Want to make your own designer-look tote bag, but have limited sewing machine experience? This tutorial is perfect for beginners! You will learn step by step how to make a trendy tote bag. If you can sew a straight stitch with the sewing machine then you are ready to start.
Making your own tote bag
If there is 1 bag that is in everyone's home, it is the tote bag. You know, one of those linen shoulder bags with a cute print or controversial statement. People walk around with them all the time. After all, they are super handy for (school) books, your tablet, groceries or 'whatever'.
But what could be more fun than making this cool tote bag all by yourself! With this simple tote bag tutorial, you'll have a professionally finished bag with handy (optional) inner pocket in your hands in no time.
The dimensions of the finished tote bag are: 33 x 33 x 5 cm.
What do you need to make a tote bag?
What materials do you actually need? No.1: Fabric! For this tote bag you will need 2 types of fabric. One for the outside (fabric A) and one for the inside (fabric B). Do you like to give yourself a hard time? Then make an inside pocket too! This is of course optional, but if you want to take up the challenge you will need a 3rd fabric. Or do what we do and use the outer fabric (fabric A or C) for the inner pocket as well. Read how to make the inner pocket here.
Which fabrics to use to make a tote bag?
The pro-tip for choosing the right fabric, though, is that the fabric should not be too stretchy. Because the more stretchy the fabric, the less suitable for a tote bag. After all, you don't want your well-filled bag to be 1.5 times as long due to the stretchy fabric giving way under the weight of your stuff.
Required fabric
- 0.5 metres of fabric for the outside (this includes the rods)
- 0.5 metres of fabric for the inner lining
- Optional: ¼ metre for the inner pocket
- Thread in matching colour
Materials needed
- Crafts&Co Sewing Machine (or your own sewing machine)
- Fabric shears or rotary cutter with sharp blade
- Cutting mat
- Water-soluble pen or pencil
- Pins
- Tape measure
- Pattern paper or baking sheet
- Optional: iron & ironing board
Step 1: Cut all your fabrics
The first step is always to measure and cut/cut all the necessary pieces of fabric. See how much fabric you cut per piece below.
- Body of the bag (fabric A): Cut or trim 2 times a piece of fabric measuring 38 x 38 cm
- Body of the bag (fabric B): Cut or trim 2 times a piece of fabric measuring 38 x 38 cm
- Bag body (fabric A): Cut or trim 2 times a piece of fabric measuring 11 x 60 cm
- Optional: inner pocket (fabric A or C): Cut or trim 2 times a piece of fabric measuring 25 x 15 cm
1. Use pattern paper or baking paper for easy sizing. This way you don't have to draw on the fabric which saves a lot of fumbling.
2. Pin the cut-out paper to the fabric with safety pins. Do you need 2 pieces of the same size? Then fold the fabric in half and pin the paper or both layers in place.
3. Simply cut around the edges of the paper and you're done!
4. Repeat for all parts: inner lining, handles and the inner pocket (optional).
Step 2: Sewing the bag's handles
First up: the bag's handles. Not too tricky. It's a matter of folding them well, pinning them down and sewing both sides together. And preferably as straight as possible. The result is a double layer of fabric that gives the handles a bit more stability.
Not quite sure how your sewing machine works yet and prefer to practise a bit first? Then read all the ins-and-outs of the Crafts&Co Sewing Machine in 10 Tips for the novice sewer with a sewing machine.
1. Prepare the bag's handles by folding them lengthwise with wrong sides together. Create a fold line by pressing firmly or using an iron for extra precision and ease.
2. Fold the cut edges on both sides inwards towards the fold and press firmly again. Try to avoid overlapping the fabric.
3. Now fold the handle in half again with the folded edges together. All cut edges should point to the inside of the handle. Now pin the folded fabric securely in place.
4. Set the sewing machine for sewing pattern 3. That is a stitch length of 3-4 mm. And sew with about 3 mm from the edge, along both sides of the handle. Remember to start and end with a double stitch - sew back and forth and then through - to stitch the seam directly. This applies every time you need to sew something in place!
