Make Your Own Tote Bag in 10 Easy Steps
1. Sew a tote bag in 10 easy steps
2. Find a tote bag sewing pattern
3. Choose the right fabric
4. Cut the fabric
5. Sew the sides of the tote bag
6. Sew the handles
7. Finish the tote bag
Making your own tote bag is a great way to save money and get a custom bag that is perfect for your needs. You can make a tote bag from many different types of fabric, but a sturdy cotton is a good choice. This sewing pattern is for a tote bag that is about 15 inches wide and 14 inches tall.
To make this tote bag, you will need:
-1 yard of cotton fabric
-1/2 yard of lining fabric
-1/2 yard of interfacing
-Thread
-Scissors
-Pins
-Chalk or a fabric marker
-A sewing machine
-Iron and ironing board
[1] Sew a tote bag in 10 easy steps
Sewing a tote bag is a great way to create a stylish and practical bag for everyday use.
Here are 10 easy steps to sew your own tote bag:
1. Choose your fabric.
Tote bags can be made from a variety of fabrics, so choose a fabric that is durable and easy to clean.
2. Cut out your fabric.
Cut two rectangles of fabric that are the same size.
3. Hem the top and bottom of the fabric rectangles.
Fold each rectangle of fabric over 1/2 inch and iron. Then fold over again and sew along the edge to create a hem.
4. Sew the side seams. Place the two rectangles of fabric wrong sides together. Sew along the two long sides using a 1/2 inch seam allowance.
5. Create the box bottom.
To create the box bottom of the tote bag, find the center of each side seam and mark with a pin. Then measure 2 inches out from the center pin and mark with a pin. Sew a line from the corner of the bag to the 2 inch mark on each side.
6. Sew the handles.
Cut two strips of fabric that are each 2 inches wide by 22 inches long. Fold the strip in half lengthwise and iron. Then open up the strip and fold each edge into the center and iron again. Sew along the long edge to create a seam.
7. Attach the handles to the bag.
Find the center of the bag and mark with a pin. Measure 4 inches out from the center pin on each side and mark with a pin. Sew the handles to the bag at these marks.
8. Optional: add a lining.
To add a lining to the tote bag, cut out a rectangle of fabric that is the same size as the bag. Sew the lining to the bag, wrong sides together, using a 1/2 inch seam allowance.
9. Sew the top of the bag.
Fold the top of the bag down 1/2 inch and iron. Then fold over again and sew along the edge to create a hem.
10. Finish the bag.
Sew a button or snap to the top of the bag to close it. Your tote bag is now finished!
[2] Find a tote bag sewing pattern
You can find a tote bag sewing pattern in a few different places. First, check your local fabric store. They usually have a few different patterns to choose from. You can also find patterns online or in sewing magazines.
Once you've found a few patterns that you like, it's time to narrow down your choices. First, decide what size tote bag you want to make. Tote bags come in all different sizes, so make sure to measure the items you typically carry around with you before you choose a pattern.
Next, take a look at the construction of the tote bag. Some tote bags have a lot of seams and are made with multiple pieces of fabric, while others are made from a single piece of fabric. If you're a beginner, it might be best to choose a tote bag with fewer seams.
Once you've decided on a size and construction, it's time to choose a fabric. Tote bags can be made from all different types of fabrics, so think about what will work best for you. If you're planning on using your tote bag for the beach, you might want to choose a water-resistant fabric. If you want a tote bag that's easy to clean, choose a machine-washable fabric.
Once you've found the perfect tote bag pattern, it's time to gather your supplies and get started sewing!
3. Choose the right fabric
When it comes to sewing your own tote bag, the fabric you choose is important. You want a fabric that is strong and durable, yet soft and pliable. The best fabric for a tote bag is canvas. Canvas is a heavy-duty cotton fabric that is perfect for carrying heavy items.
If you can't find canvas, or if you want a lighter-weight tote bag, denim is a good choice. Denim is a sturdy fabric that will hold up to a lot of wear and tear.
Another option for a tote bag is leather. Leather is a very strong and durable material, but it can be quite stiff. If you choose to use leather for your tote bag, be sure to choose a soft, supple leather.
No matter what fabric you choose for your tote bag, be sure to wash and press it before you begin sewing. This will pre-shrink the fabric and make it easier to work with.
4. Cut the fabric
Now that you've gathered your supplies, it's time to cut the fabric for your tote bag. This is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, you'll need to decide on the size of your tote bag. This will determine how much fabric you'll need to cut. If you're not sure what size you want, it's always a good idea to err on the side of too much fabric rather than too little. That way, you can always trim it down if necessary.
Once you know how much fabric you need, it's time to start cutting. Be sure to use sharp scissors and cut along a straight, even line. If your fabric is patterned, you'll also want to be careful to cut evenly so that the design stays in alignment.
Once you've cut your fabric, you're ready to move on to the next step: sewing!
5. Sew the sides of the tote bag
Sewing the sides of the tote bag is a simple process that only requires a few supplies. You will need a sewing machine, thread, scissors, and a straight edge. You will also need a iron and ironing board, but these are not required.
First, cut two pieces of fabric that are the same size. These will be the side panels of the tote bag. Next, take the two pieces of fabric and place them right sides together. Sew along the sides and bottom of the tote bag, using a straight stitch. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam.
Once the sides are sewn together, press the seams open with an iron. Then, top stitch along the sides and bottom of the tote bag. This will give the bag a nice, finished look.
That's it! You've now sewn the sides of the tote bag. In just a few easy steps, you've created a beautifully handmade bag.
6. Sew the handles
To sew the handles, you'll need to first cut two strips of fabric that are each about 22 inches long and 2 inches wide. Then, fold the strips in half lengthwise and press them with an iron. Next, open up the strip so that the wrong sides are together and sew them together along the long side. Once you've done that, Trim the seam allowance down to about 1/4 inch and then turn the strip right side out. To finish the handles, top stitch along both long sides. Now you can attach the handles to the tote bag body!
7. Finish the tote bag
To finish your tote bag, simply sew the two main pieces together, right sides facing in. Start at the bottom of one side, and sew up the side and across the top of the bag. Then do the same on the other side. Trim any loose threads, and you're done!
If you're looking for a quick and easy sewing project, then look no further than this make-your-own tote bag sewing pattern. In just 10 easy steps, you can have a new tote bag that's perfect for carrying around all your essentials. Plus, it's a great way to use up any fabric scraps you may have lying around. So what are you waiting for? Get sewing!