How to Sew a Tote Bag

by DoItYourself Staff

what you'll need

1/2 yard of solid heavy weight fabric (i.e. duck-cloth, canvas or denim) for the outside of the tote bag
1/2 yard of contrasting light weight fabric (i.e. cotton, seersucker or linen) for the lining of the bag
2 20 inch pieces of 1 inch wide nylon webbing to use as the straps of the tote
thread
notions such as buttons or sequins to embellish the tote bag once it is complete.

Sewing a tote bag is simple and fun. There are a few materials that you need to get started including fabric and strapping. Once you have gathered the materials, the following instructions will help you create a one-of-a-kind bag.

Step 1- Ironing the Fabric

Begin with ironing the fabric to prepare it for use. This way the fabric is smooth and easier to work with.

Now turn the contrasting fabric inside out so the right sides are touching (the fold will be the bottom of the bag).

Step 2 - Sewing the Fabric and Nylon Straps

Sew the two sides of the fabric leaving the top end open. This will make the inside lining of the tote bag. Fold down the top 2 inches all the way around and sew, creating the hem at the top of the bag. This will make a crisp edge. Once complete set it aside for later use.

Lay the heavy weight fabric out on a flat surface and cut along the fold. You will have two pieces of fabric that will be used to construct the outside of your tote bag. Fold down the top edge of each piece of fabric 2 inches and sew. You will create the hem on the top of the bag.

With the fabric right side up and starting at the bottom of the fabric pin one piece of 20 inch long nylon webbing to each piece of fabric. Guide the webbing around the top of the bag to create a loop for the handle. Pull the nylon webbing down the other side of the fabric and pin it into place, sew up both sides of the nylon webbing. When this step is complete you will have the handles attached to the front and back side of the bag.

Putting right sides together (the nylon webbing will be touching), pin the sides and bottom of the bag. Sew the sides and bottom of the fabric, leaving the top with the handles open. This step will create the outside shape of your tote bag.

Turn the fabric right side out so that the strapping is showing.

Step 3 - Sewing the inside of the Tote

Take the contrasting fabric and put it inside of the outer shell of the bag with the back side of the fabric touching the inside of the bag.

Pin the top edge of both the outside and inside top edge of the bag together and sew (watch that you don't sew the straps down inside the bag).

Step 4 - Embellish the Bag

Embellish the bag any way you want to to add a unique and custom touch.