Bags come in many shapes and sizes, but there’s nothing like a simple tote bag. Tote bags are characterized as big bags with parallel handles, making them very adaptable.
Tote bags come in many shapes and sizes. Eco-friendly shopping bags are also a big hit with consumers because to their design, which eliminates the need for plastic. They’re not just environmentally green, but adorable as well!
What’s the nicest feature about a tote bag, if not all of the above? They’re a breeze to put together. By making your own tote bags, you can make them even greener.
As a bonus, a DIY tote bag may be made in any pattern you can think of, so you can have one for any occasion!
When it comes to making a tote bag, where do you begin? Totes with a flat bottom, a zipped tote bag, or a liner will all be discussed in this article, as will other variations. Let’s get this discussion started!
Is there a certain fabric I should use?
When making a tote bag, what kind of fabric should you use? If you want to make a canvas tote bag, you’ll need a stronger needle.
To make your bag more durable, you might use a liner instead of the thicker material. Interfacing may also be used to provide structure to your bag.
Choosing your fabric is an opportunity to express yourself, but keep in mind how much weight it can carry.
How to Make a Tote Bag
A tote bag may be made in a variety of ways. The next lessons on how to construct a tote bag concentrate on a single feature, but you can simply combine these designs to create the right design for you!
How to Make a Tote Bag with a Flat Bottom
Totes with flat bottoms are the most popular sewing patterns. A proven and true design that’s also very adaptable!
Beginners and those learning how to create a tote bag with lining will like this design since it is a great way to get the hang of making bags.
It’s easy to make, but it’s also incredibly durable, so you won’t have any problems bringing it out for a walk or shopping.
Materials
- One third of a yard of bottom fabric
- One and a half yards of top fabric
- One and a half yards of inner fabric
- Scissors.
- Thread.
- Sewing machine (optional).
Method
- Starting with the cutting of our cloth, let’s get started. Cut two pieces of fabric measuring 17 by 8 inches from your bottom fabric and set them aside. Remove the top cloth and cut out two pieces that are 17 by 12 inches in size. Cut two pieces of fabric measuring 31 by 4 inches each for the straps.
- Now, take one of the top fabrics and one of the bottom fabrics and lay them out right sides together on a work surface. Sew one of the edges.
- Cut off two pieces of inner fabric that are the same size as the new component you’re making.
- Now, hold the bottom corner of the bag and turn it so that the material makes a triangle with the other corner. Then, approximately one inch from the tip, stitch a seam across the top of the piece. After that, cut the triangle in half. Carry out the same procedure for all of the corners.
- Place them aside while we construct our straps. Take the fabric pieces and fold them in half lengthwise, right sides together, so that they are right sides out. Turn it right-side out when you’ve sewn it shut.
- Turn your inner fabric right-side out at this point. Place the inner bag into the outer bag, and then slip the straps between the two bags to secure them together. Everything should be pinned in place.
- Leave a four-inch space at the top of the bag as you sew around it. Through this opening, you may turn the bag inside out.
- Iron the whole garment after tucking in the inside bag. Close the gap at the top of the bag by topstitching around it.
- You’ve got your brand new tote bag!
Making Instructions: How to Make a Quilted Tote Bag
What’s a wonderful way to jazz up your luggage while also making good use of leftover bits of fabric? You guessed it—a quilted tote bag!
When it comes to learning how to create one of those lovely quilted bag designs, you’re in for a real treat here.
Quilts may take a long time to make, but it’s not as tough as you would think. In terms of speed, this project falls short, but it more than makes up for it in terms of quality of construction. In addition, these purses are very beautiful!
If you’ve never done any quilting before or this is your first time, you can do it in an afternoon, regardless of your skill level. Let’s get this discussion started!
Materials
- Scissors.
- A tape measure is a useful tool.
- Pins.
- Three quarters of fabric in a variety of designs.
- Lining fabric that is at least 40 inches by 25 inches in dimension.
- Thread.
- Sewing machine (optional).
Method
- First, cut your fabric quarters. Try to match the colors of your quarters as much as you can. Avoid having too many hectic or crowded designs, and try to vary the colors in each pattern. Cut five-inch squares on each side. 9 squares from each fabric design.
- After preparing your squares, sew them together. You’ll need two 9-square rows and columns. Each side requires a row of three squares. First, the front of the bag. First, stitch a row of three squares to another row. Then join the third row. Do the same with the bag’s back.
- Prepare the first side piece by assembling three squares. Make two, one for each side.
- After cutting your cloth, press it flat to prepare for the next step.
- Now attach the inner fabric. Measuring and cutting the liner cloth behind your quilt parts. Make sure your dimensions are exact. Keep a 12 inch seam all around the fabric lining.
- This lesson requires a unique quilt lining. This lining is fusible interfacing with a grid to help you line up and cut your quilt pieces. This lining is optional, and you may get the same effects with any lining. Then stitch around the entire piece, leaving a space so you may flip it inside out later.
