How to Make a Simple Tote Bag at Home
So, you’re having thoughts of bringing a Tote Bag home? Honestly, its a very rewarding project. You will end up with a good bag and learn the basics of sewing. Nope, it is not as difficult as it sounds, and you can definitely customise it. So, For this Easy Tote Bag home Project, lemme walk you through step by step!
Why Make Your Own Tote Bag?
But in the realm of sewing, sewing tote bag is a really satisfying project for beginners. It is simple and you can make it quite quickly. And it’s a great way to use up those scraps from previous sewing projects that are taking up too much room in your sewing area!
And this is an actual, durable, reusable bag.
- Grocery shopping trips
- When we bring books, craft supplies, etc.
- as a tote bag for gym or beach purposes.
- A handy everyday carry-all
It is a functional necessity that also allows you to express your style. You can choose fabrics you really like, perhaps done in a tasteful pattern/texture. Plus its another opportunity to treat the planet with a bit more kindness by using less single-use plastic bags.
To be honest, the pride in using something that you made yourself by hand is a bit different. Jennifer: It is the simplest of skills and can lead to building all sorts of useful things.
Gathering Your Materials
Now that we have the best supplies to tinker with before rolling our sleeves up to the fabric and thread. Trust me, having everything ready makes the process a lot smoother. Last thing you want is to be halfway down sewing and realise you forgot something you needed!
Fabric Choices
Pushing towards the upper end of the weight range, you will need a medium-weight fabric for a more durable fabric for bagging groceries or a trip to the library. Consider cotton canvas, denim, or even a heavy-duty upholstery fabric.
These materials stay pretty stiff, so they can take some abuse. If you want a lighter-weight bag (to stuff filled with books or other craft stuff), a quilting cotton will suffice. Approx 1 yard of fabric for bulk of the bag (you maAy want more if you want to use fabric for pockets or contrasting fabric for handles, etc.)
Thread and Needles
Quality all-purpose thread to withstand the strength of your project. If you want your thread to be discreet or show stitches, it is smart to have a few colors available. You can use a regular sewing machine needle for needles; this should suffice for any medium-weight fabric.
But if you are using something like a thin piece of denim or canvas you should change to a heavier duty needle so it does not break. You’ll also want an exacting hand-sewing needle (don’t use but a sharp one is good for little repairs/finishing touches).
Measuring Tools and Scissors
Accurate measuring devices Because sewing is about accuracy, precise measuring tools are a must-have. Flexi measuring tape for curves and a stout ruler, an 18-in. one is ideal, for straight edges.
Tip: Bring some fabric marker or chalk to its cutting lines. And naturally, you must have a sharp pair of fabric scissors, no exceptions. Using dull scissors to cut fabric is a chore and can result in those uneven edges. If you have a rotary cutter, mat, and ruler, those are also very helpful for cutting long, straight lines quickly.
It is the difference between having the right tools. Like cooking without that sharp knife, we can do it, but it will be a lot more difficult than it should be.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Tote Bag
Ok, enough talking, let’s make this thing tote bag! It may sound complicated, but it is not, and with some patience you will have a durable handmade bag in no time! We’re going to break it down into steps.
Cutting Your Fabric
Before you begin, you need to cut. This brings us to the two rectangles for the body of the bag. Usually about 14 by 14 inches but you can alter this as necessary depending on the size you want your bag to be. Cut 2 long strips (around 4 inches wide and 22 inches long) for the handles. Cut as straight as you can, it will help a lot when it comes to sewing. Precision here really helps.
Sewing the Bag Body
Now grab your two large pieces of fabric. Place them right sides together. Sew down the two sides and the bottom edge, but leave the top open. An approximate 3/8 inch seam allowance is generally sufficient.
After you get the seams sewn, be sure to use a wide zig-zag along the raw edges to keep it from fraying. It is one of the easiest ways to give them a fantastic ending. If you need a visual to follow along this part, learn how to sew a tote bag?
Creating and Attaching the Handles
Take your two long strips, these are the handles. Take each strip, fold in half lengthwise matching right sides, and sew along the long edge. Then, flip them inside out. They can be pressed flat for a more polished appearance.
So now you need to choose where you want your handles to be placed on the top of the bag body. Pin them down, tight, tucked in. The raw ends of the handles will be stuffed into the top hem of the bag. Turn the top edge of the bag down 1/2 inch, then 1 inch to create a strong hem that will enclose the ends of the handles. Pin everything securely.
Finishing Touches and Reinforcement
Now that the handles are pinned in place inside the hem, it is time to sew that top hem. Sew all around the bag, close to the edge of the folded hem.
So that those handles stay put — and especially if you plan to be carting around some heavy loads — sew an ‘X’ in a box pattern over each handle attachment point. This adds a lot of strength. How about a final press with the iron over your bag Or rather, it makes all the difference to the professionalism of it.
Quick tip: If you would like to give your bag a bit more structure or at least have the bottom a bit more ‘boxy’ you can create what is known as a ’boxed corner’ In order to do this, you need to flatten one corner such that the side seam and bottom seam align.
