Easy Tote Bag

by ProperFit Clothing in Craft > Sewing

2619 Views, 17 Favorites, 0 Comments

Easy Tote Bag

ToteBag.jpg
ToteBagINSTA.jpg

This is a fun DIY sewing project for all levels! This tutorial walks you through the steps on how to take make a tote bag. The reusable tote bag is great for school, groceries, beach, and more! The video also includes a printable pattern (tote sewing pattern) so you can follow along easily. The tote sewing pattern comes is 4 sizes (Small: 11.75"h X 9.5"w X 5"d, Medium: 13.25"h X 13"w X 6"d, Large: 15"h X 16.5"w X 7.5"d, and X-Large: 16"h X 19"w X 8.5"d) Make your own custom tote bags today!

Supplies

-LINK to Pattern: https://www.properfitclothing.com/product-page/re...

-LINK to Fabric (Canvas): https://amzn.to/2NltJCG

-LINK to Fabric (Twill): https://amzn.to/2Nm8LDC

-LINK to Fabric (Denim): https://amzn.to/2YpP5oY

-LINK to Webbing: https://amzn.to/2V5FSjy

Gathering Supplies

SAM_9900.00_00_39_36.Still001.jpg
SAM_9900.00_00_50_27.Still002.jpg
SAM_9900.00_00_55_49.Still004.jpg

Fabric: I recommend canvas, denim, or twill.

Small: .5 yards

Medium: .75 yards

Large: 1 yard

X-Large: 1.5 yards

Contrast Fabric: I recommend vinyl or leather.

Small: .5 yards

Medium: .5 yards

Large: .75 yards

X-Large: .75 yards

Webbing: 1 inch width.

2-4 yards for all sizes. This is determined by the length of strap you want.

Cutting Pattern

SAM_9900.00_01_32_20.Still005.jpg
SAM_9900.00_01_46_37.Still006.jpg
SAM_9900.00_01_52_33.Still007.jpg
SAM_9900.00_01_57_48.Still008.jpg

Main Panel: Cut 1 on fold of fabric. Mark pocket line and strap lines on both sides of the main panel.

Bottom Panel: Cut 1 on fold of fabric.

Pocket Panel: Cut 2.

Hem Main Panel

SAM_9900.00_02_14_48.Still010.jpg
SAM_9900.00_02_22_20.Still009.jpg
SAM_9900.00_02_34_06.Still011.jpg
SAM_9900.00_02_41_58.Still013.jpg
SAM_9900.00_02_43_34.Still012.jpg

-Hem the top sides of the main panel.

-Roll the top over .5 inch and another .5 inch to make a clean edge.

-Pin into position.

-Sew .25 inches away from the outside edge. Add another stitch .25 inches away from the first seam. Creating 2 stitches along the top edge.

-Repeat for other side.

*NOTE: You can also do a decretive stitch along the edge if you prefer.

Hem Pocket Panels

SAM_9900.00_02_57_57.Still014.jpg
SAM_9900.00_03_04_27.Still015.jpg
SAM_9900.00_03_06_17.Still016.jpg

-Hem the top sides of both pocket panels.

-Roll the top over .5 inch and another .5 inch to make a clean edge.

-Pin into position. -Sew .25 inches away from the outside edge. Add another stitch .25 inches away from the first seam. Creating 2 stitches along the top edge.

-Repeat for other pocket panel.

*NOTE: You can also do a decretive stitch along the edge if you prefer.

Attaching Pocket Panel

SAM_9900.00_03_09_56.Still017.jpg
SAM_9900.00_03_17_35.Still018.jpg
SAM_9900.00_03_23_38.Still019.jpg

-Line up the pocket panel with the pocket panel line on the main panel.

-Pin pocket into position.

-Only sew the sides of the pocket as close as you can to the outside edge

-Repeat process for other pocket.

Adding Straps

SAM_9900.00_03_31_58.Still020.jpg
SAM_9900.00_03_39_57.Still021.jpg
SAM_9900.00_03_51_49.Still022.jpg
SAM_9900.00_04_16_15.Still023.jpg

-Cut straps to desired length.

Small: Short: 36" Long: 52"

Medium: Short: 38" Long: 54"

Large: Short: 42" Long: 68"

X-Large: Short: 44" Long: 70"

-Line up strap ends with the bottom strap marks on bag.

-The straps will cover the side edges of the pocket making for a clean finish.

-Pin straps into position.

-Sew along the outside edges of the straps in a box formation. Add a few extra tack stitches at the top of the strap to add strength.

-Repeat process for other side.

Adding Bottom Panel

SAM_9900.00_04_21_03.Still024.jpg
SAM_9900.00_04_40_06.Still025.jpg
SAM_9900.00_04_49_00.Still026.jpg
SAM_9900.00_05_02_56.Still027.jpg
SAM_9900.00_05_08_52.Still028.jpg

-Line up the bottom panel in the center of the main panel.

-Roll the side edges in .5 inch.

-Make sure the bottom panel covers the bottom edge of the pocket and strap.

-Pin into position.

-Sew .25 inches away from the outside edge. Add another stitch .25 inches away from the first seam. Creating 2 stitches along the top edge.

-Repeat process for other side.

Sewing Bag Together

SAM_9900.00_05_14_21.Still029.jpg
SAM_9900.00_05_27_42.Still030.jpg
SAM_9900.00_05_39_55.Still031.jpg
SAM_9900.00_05_51_40.Still032.jpg

-Place the right sides of the bag together. Lining up the top and side edges.

-Pin into position.

-Sew at 1 inch seam allowance.

-Serge, zig-zag stitch, or double fold bias tape raw edge to prevent fraying.

Bottom Sides

SAM_9900.00_06_23_31.Still033.jpg
SAM_9900.00_06_33_54.Still034.jpg
SAM_9900.00_06_41_33.Still035.jpg
SAM_9900.00_06_57_05.Still036.jpg

-Fold bottom sides into triangles.

-Measure vertical and horizontal based on the size bag you are making.

Small: Vertical: 2.5" Horizontal: 5"

Medium: Vertical: 3" Horizontal: 6"

Large: Vertical: 3.75" Horizontal: 7.5"

X-Large: Vertical: 4.45" Horizontal: 8.5"

-Pin into position.

-Sew along line made.

-Repeat process for other side.

Finishing Inside of Bag

SAM_9900.00_07_20_08.Still037.jpg
SAM_9900.00_07_30_38.Still038.jpg
SAM_9900.00_07_41_35.Still039.jpg
SAM_9900.00_07_47_11.Still041.jpg
SAM_9900.00_07_55_04.Still042.jpg

-Roll the bag sides down.

-Sew around the triangle flaps on the inside of the bag.

Complete!

SAM_9900.00_08_00_39.Still040.jpg
SAM_9900.00_08_03_51.Still043.jpg
Tote Bag DIY

Your bag is complete! There is also a link to the video tutorial if you have and trouble with the steps :)