June 13, 2019

How to Make a Simple Tote Bag

Learn how to make a lined tote bag with this easy sewing tutorial.

Tote bags are super easy to make and they make great gifts! Teachers love them! The easy to sew tote bag pattern is one I use all the time. You can vary the pattern by making the bag smaller or bigger or learn how to add a zippered pocket or DIY leather straps. For a more challenging handbag sewing tutorial, check out this curved top shoulder bag. And be sure to check out our pattern on how to make a matching zipper pouch!

Change your tote bag into a fabric basket or fabric gift bag with this easy sewing tutorial.

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***You can find the ad-free, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase HERE. Includes 14-pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***

Tote bag supplies needed:

Two outer fabric pieces 14 inches x 14 inches – my favorite fabric shop
Two lining fabric pieces measuring 14 inches x 14 inches
Tow outer fabric pieces measuring 5 inches x 28 inches for the tote bag straps
Fusible interfacing
Matching thread
Straight pins
Cutting mat
Rotary cutter
Clear ruler
Sewing scissors
Marking pencil
Sewing machine

Keep track of your sewing projects, like this one, with a sewing planner. This sewing planner is specifically designed for non-clothing sewing projects and helps you stay organized – fabric used, measurements, hardware used, notes, etc. Also included are pages such sewing tips and fabric shops. Get your sewing planner H ERE.

Measure and cut your fabric

Using your rotary cutter, clear ruler and cutting mat, cut two pieces of the outer fabric and two pieces of the lining fabric each measuring 14 inches x 14 inches.

Measure and cut the tote bag straps

Cut two pieces of the outer fabric 5 inches by 28 inches.

You can also create leather, faux leather or vinyl straps by following these step-by-step instructions.

Attach the interfacing

I use Pellon 911FF Fusible Interfacing for all of my handbags and accessories sewing projects.

You will need to cut interfacing for ALL the cut fabric pieces. Follow the package instructions for attaching the fusible interfacing to the tote bag.

Make the tote bag straps

The finished straps will be 1.25 inches wide.

RULE OF THUMB: Decide how wide you would like your finished strap to be, then multiply by 4 and that will be how wide you will need to cut your fabric. For this tote bag, 1.25 inches wide means I need to cut the fabric 5 inches wide before folding.

Fold tote bag strap lengthwise and press

Fold each strap in half lengthwise and press along the fold.

Open back up and fold the outside edge to the center and press.

Turn the strap around and fold the other outside edge to the center and press.

Fold the strap in half again and press.

Sew the strap along both folded edges.

Add inside pockets (optional)

At this point, you have the option of adding pockets to the lining fabric pieces if you want pockets on the inside of your messenger bag. To add a zipper pocket, follow these instructions on how to add a zipper pocket. For slip pockets, follow these instructions on how to add slip pockets to a bag.

Sew the lining pieces together

Place the lining fabric pieces right sides together. Pin three sides together leaving the top open.

Sew the three sides together.

Attach the straps

Place one of the straps on top of one of the outer fabric pieces 2.5 inches from each edge. (I have the straps placed about an inch over the top of the bag so I can see where the straps are while sewing). Pin in place.

Repeat with the other strap and the other outer fabric piece.

Baste the straps to the outer fabric to hold in place.

After you have the straps basted, place the outer fabric pieces right sides together. Pin in place.

Sew the three sides together.

Cut the squares

You are going to cut squares from each bottom corner to create the square bottom of the tote bag.

Starting with the lining piece, use your clear ruler and marking pencil to make a 2-inch square at each bottom corner.

The squares should look like the above picture.

Cut out the squares along the blue lines using your sewing scissors.

Repeat for the outer fabric piece.

Square the bottom of the tote bag

Pinch together and line up the seams.

Pin and sew along the edge.

This is what it looks like. Do the same to the other three corners.

Your bottom is now 4 inches wide.

RULE OF THUMB: The finished bottom width of the tote bag is going to be two times the width of the squares you cut. For this tote bag, the squares are two inches which makes the finished bottom width 4 inches. For a 6 inch wide bottom, you’ll cut the squares 3 inches wide.

You now have one outer bag and one lining bag.

Sewing it all together

Turn the lining bag right side out. Keep the outer bag wrong side out. Place the lining fabric INSIDE the outer fabric piece. The right sides of each fabric piece should be facing each other.

Be sure your straps are in between the bags.