How To Sew A Tote Bag – Easy Sewing Project

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Do you love tote bags as much as we do? I have several of these adorable bags stored all over the house and car. I love how versatile they can be. You can use them at the grocery store as you help do your part for the environment, it can hold all your favorite library books, or even kids toys in the car! Here we will walk you through How To Sew A Tote Bag – Easy Sewing Project. Whether you are new to sewing or not, this tote bag could be your next essential summer accessory. You can make one for every season, just simply pick your favorite colors, patterns, or mix up your fabric for an eclectic vibe. You can even pick some fun buttons or patches to embellish the outside of your tote bag to truly make it a one-of-a-kind! All you need are some pretty simple materials, a little bit of time, and viola, a beautiful tote bag that you have made yourself. These can also be used as gift bags or a gift for the next birthday you attend. So follow along as we walk you through these simple steps to make yourself an awesome tote bag.

Tote bag top photo

Looking for a new tote bag but want something original? Look no further as we walk you through how to make a tote bag with this easy to follow sewing project. This a great little fun project to do on a rainy day or when the pollen is just to bad to go outside. Below you will find step by step instructions with photos to help you follow along as we make this tote bag together. For this project we picked out a cheery color with the Beatles Yellow Submarine print, but any fabric you choose will work just fine. Now that Spring is here a pretty floral print would be good or even if you have some fabric left over from one of our other projects! I don’t know about you but I always keep my fabric scraps for future projects.

How To Sew A Tote Bag

SUPPLIES FOR TOTE BAG

Supplies for tote bag

When it comes to supplies it is better to have a little more than not enough. I always try to give myself a bit more margin with my fabric. Left over fabric scraps are great for other projects as well! Make sure to gather all your supplies before getting started. Have fun picking out fabrics that match the season, your style, or even your personality. Creativity is key!

How To Sew A Tote Bag – Easy Sewing Project

Cut and Press Fabric

Who says you can not have too many tote bags?! Not me!! In this post, we will walk you through how to make your very own tote bag. As the first step in this how to sew a tote bag tutorial you are going to cut the fabric and fleece to 16 inches across and 18 inches long, then press the fabric pieces. You’ll have two of each.

Layer and Clip Pieces

Now you are going to lay one piece of fleece down. Then one piece of fabric right side up. Another piece of fabric right side down and top it off with another piece if fleece. Secure these together with sewing clips like pictured above. 

Sew Edges Together

Now it’s time to sew! Take your clipped fabric pieces and sew along the right, bottom, and left sides. Make sure to leave a gap so that you can flip the tote right side in where the fleece is on the inside and the fabric is on the outside. 

Zig Zag Stitch

Fold in the top of the tote and press with an iron or a heat press. Next, you are going to clip or pin the edges and sew along the top. An optional step would be to add a zig-zag stitch along the raw edge at the top, as it can help with any possible fraying. 

Measure Box Corners

Now on this how to sew a tote tutorial, we will box out the corners so the tote has a flat bottom. To box out the tote turn it inside out and fold in the corners towards the bottom of the bag. Measure in 2 inches and mark. Sew across and then cut off the excess. Do this on each end of the bottom of the bag in the corners. This will box out the tote and give it a flatter bottom. If you do not want it boxed then you can simply skip this step. 

Handle Placement
measure 8 inches down

Fold up the end of the belting about half an inch and add a quick stitch across. Doing this on each end will help keep the belting from fraying. Lastly you are going to align the belting down the bag and with a ruler place the belting 8 inches down the bag and one side of the strap between 11 and 12 and the other between 3 and 4 inches on the ruler measuring across the top.

stitch down belting

Stitch along the belting down each side, bottom, and top to secure it in place.

X Stitch on Handles

Then finally stitch across the bottom of the belting with an “X” to keep it secured.

Completed Tote Bag

And that’s it! This tote bag is a quick and easy sewing project that can be completed in an afternoon. You can easily make one for every occasion just by simply picking different fabric patterns and textures. These easy sew tote bags make great gifts for friends and family. I get several compliments on my tote bags every time I use them. I can not wait to make more of them!

Easy Sew Tote Bag Beginner Sewing Tutorial

If you liked learning how to sew a tote bag, make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board or share it with friends on social media. If you decide to make this simple project on your own, make certain that you take a picture afterward and tag us on social media as we love seeing the fabrics and color choices that people use!

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How To Make A Tote Bag - Easy Sewing Project

How To Make A Tote Bag - Easy Sewing Project

Quick and easy sewing project for a tote bag. Great to have for every day use or quick trips to run errands.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Active Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $15.00

Instructions

    1. Cut the fabric and fleece to 16 inches across and 18 inches long. Press fabric.
    2. Lay one piece of fleece down. Then one piece of fabric right side up. Another piece of fabric right side down and top it off with another piece if fleece. Secure these together with sewing clips.
    3. Sew along the right, bottom, and left sides. Flip the tote right side in where the fleece is inside and the fabric is on the outside.
    4. Fold in the top and press. Clip or pin and then sew along the top.
    5. To box out the tote turn it inside out and fold in the corners towards the bottom of the bag.
    6. Measure in 2 inches and mark. Sew across and then cut off excess. Do this on each end of the bottom the bag in the corners. If you don't want it boxed you can skip this step.
    7. Fold up the end of the belting about half an inch and stitch across. Do this on each end to keep the belting from fraying.
    8. Align the belting down the bag and with a ruler place the belting 8 inches down the bag and one side of the strap between 11 and 12 and the other between 3 and 4 on the ruler measuring across the top.
    9. Stitch along the belting down each side and bottom and top. Then stitch across the bottom of the belting a "X" to keep it secured.
    10. Enjoy your new tote bag!

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