This tote bag pattern is perfect for anyone new to sewing. The steps are clear and quick to follow, so you’ll see results fast. I’ve made several myself and use them all the time—for groceries, errands, or carrying my laptop. If you often lose stuff in your bag, you’re not alone; I’ve learned to accept stray pens and old receipts as part of the bag’s charm. The directions to make a tote bag are easy and only uses straight stitches and simple fabric, making it easy for beginners to build confidence. The finished tote feels strong and looks good enough to use every day. If you want an easy first project or a practical new bag, this pattern is a great choice.
So, let’s make this great DIY tote bag! I think you’re really going to like it.
How to Make a Tote Bag:
I’m going to give you all of the instructions you need to make this down below. (The supply list is in the instructions below so be sure to check that out.)
Supplies
- 1/3 yard canvas or duck fabric for the bottom of the bag
- 1/2 yard canvas or duck fabric for the top of the bag (you will need a bit less than this)
- 1/2 yard canvas or duck fabric for inside of the bag (this could be just a basic cotton instead if you prefer)
- 1/4 yard fusible fleece optional: to line the straps and add durability to them
- sewing scissors
- sewing machine
- threads to match your fabric
Instructions
Step One is to Cut Your Fabric. Here’s what you need to cut. You can use a rotary cutter to cut super straight lines (or wing it with sewing scissors if you prefer.)
From your bottom fabric cut 2 pieces that are 17 inches wide by 8 inches long.
From your top fabric cut 2 pieces that are 17 inches wide by 12 inches long. (Note: Wait to cut your inner lining fabric)
For your straps or handles (from whichever fabric you prefer), cut 2 pieces that are 31 inches by 4 inches
(Optional-if you feel like you want the straps sturdier, line them with a fusible interfacing like fusible fleece.)
2. **Use about a 1/2 inch seam allowance for this. It’s a bag though, so it’s forgiving if you use a different one.
Prepare the outer fabric pieces and sew the outside of the bag together
Place top fabric on the bottom fabric with right sides together across the 17-inch width and sew them together. Do this for both of your outside pieces and then iron the seams flat.
3. Now it’s time to cut your inner pieces.
With one of your pieces that you just sewed, place it on your inner fabric and use it as a guide to cut out the inner fabric to match what you just created. Cut 2 of your inner fabric using that template.
4. Sew around the outside
Place right sides together for your inner fabric (what you just cut) and sew the two inner pieces together around both sides and the bottom, leaving the top open. (About a 1/2 inch seam is perfect here.)Next, do the same with your outer pieces. Sew both of your outer pieces together around both sides and the bottom with right sides facing together.
5. Creating box corners
Now you are going to create box corners on these along the bottom seams. Do this with both outer corners and both inner corners. To do this, grab the bottom corner of the bag and turn it so that that the fabric is laying like this:
6. You will then sew a seam across the top tip of that triangle a few inches down from the tip.
7. Then snip off that tip:
8. Sewing the straps
Take your long pieces and fold them in half the long way with right sides together and sew up the long side. Turn right side out (this will be a little tricky and time-consuming. I use a chopstick or pair of scissors to help push the fabric though. And I watch a good show while I do it.) Press straps flat with seam in the center of the back:
9. Assemble the bag
Now, turn your inner fabric right side out but leave your outer fabric inside out. Put the inner bag down inside the outer bag. Slide your straps inside the bag in between the two fabrics, making sure that the seam on the back of the fabric is facing the inside of the bag and pin everything in place like this so that the fabric is even all the way around and the strap ends are between your inner and outer layers of fabric on both sides and have the ends poking out slightly.
Enjoy!
