Tote Bag Tutorial

Do you love bags? I do! Small, large, simple, complex, with closure, without, lots of pockets...really any kind at all.

I also really love to sew them.  All you have to do is put some squares together.  I'll show you how simple it really is!

Cut list:

1/2 yd of each should do it.

Outer Fabric:

2 - 12x12 pieces for the body

3 - 12x4 pieces for the sides & bottom

2 - 12x20 pieces for the handles

2 - 2x6 pieces for the small loops

1 - 6w x 4h for large pocket

1 - 4w x 7h for pen pocket

Liner:

2 - 12x12 pieces for the body

3 12x4 pieces for the sides & bottom

1 4x7 piece for the pen pocket

1 6w x 4h for large pocket

Fold the two pieces for the loops & the two pieces for the handles.  First fold the outer edges to the center.  

 Then match up the outer folded edges.  An iron is really hand for this step.

Sew along the matching folded edges.  

 So you'll do this four times. 2 handles, 2 loops.

Next takes the liner & outer fabric pieces that are 4x7, and sew them right sides together, leaving the bottom open.

Clip the two sewn corners so it will lay flat when you turn it.  Now turn it right-side-out.

Fold the open edges in and top-stitch the opening closed.

Pin the pocket to the right side of the lining piece that is 12x12.  Top stitch this in place, leaving the top open so it's a pocket.  Repeat with the 6x x 4h pieces for the large pocket.

  OR (dare I suggest) you can cut two lining pieces and use the outer fabric to make a trim. Sew the trim to the right side of the lining fabric, then fold over and fold again and top stitch.  Basically you just made your own double-fold bias tape.  Skip this if you're brain is cramping.  Stick with me and you'll be doing it in no time!   

This is both pockets sewn in.  Please pin.  It will make everything turn out lined up and tidy.

Now sew the handles & loops to the right side of the 12x12 piece of outer fabric, pointing DOWN.  This ensures that when you flip your bag the handles will be on the outside of the bag.  Handy.  You'll do this twice: two handles, two sides.

Now sew the 4x12 pieces to the 12x12 pieces for the sides, right-sides together, completing a bag without a bottom.  Choose your seam allowance: 1/2", 3/4".  Be consistent when sewing the body together.

Repeat with the lining.  Sew all pieces right sides together.

Now pin and sew the bottom on to the outer fabric.

When you get to the bottom of the lining bag, leave a 2-3 inch gap.  This will be where you pull the bag inside out.

Pin the outer bag and the liner bag right-sides together with the straps inside.  Line up the side seams.  Don't worry if there are puckers.  They'll sew out.

Sew the bags together all the way around.  You don't need a gap because you left one in the lining.  This helps make the top nice and neat.  I use a wider seam allowance for the top, so I have more to top stitch when it's turned.

Now pull the outer fabric out through the liner hole.

Ta-daa!

Close the liner hole by folding the edges inward, and top-stitching the 2-3 inches together, close to the folded edges.

Iron the bag's top edge.  Make sure that the outer fabric is showing a little above the liner.  This helps the outside look finished without the liner sticking out weirdly.

Top-stitch around the bag.  Make sure you get through the liner, the outer, & the straps.  This will help reinforce the straps since they get tugged on so much.

I love nice, neat top stitching!

This is the inside of the bag, all done!  The small pocket holds pens nicely, and the large one holds a cell phone safely.  I'm not sure why I added loops, but I think it was in hopes that I'd add a clip and hook my keys to it, and they'll fall nicely into the inside of the bag.  I'm constantly searching for my keys.  Anything to make life simpler if you're the one who's making it!  Customize.

It's spacious, but not too huge.  A perfect library bag, beach bag, or purse alternative.  And the straps are a length I love, over-the-shoulder and tuck under the arm.  Perfect!

I hope you're inspired to make a clever tote.  And since it's my first tutorial, I hope the instructions were comprehensive enough!  Email me if you need more info!

Happy sewing!