5. Repeat these steps for the second handle.
Step 3: Add an inner pocket (optional)
Adding an inner pocket to your tote bag is a super cute idea and very practical, but really completely optional. Want to make a nice simple tote bag for now? Then leave this step for now and move on to step 4: Making the body of the bag.
And here is when you want to make the inside pocket. Again, this is optional. So in case you already have your hands full with the other parts, by all means skip this step! And try it on your next tote bag.
Are you up to the challenge? Then click through to the tutorial How to make the perfect slip pocket for your bag?
Step 4: Making the body of the bag
Now the real work begins. Take out the fabrics for the body of the bag.
1. Sew the side seams and bottom of the outer fabric right sides together, leaving the top open. Use a seam allowance* of 6-7 mm and set the machine to stitch pattern 2 (stitch length of 2.5 mm).
*A seam allowance is an extra piece of fabric you need to stitch the pieces of fabric together.
2. Repeat for the fabric (B) to be used as the inner lining.
Step 5: Making a pleat in the bag
For extra convenience, you'll want to give the bag a flat bottom. You do this by making a pleat via some cutting, folding and sewing.
1. Fold the bottom corner of your bag to create a triangle in the corner. If you place the seams of the side and bottom exactly on top of each other, you will have a perfect corner. Pin this in place. Then make a mark 3.8 cm from the corner and draw a stitching line.
2. Then sew across to create a pleat. Provide a 6-7 mm seam allowance and cut away the remaining fabric. Remember to remove the markings.
3. Repeat on all bottom corners of the outside and inside lining of the bag.
Step 6: Sewing the body of the bag and handles together
The best part is always when everything comes together and the individual pieces of fabric start to form a whole. You can probably almost see yourself walking out the door with the bag on your shoulder. But just a little more patience! There are still a few final steps to go.
1. Grab the pieces of fabric from the inner lining and the outer. Place the inner lining inside the outer with right sides together. Align the fabrics well by aligning the pleats and side seams you just made. Then pin the side seams in place.
2. Insert one of the bag's handles between the outer fabric and the lining fabric about 7.5 cm from the side seams (like a sandwich). Make sure the handle is not twisted. Both ends will be about 12.5 cm apart.
3. Pin the handle in place between the outer fabric and inner lining. Repeat for the second handle on the other side of the bag. Also think about where to leave the opening of about 6-7 cm for turning the bag.
4. Now sew the top edge of the bag. Use a seam allowance of 6-7 cm. Remember to leave an opening of about 7.5 cm for turning the bag.
Step 7: Final touches!
The end is really in sight now.
1. Use the opening in the top edge to turn the bag inside out (or outside in - it depends how you see it) right side out. Gently press the top seam or use an iron again.
2. Now fold the lining fabric into the bag and again press the top edge firmly so that the lining fabric does not protrude over the edge from the outside of the bag. Pin the top edge in place in this way.
3. Stitch the whole top of the bag about 6-7 mm from the edge. When doing this, set the machine to stitch pattern 2 (stitch length of 2.5 mm).
Are you more visually inclined? Then let's make this fabulous tote bag together! Watch the extensive video and follow the steps above in detail.
Curious about more inspiring hobby blogs? Then be sure to read on!
Guide: Getting the Crafts&Co sewing machine ready for use
A correctly set-up sewing machine is the key to successful sewing. In this visual guide, we show you all the important steps to set up your sewing machine in the best possible way. With these instructions, you will make all your creative ideas come to life in no time!
Read it in Guide: Getting the Crafts&Co sewing machine ready for use
How to make the perfect slip pocket for your bag?
A beginner's sewing tutorial for making an inner pocket for your favourite bag design is absolutely essential. Why do you say? Well, as many women will agree, a bag without an extra pocket is THE recipe for a big gaping hole where you literally lose everything.
Hence the 8-step tutorial including video that discusses everything. From supplies, measurements, sewing patterns, you name it!
Read it in How to make the perfect slip pocket for your bag?