Rep for the back, sides, and bottom
- Now flip the front piece inside out. Fold the unfinished edges of the quilt and lining in towards one other. Then sew a straight stitch across the edge, ½ inches away. Repeat with the remaining cloth.
- Now build the bag. Pin a side piece to the front piece, right-sides together. Sew a ¼ inch seam close to the edge.
- Sew the opposite side, then the bottom. Attach the rear piece beginning from one of the side parts and working your way around.
- After assembly, invert the bag.
- Drape a tape measure over your shoulder. Double your selected width. Sew your straps in half and inside out. Iron and stitch to your bag.
- Voila! Got your quilted tote?
How to Make a Tote Bag with a Zipper
A more secure tote bag may be yours with this design. Adding zippers to a bag is a terrific way to keep your belongings secure and organized.
Inexperienced sewers may be intimidated by the zipper but with a little practice, you’ll be able to sew one with ease! Zippers might malfunction if the stitching is uneven, so be sure to take your time and double-check your measures.
Materials
- One and a quarter yards of cloth that is 60 inches wide.
- 1 yard of lining fabric (optional).
- 1 purse zipper with a length of 22 inches.
- 60 lengths of 1 to 2 inch wide webbing for the straps.
- Interacting with others (optional).
Method
- Start by cutting out the elements that you’ll need for your project. Cut out two pieces of each measurement: 24 x 21 inches for the front and back of the bag, 3 x 24 inches for the zipper, and 6 x 32 ½- inches for the sides and bottom of the bag.
- Make two fabric pieces of each measurement for the lining: 3 x 24 inches for the zipper, 18 x 24 inches for the front and back panels, and 6 x 30 ½ inches for the sides and bottom.
- We will begin stitching the zipper area of the garment. To begin, lay the zipper right-side up on the 24-inch edge of the 3 x 24 inch piece of fabric. Sew the zipper to the fabric using a ¼-inch seam allowance, then repeat the process with the other 3 x 24-inch fabrics as well.
- Attach the lining to the outside fabric by sandwiching the zipper between the outer and lining fabrics. Sew using a ¼-inch seam allowance on one fabric piece, then repeat the process on the second fabric piece.
- Remove the zipper tape and the layers of cloth from the zipper by pressing them away from the zipper. Stitch along the edge of the pressed edge to keep it in place, then baste the edges together using basting thread.
- Make a note of this piece and then grab one set of the 6 x 32½ inch pieces. Sew them together using a ½ seam, with the wrong sides together. Finish the seam and topstitch the seam to the body of the cloth to keep it from unraveling.
- With the right sides together, align the seams of the side and bottom pieces to the middle of the bottom piece. Hold it in place with a pin. Clip the pieces together at the corners, then line the edges of the pieces on the top edge of the piece before pinning it in place.
- Attach the bottom and side pieces to the front and back of the garment using a ½ seam allowance. Carry out the same procedure for the second component.
- At this point, align the seams on the top piece with each of the corners on the zipper piece. Sew them together with a ½ inch seam allowance on each side. When you need to turn a corner, clip the corners to make room for the turn.
- It’s time to add the bag lining to the bag. Glue the lining pieces together in the same manner as you did with the side and bottom pieces on the front and back. The form of this will be the same as your bag. Place the lining inside the bag with the incorrect sides facing outwards. Match the seams and pin them together to keep them in place. Then, using a basting stitch, join the top edges of the two fabrics together.
- It’s time to connect the straps to the frame! On the front and back of the bag, take a measurement 5 inches from the side seams. Sew the straps in place with a ½ inch seam allowance using pins to hold them in place. Sew it on many times to make the straps more durable.
- Now it’s time to unzip the zipper. Take the bag out of the bag via this hole. Reattach the top fabric when the seams have been aligned.
- Turn the bag right-side out, pressing the top of the bag against the seam as you do so. Fold the cloth in half and press it so that the seam line forms the top of the bag. Use a ½ -inch seam allowance to topstitch along the top edge.
Patterns in Other Ways
There are many variations on the tote bag design. More free tote bag ideas are available on DIY & Crafts, if you’re interested in seeing what else you can make.
FAQ
Which material is ideal for a tote bag?
When it comes to tote bags, it’s better to go with heavy-duty materials like canvas, denim, twill, curtain fabric, upholstery fabric, and outdoor fabric. It’s exciting to use exotic drapery and upholstery fabrics on tote bags since they seldom need to be cleaned. Vinyl and nylon are two more alternatives that are more durable than faux leather.
What kind of canvas is used to manufacture tote bags?
A tote bag is often made of cotton or linen, although hemp has also been used in the past. Canvas is sometimes misunderstood as a substance in and of itself, but in fact it refers to the weaving type of the fabric, not the cloth itself. As an example, duck canvas refers to a fabric with a tighter weave.
Conclusion
Once you get the hang of these basic designs, you can simply construct your own tote bags! Beginners will enjoy making these adorable, eco-friendly bags. Gather your supplies and get to work!
