How to Sew a Tote Bag

With summer around the corner, its a perfect time to sew a tote bag. Learning this simple method of how to sew a tote bag is an easy beginner sewing project. The tote bag is perfect for library trips, attending swim lessons, and so much more.

Materials Needed

To start, you’ll need to cut your pieces. As always, for your fabric needs, check out www.peekaboofabricshop.com.

There are two ways to cut your pieces:

First, you can cut TWO 18×16 pieces and for straps TWO 3 1/2 x 30 straps. ( you can make your straps shorter or longer based on preference) this is the way I’d cut if you have directional fabric.

Second, if you have a nice tossed print, you can cut ONE 16×36 piece for the bag and your straps would be 3 1/3 x 30.

Getting Started

With right sides together, sew the side and bottom seams together, leaving you with the top open and ready for hem.

Next, press the top edge over 1/4 inch and then fold over another inch and press again. After that, you will topstitch, and if you like, press once more to have a finished look for the opening of your tote bag.

Sewing Straps

To make the straps, you will press the raw edge under 1/4 inch on each side and then match them up and press it closed. Once you do that, topstitch to sew your strap closed.

You’ll then fold the edge of the strap 1/4 inch and then again 1/4 inch to top stitch the edge closed. You could absolutely serge the raw edges instead but this is a great option if you do not have a serger.

Attaching Straps to the Bag

First, measure three inches from the seam going toward the center of the tote. Second, place you strap on the inside of the tote and sew in a square to attach your strap. After that, you’ll do this step four times to attach the straps.

And there you have it! The perfect summer tote bag! I told you that learning how to sew a tote bag would be easy. I hope you found this tutorial helpful and that you’ll make some tote-aly adorable totes