Ensure that the handles are not twisted and repeat with the other end. Pin again. Repeat process for the other bag handle on the other side of the bag.
- Stitch around the top edge of the bag with a ¼” seam allowance, leaving a 3” opening for turning the bag right side out.
- Turn the bag right side out and put the lining fabric inside of the exterior fabric.
- Stitch around the entire top of the bag and fold the opening in so that the edges look clean.
6. Button (optional):
- Place the button on the top middle of the front side of the bag and sketch two lines on each side of the button.
- Using the buttonhole presser foot, create the buttonhole where you drew the lines. I like to test this on scrap fabric before going straight to the bag. A tutorial on using the buttonhole presser foot can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogSNpx-6xXc
- Hand sew the button on the inside of the bag opposite where the buttonhole is.
Now you have the perfect hand-made tote bag for all occasions!