How to Sew a Simple Tote Bag: A Fun and Practical Project

Hi friends! If you're anything like me, you love a good tote bag—especially one that shows off your favorite fabrics! Today, I’m thrilled to walk you through one of my favorite sewing projects—making a simple tote bag! This is a great project for beginners, but it’s also a perfect canvas for more experienced sewists to show off their creativity. Whether you’re heading to the farmer’s market, library, or beach, a handmade tote bag is a stylish and functional accessory you’ll love to use.

Let’s dive in and sew something beautiful together!

Materials You’ll Need

Before we start, gather your materials:

• 1/2 yard of main fabric (quilting cotton works great)
• 1/2 yard of lining fabric
• 1/3 yard of coordinating fabric
• ByAnnie’s Soft and Stable
• Coordinating thread
• Rotary cutter
• Wool Pressing Mat
• Ruler
• Pins or clips
• Sewing machine

I used fabric from my Gulf Breeze collection, and let me tell you—it added the perfect pop of personality to this tote!

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

• Cut (2) 13 1/4” x 18” rectangles from the main fabric for the bag exterior
• Cut (2) 16” x 18” rectangles from the lining fabric for the bag interior
• Cut (2) 3 1/4" x 18 1/2" rectangles from the coordinating fabric for the bag bottom
• Cut (2) 16” x 18” rectangles from the Soft and Stable
• Cut (2) 4” x 24” rectangles for the straps
• Cut (2) 1 1/2” x 24” rectangles from the Soft and Stable for the straps

Step 2: Sew the Straps

Take one strap piece and fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together. Press. Sew along the long edge with a ¼” seam allowance, then turn the strap right side out. Press again to make it nice and flat. Repeat for the second strap.

Feed the strip of soft and stable through the strap tube using a safety pin. Baste the open ends of the tube to keep the stabilizer in place.

Pro Tip: Topstitch along both sides of the straps for extra durability and a professional finish.

Step 3: Assembling the Tote

Place the quilted exterior fabric pieces right sides together. Pin or clip along the sides and bottom (leave the top open). Sew with a 1/4” seam allowance.

To box the corners, pinch each bottom corner, aligning the side seam with the bottom seam to form a triangle. Measure 2” from the point and mark a line. Sew across the line, then trim off the excess fabric. Repeat for the other corner.

Step 4: Sew the Lining

Place the lining fabric pieces right sides together. Pin or clip along the sides and bottom (leave the top open). Sew with a 1/4” seam allowance, but leave a 3-4” opening along the bottom seam. This opening will be used to turn the bag right side out later.

To box the corners, pinch each bottom corner, aligning the side seam with the bottom seam to form a triangle. Measure 2” from the point and mark a line. Sew across the line, then trim off the excess fabric. Repeat for the other corner.

Step 5: Attach the Straps

Turn your exterior bag piece right side out. Pin the straps to the top edge of the bag, aligning each end 4” from the side seams. Make sure the raw edges of the straps are aligned with the raw edge of the bag. Baste in place.

Step 6: Assemble the Bag

Slip the exterior bag (right side out) into the lining bag (still wrong side out). The right sides of the exterior and lining fabrics should be facing each other.

Pin or clip around the top edge, making sure the straps are sandwiched between the layers. Sew around the top edge with a ½” seam allowance.

Step 7: Turn and Finish

Pull the bag right side out through the opening in the lining.

Once everything is turned, stitch the opening in the lining closed, either by hand or with your sewing machine.

Press the top edge of the bag and topstitch around the entire opening for a polished look.

Step 8: Show It Off!

And there you have it—a quilted tote bag that’s as stylish as it is functional! Soft and Stable makes all the difference, giving your bag that professional feel without any fuss. I’d love to see your version, so be sure to tag me on Instagram and show off your new tote! Tag me @BeccaPlymaleCreative, #beccaplymalecreative!

Until next time, happy sewing!