by Tote bags are not just practical—they’re also a fantastic way to express your style and creativity. Whether you’re aiming to reduce your plastic use, give a handmade gift, or simply want a fun weekend sewing project, learning how to sew your own stylish tote bag is a rewarding and beginner-friendly project.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from materials and tools to step-by-step instructions with pro tips sprinkled throughout. By the end, you’ll have a custom tote bag you can proudly use—or even gift!
🧵 Why Make Your Own Tote Bag?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about the why:
- Eco-Friendly: Ditch the plastic and go reusable.
- Custom Style: Choose your own fabric, size, and design features.
- Budget-Friendly: DIY tote bags are cheaper than store-bought designer ones.
- Sewing Practice: It’s a perfect project for beginners to learn straight seams, topstitching, and construction.
Whether you’re sewing by hand or using a machine, tote bags are a fantastic entry point into the world of DIY fashion and accessories.
✂️ Materials & Tools You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Fabric
- Outer Fabric: Sturdy cotton, canvas, or denim. (½ yard)
- Lining Fabric: Lightweight cotton or any soft fabric. (½ yard)
Interfacing (Optional but Recommended)
- For added structure. Use medium-weight fusible interfacing.
Handles / Straps
- Pre-made webbing (cotton or nylon), or make your own from matching fabric.
- Standard length: 20-24 inches per strap (you’ll need 2).
Thread
- All-purpose polyester or cotton thread to match your fabric.
Tools
- Sewing machine (or needle for hand-stitching)
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
- Pins or clips
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Fabric marking pen or chalk
- Iron & ironing board
- Seam ripper (trust us—you’ll want one!)
📏 Step-by-Step: How to Sew a Tote Bag
Let’s break it down into simple, manageable steps.
Step 1: Cut Your Fabric
Here’s a basic tote bag size:
Finished dimensions: 14″ wide x 15″ tall x 3″ deep
Cut the following:
| Piece | Quantity | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Outer fabric | 2 | 15″ x 16″ |
| Lining fabric | 2 | 15″ x 16″ |
| Interfacing | 2 | 15″ x 16″ |
| Straps | 2 | 20–24″ long (1″ wide)** |
Tip: Add interfacing to the wrong side of the outer fabric for a crisp, structured look. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and press with an iron.
Step 2: Prepare Your Straps
If you’re using fabric straps:
- Cut two strips of fabric, 4″ wide by 24″ long.
- Fold each strip in half lengthwise (wrong sides together) and press.
- Open, then fold both edges toward the center crease and press again.
- Fold in half again and topstitch along both long edges.
If you’re using webbing, no prep needed—just set aside until later.
Step 3: Sew the Outer Bag
- Place outer fabric pieces right sides together.
- Pin or clip around sides and bottom (leave top open).
- Sew with a ½” seam allowance.
- Optional: Box the bottom corners to add depth.
To box the corners:
- With the bag still inside-out, pinch one bottom corner so the side seam aligns with the bottom seam.
- Measure about 1.5″ from the point and draw a line.
- Sew across the line and trim off excess fabric.
Repeat for the other corner.
Step 4: Sew the Lining
Repeat the same steps with the lining but leave a 3-4” gap in the bottom seam for turning the bag right-side-out later.
Don’t forget to box the corners here too, if you did on the outer bag.
Step 5: Attach the Straps
- Turn the outer bag right-side-out.
- Pin straps to the right side of the outer bag, about 3.5” in from each side seam.
- Make sure the straps aren’t twisted!
- Baste (sew temporarily) the strap ends to the top edge to hold them in place.
Step 6: Assemble the Bag
- Keep the outer bag right-side-out.
- Turn the lining wrong-side-out.
- Insert the outer bag into the lining, so right sides are facing and straps are tucked in between.
- Line up the top edges and side seams, then pin all around the top.
Step 7: Sew Around the Top Edge
- Sew all the way around the top edge with a ½” seam allowance.
- Go slowly over strap areas—they can be thick.
- Turn the bag right-side-out through the gap in the lining.
- Push out corners and seams.
Step 8: Finish Up
- Sew the gap in the lining closed with a small straight stitch or ladder stitch.
- Tuck the lining into the bag and press the top edge flat.
- Topstitch around the top edge to give a professional finish and secure the lining.
👜 Optional Customizations
Once you master the basic tote, you can personalize it!
Add:
- Inner Pockets: Patch or zipper pockets inside.
- Magnetic Closure: Easy to add at the top.
- Embroidery or Appliqué: Personal flair.
- Fabric Paint: Custom designs or quotes.
- Reversible Bag: Skip interfacing and make both sides cute.
🛠️ Tools & Fabric Tips for Beginners
- Use cotton canvas for an easy-to-handle, structured finish.
- Heavy-duty needles (90/14) work better for thick fabrics.
- Use fabric clips instead of pins for thick layers.
- Don’t skip pressing—it makes a huge difference in the final look.
🧶 Real-Life Example: My First Tote Bag
When I first started sewing, I chose a navy blue canvas and a floral cotton lining. I used old jeans for straps—talk about upcycling! I made a few mistakes (forgot to box the corners the first time 😅), but I still use that tote every time I go to the farmer’s market. It’s been 3 years!
📚 Further Learning & Resources
- YouTube Tutorials: “Tote Bag Sewing for Beginners” – great visual aid.
- Books:
- “Sewing School” by Amie Petronis Plumley
- “Sewing for the Absolute Beginner” by Caroline Smith
- Websites:
- Tilly and the Buttons
- Sew Can She
- Pinterest (for fabric pattern inspiration)
✅ Final Thoughts: You Did It!
Sewing a tote bag may seem intimidating at first, but with just a few materials, some basic stitches, and a bit of patience, you can create something useful and beautiful. It’s not just about crafting—it’s about making something with your own two hands that reflects your personality.
Once you’ve made one, you’ll be hooked. Tote bags are addictive! Try new fabrics, adjust the size, or even make matching mini versions for kids.
Video tutorial:
