This is the link to the full you tube tutorial How to sew a Tote Bag | Beginner Sewing Machine Tutorials – https://youtu.be/_VlFZD-p1BI
Cassie Cartmell – Faodail Creation
Table of Contents – How to Sew a Tote Bag
How to Sew a Tote Bag is a great project if you want to create a practical, spacious bag that can be customized for sewing, knitting, quilting, shopping or everyday use. In this tote bag sewing tutorial, I am going to show you how to sew a tote bag with a structured base, comfortable handles and two internal zipper pockets to help keep all of your supplies organized.
I designed this tote bag as a knitting project bag because I wanted somewhere to keep my knitting project and all of the accessories that go along with it. However, this bag is much more versatile than a knitting bag. Once you learn how to sew a tote bag using this method, you can adapt the measurements, fabrics and pockets to suit your own needs.
The finished bag has a large open interior, a wide flat bottom so it can stand by itself, two useful zipper pockets and sturdy fabric handles. I also used Soft and Stable to give the bag structure without making it extremely stiff.
If you have ever wanted to learn how to sew a tote bag, this tote bag sewing tutorial is a fun project to try. And don’t be nervous about the zippers! I will take you through each stage step by step.
How to Sew a Tote Bag: What You Will Need
Before you begin how to sew a tote bag, gather all of your materials and sewing supplies.
Materials
For my tote bag, I used:
- 2 pieces of exterior fabric measuring 20 inches x 17 inches
- 2 pieces of lining fabric measuring 20 inches x 17 inches
- 2 additional pieces of lining fabric measuring 20 inches x 17 inches for the zipper pocket construction
- 2 zippers longer than the width of your lining
- Soft and Stable or another suitable foam stabilizer
- Fabric for the handles
- Coordinating sewing thread
- 505 temporary adhesive spray, if desired
- Sewing clips
- Quilting ruler
- Rotary cutter or scissors
- Zipper foot
- Open-toe foot, if free-motion quilting
- Microtex 90/14 needle
The finished bag is approximately 20 inches wide by 17 inches tall, with a three-inch boxed bottom.
Sewing Machine Setup – How to Sew a Tote Bag
If you are using Soft and Stable, you can baste it to your exterior fabric using 505 spray. Another option is to quilt the Soft and Stable directly to the fabric.
For my project, I used free-motion quilting to attach the stabilizer. If you are learning how to sew a tote bag, this is also a great opportunity to practice simple free-motion quilting.
How to Sew a Tote Bag With a Structured Exterior
The Soft and Stable gives this tote bag its lovely structure. It also helps the bag maintain its shape while allowing the finished tote to remain soft and flexible.
Step 1: Cut Your Exterior Fabric – How to Sew a Tote Bag
Start by cutting two exterior fabric pieces measuring 20 inches x 17 inches.
I chose a fabric that I really loved because this is going to be the main visible part of the finished bag.
Cut two pieces of Soft and Stable to the same measurements.
Place one piece of Soft and Stable behind each exterior fabric piece.
Step 2: Attach the Soft and Stable – How to Sew a Tote Bag
You can use temporary spray adhesive to hold the Soft and Stable in place.
Alternatively, you can free-motion quilt the two layers together.
If you are learning how to sew a tote bag, simple meandering or stippling is an easy quilting design to use. You don’t need to create complicated quilting designs because the purpose here is primarily to secure the stabilizer to the fabric.
If you are free-motion quilting, lower your feed dogs and attach your open-toe quilting foot. Use an appropriate needle and thread for your machine and fabric.
Move the fabric smoothly underneath the needle while controlling your speed.
Once the entire piece has been secured, trim away any excess Soft and Stable around the edges.
You now have your two quilted exterior pieces ready for the next stage of how to sew a tote bag.
How to Sew a Tote Bag With Zipper Pockets – How to Sew a Tote Bag
One of my favorite features of this tote bag is the two zipper pockets on the inside.
These pockets are perfect for storing knitting needles, stitch markers, scissors, measuring tapes and other small accessories.
Step 3: Prepare the Zipper Pocket Pieces
Take two of your lining pieces.
On one piece, measure 4 inches down from the top of the 17-inch side and cut across.
This creates a smaller section that will be used to install the zipper.
You will repeat this process for the second zipper pocket.
The pockets don’t have to be exactly the same depth. In fact, I made one of my pockets smaller than the other, which gives me different storage options inside my bag.
Step 4: Sew the First Zipper – How to Sew a Tote Bag
Place your zipper face down along the cut edge of the larger lining piece.
Attach your zipper foot to your sewing machine.
If you previously lowered your feed dogs for free-motion quilting, remember to raise them again.
Sew along the zipper, keeping the zipper foot close to the zipper teeth.
Once the zipper has been sewn into place, give the fabric a careful press so that it sits flat.
Topstitch along the edge beside the zipper.
Topstitching gives the zipper area a neat, professional finish and helps keep the fabric away from the zipper teeth.
Step 5: Attach the Other Side of the Zipper – How to Sew a Tote Bag
Take the four-inch section you cut from the lining.
Place it against the other side of the zipper, making sure the zipper is positioned correctly.
Sew the fabric to the zipper using your zipper foot.
Press the fabric flat and then topstitch along the zipper.
You now have one completed zipper pocket.
Repeat the process for the second zipper pocket.
Learning how to sew a tote bag with zipper pockets might seem complicated at first, but once you understand the construction, it is actually quite straightforward.
Step 6: Create the Pocket Depth – How to Sew a Tote Bag
For one pocket, fold the zipper section in half so that it creates a shallower pocket.
Make sure the zipper is facing toward you.
Take one of the lining pieces that you have not altered and place the zipper pocket at the top.
Before you baste the pocket into position, open the zipper.
This is an important step.
You don’t want to accidentally sew the zipper closed or trap the zipper pull underneath your stitching.
Step 7: Baste the Pocket to the Lining – How to Sew a Tote Bag
Baste around the edges of the zipper pocket.
Basting simply means using a temporary line of stitching to hold pieces together before permanent sewing.
Basting is particularly useful when learning how to sew a tote bag because it prevents multiple layers from shifting while you sew.
Repeat this process for the second pocket.
Trim away the excess zipper ends, being careful not to cut into your stitching.
Step 8: Sew the Lining Together
Take your two completed lining sections and place them right sides together.
Make sure both zipper pockets are positioned toward the top of the bag.
Pin or clip the sides together.
Sew along both sides and across the bottom, but leave approximately a four-inch opening in the bottom.
This opening is essential because you will use it later to turn the completed tote bag right side out.
Remember to keep both zippers open while sewing.
Leaving the zippers open makes the construction much easier and helps prevent problems when turning the bag.
Step 9: Sew the Exterior Pieces – How to Sew a Tote Bag
Now take your two exterior pieces.
Place them right sides together.
Sew around both sides and across the bottom.
Unlike the lining, you do not need to leave a turning opening in the exterior because the opening in the lining will be used later.
Check that your fabric design is facing the correct direction before sewing.
This is especially important if your fabric has a directional print.
How to Sew a Tote Bag With a Boxed Bottom
A boxed bottom is one of the features that makes this bag different from a simple flat tote.
It gives the finished bag more width at the bottom and allows it to stand by itself.
Step 10: Measure the Corners – How to Sew a Tote Bag
To create the boxed bottom, measure 3 inches across and 3 inches down from each bottom corner.
Mark the measurement carefully.
Cut out the three-inch square.
Repeat this process on both bottom corners of the exterior.
Then repeat it on both bottom corners of the lining.
You should now have four boxed corners on each bag section.
Step 11: Sew the Boxed Corners – How to Sew a Tote Bag
Open one of the cut corners so that the side seam and bottom seam meet.
Bring the seams together carefully.
Flatten the fabric so that the seams line up.
Clip the layers together.
Sew straight across the opening.
This creates the flat three-inch base of your tote bag.
Repeat this process for the other corner.
Then repeat it on the lining.
This simple technique is an important part of learning how to sew a tote bag because it transforms a flat bag into a roomy project bag.
Step 12: Cut the Handles – How to Sew a Tote Bag
For my handles, I used a sparkly fabric measuring approximately 36 inches long by 12 inches wide.
Cut the fabric in half lengthwise so you have two pieces measuring approximately:
36 inches x 6 inches
If you are using regular cotton fabric, you can press the handle fabric with an iron.
For specialty fabrics that cannot safely be ironed, use a wooden pressing wheel or another suitable tool to create the folds.
Step 13: Fold the Handles – How to Sew a Tote Bag
Fold each handle in half lengthwise and create a crease.
Open it back up.
Fold one long raw edge toward the center crease.
Fold the opposite raw edge toward the center crease.
Finally, fold the entire handle in half so the raw edges are enclosed.
Clip the handle in place.
Sew down both long sides of each handle.
You now have two sturdy fabric handles ready to attach to your tote.
Step 14: Insert the Lining – How to Sew a Tote Bag
Turn the exterior of the bag so it is inside out.
Keep the lining right side out.
Place the lining inside the exterior bag so that the right sides are facing each other.
The zipper pockets should be facing toward the lining.
Match the top edges and side seams.
Clip the lining and exterior together around the top edge.
Step 15: Attach the Handles – How to Sew a Tote Bag
Before sewing around the top of the bag, insert your handles between the exterior and lining.
Make sure neither handle is twisted.
Position the handles on opposite sides of the bag.
There isn’t an exact measurement that you have to use for the handles. You can position them according to the size and style you prefer.
Once you have one side positioned, use it as your guide for the opposite side.
Make sure both handles are evenly positioned.
Clip them securely between the exterior and lining.
This is an important stage of how to sew a tote bag, so take your time checking that everything is facing the right direction.
Step 16: Sew Around the Top – How to Sew a Tote Bag
Take the bag to your sewing machine.
Sew completely around the top edge, joining the exterior, lining and handles together.
Sew carefully over the handle areas because these receive additional stress when the finished bag is being carried.
Once you have sewn around the entire top, carefully trim away any bulky excess fabric.
Do not cut through your stitching.
Step 17: Turn the Tote Right Side Out – How to Sew a Tote Bag
Reach through the four-inch opening you left in the lining.
Begin pulling the exterior of the bag through the opening.
Continue gently pulling until the entire bag is right side out.
Push out all four corners.
You can use a turning tool or another blunt tool to carefully push the corners into shape.
Take your time with this part.
Once you have learned how to sew a tote bag, turning the bag right side out is always an exciting stage because you can finally see the finished shape coming together.
Step 18: Close the Lining Opening – How to Sew a Tote Bag
Once the bag is completely turned right side out, check all of your seams.
Make sure the corners are pushed out and the lining is sitting correctly inside the bag.
Close the four-inch opening in the lining.
You can sew this opening closed using your sewing machine or hand stitch it for a less visible finish.
Push the lining completely inside the tote.
Step 19: Topstitch Around the Bag – How to Sew a Tote Bag
The final step is to topstitch around the top edge of the tote.
Topstitching helps keep the lining neatly inside the bag and gives the finished tote a professional appearance.
Sew carefully around the entire top edge.
Check your handles one final time and make sure they are secure.
How to Sew a Tote Bag: The Finished Project
Your finished tote bag is now ready to use!
The wide, boxed bottom gives the bag plenty of room for a knitting project, while the structured Soft and Stable helps it stand upright.
The two internal zipper pockets provide convenient storage for smaller accessories.
I love having a large open space in the middle because I can easily place my knitting project inside without everything becoming squashed or difficult to find.
Although I created this project as a knitting bag, you could use the same how to sew a tote bag technique to make a sewing project bag, craft bag, library tote, shopping bag or everyday carryall.
You could also change the size to create a smaller or larger tote.
What Can You Store in Your Tote?
This spacious tote is perfect for:
- Knitting projects
- Crochet projects
- Sewing supplies
- Fabric
- Quilting projects
- Embroidery projects
- Books
- Craft supplies
- Notebooks
- Small projects
- Everyday accessories
The zipper pockets are especially useful for small items that can easily get lost inside a large tote.
How to Sew a Tote Bag: Tips for Beginners
If this is your first time learning how to sew a tote bag, don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t perfect.
Take your time measuring and cutting your fabric.
Always double-check the direction of your fabric before sewing.
When working with zippers, remember that you can sew slowly and make adjustments as you go.
Basting is also your friend. It can make complicated sections much easier because it holds everything in position before you sew the final seam.
When creating the boxed bottom, carefully match your seams before sewing across the corners. This will give you a much neater finished bag.
Most importantly, have fun choosing your fabric.
How to Sew a Tote Bag: Final Thoughts
Learning how to sew a tote bag is a useful sewing skill because once you understand the basic construction, you can create tote bags in many different sizes and styles.
This knitting project bag combines structure, storage and practical design. The Soft and Stable gives the bag a beautiful shape, the boxed bottom allows it to stand independently, and the two zipper pockets give you somewhere safe to store your smaller accessories.
If you have been nervous about learning how to sew a tote bag with zippers, I hope this tutorial shows you that zipper pockets don’t have to be intimidating.
You can customize this project with your favorite fabric, change the handle style, adjust the pocket sizes or alter the overall dimensions to create a tote that works perfectly for you.
I hope you enjoyed learning how to sew a tote bag with me. If you make your own version, I’d love to see what fabrics and colors you choose!
Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more sewing, quilting and embroidery tutorials. I create new videos every Wednesday, and there are more than 300 tutorials available to watch.
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