Take a ruler, measure out about an inch or so to an inch and a half and draw a line across. Sew here and then cut away the excess. It makes your bag flat-bottomed, which means that your bag will stand up!
Customizing Your Tote Bag
And at this point, you have all the pieces (or parts) of your basic tote bag sewn. Nice work! But why stop there? Now, this is where it can really get fun, you can make it your own.
Endless options to embellish your creation Then you can add a pocket on the inside lining before you even sew the bag together, great for keeping keys or a phone from sliding around in the bag. Or experiment a little and mix it up for a two-toned bag with different fabric front & back panels.
Feel free to mix and match various embellishments. You might also consider applying a monogram or other favored design as an applique. You can even purchase fabric labels or tags that are ready to be sewn onto the bag, perhaps near the top edge or on a side seam. That’s one of these little things that add to the professionalism & feeling of a special touch.
You can try to add some fusible fleece behind your fabric if you want a bit of sturdiness. It adds a bit of body to it and makes it more palpable. By the way, if you like a big bag make a bigger pattern! You can microcharge an inch until your haul fits the bill.
Here are some examples of what you could do
- Appliques: Cut out pieces from another fabric or printed patch and sew it on.
- Pockets: Include an interior or exterior pocket for additional storage.
- Fabric Paint: Use of Stencils or Freehand Design with Fabric Paint
- Patches: Iron-on or sew-on patches can add a good amount of character.
- Contrasting Topstitching: Use an eye-popping thread for your topstitching.
Keep in mind that whatever you make, you should make something you want to use every day. You tote bag is really going to get noticed from a whole lot of others based on how you customize it and it can be subtle or be in the face.
Tips on Taking Care of Your Handmade Tote Bag
Though proper care and washing of your handmade tote bag is simple, a few preventative steps can make a bag last a lifetime. Gentle treatment is the only way to keep it in shape.
The majority of the fabrics tote bags use–cotton canvas, quilting cotton–wash up well in the washing machine. But it is better to check what you used in the general fabric type. When in doubt, go for a cold cycle on gentle, it tends to be a good middle of the road setting.
Here are some steps to maintain your bag in the best condition:
Cleaning: If you were talking about the day to day dirt then spot cleaning with mildly soap detergent and damp cloth is a good option. For a more thorough clean, inside out, and machine wash on cold cycle with a delicates bag. Do not use very strong detergent or bleach.
Drying technique: The most delicate of the three. If you wash a bag hang it up to dry away from direct sunlight to avoid fading. If you need a dryer (which I am not promoting, only if need) use a cool, low heat and take it out before it becomes totally dry.
Would you like to hear about some other tips with this too?• Ironing: In case the bag is happening to get wrinkled, you can blot your ethanol and iron but be careful with this and iron on low heat. Once the bag is turned inside out set your iron on medium heat and if your fabric is prone to burning place a thin piece of cotton between the iron and your bag.
When storing your tote bag store it either flat or rolled to preserve its shape when not in use. Don’t stuff it in small spaces where it can get wrinkled.
Please keep in mind that handmade items will always be slightly different from one another. With just a small bit you can help to keep the stitches and the fabric in good condition so you can enjoy your creation for years to come.
You Did It!
You have a tote bag you made yourself! Pretty cool, right? You literally took a piece of cloth and created something very functional. If you’re off to groceries, the library, or just need something to lug your stuff around in, this bag has your back.
So you can absolutely do another one in a different fabric or do yours next time with some embellishments of your choosing. This project is effortless, however, it feels gratifying to create something from your hands. Now go show off your new bag!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fabric should you use for tote bag?
Essentially, the fabrics can be diverse! You want something a little heavyweight like a canvas, denim, or upholstery fabric that is going to keep its shape. If you’re looking for many fun patterns, quilting cotton will also do reasonably well. Just don’t make it so thin that your bag is weak.
Is this bag suitable for a sewing machine?
Although you can sew a tote bag by hand, a sewing machine is much faster and provides stronger seams. This is also a great project if you are new to sewing as it is primarily sewing in a straight line!
How big will my tote bag be?
The most that can differ is based on the measurements you take for cutting your fabric. The majority of the basic tote bag patterns will give you a bag somewhere in the range of 13 to 14 inches wide and the same tall. Bag dimensions → You can simply modify if you want a larg or small bag!
How Can I Make My Tote Bag More Durable?
Yes! A heavier weight fabric will help strengthen your bag, or you could add some lightweight fabric lining to your bag from a different (flimsier) fabric. Some use fusible fleece in between the outer and the lining to give it even more stiffness and padding.
How can I make the handles more comfy?
Wider handles look nicer but you can make him feel better suited to the palm of the hand if you fold the most part of the rectangle over itself a couple of times when sewing out the handles. It also helps use thicker fabric on the handles. And there are even tutorials out there which uses webbing already made for real compact and comfy handles!
But what if I want to add a pocket?
Great idea adding a pocket that is smart. Before assembling the bag, you can sew a patch pocket on the outside of one of the fabric pieces. Or you can add a fabric pocket inside by attaching a smaller piece onto the inside of the lining before you attach it to the bag itself.