Beach Tote Bag Pattern and Free Beach Cut File

Beach Tote Bag Pattern and Free Beach Cut File

I LOVE the beach. I could spend every single day at the beach in the summer, I can’t because we are landlocked here in Illinois, but I would if I could! Today I am sharing this fun tutorial for a zippered backpack that doubles as a tote. This is the perfect beach towel tote pattern because it is quick and easy. Do you really need anything besides a few straps and a place to store your towels to head to the beach, I think not!

Beach Tote Bag Pattern and Free Beach Cut File

This post was sponsored by JOANN. I have been compensated for this partnership but all opinions and ideas are my own.

Looking for a quicker tote? Check out THIS tutorial.

Beach Tote Bag Pattern What You Need:

16″ Zipper

1 Yard Gray Duck Canvas

1 Yard Lining Fabric

From the canvas cut two 17″ x 20″ pieces. Then cut four 30″ x 3.5″ strips.

Add the zipper:

Attach the zipper to the top edge of the 17″ gray piece.

Now place the lining piece on top of the still exposed zipper edge. The zipper should be sandwiched between the gray fabric and the lining. (For tips on sewing a zipper into a lined pouch see THIS post.)

Top-stitch the fabric down near the zipper to make it flat and keep it from getting caught in the zipper.

Repeat with the second side of the zipper and the remaining 17″ pieces of fabric.

Make the backpack straps:

Place two of the long strips right sides together. Sew around the two long edges and one short end. Turn the strip out. Repeat with the second set of long strips. These are the backpack straps. Press the seams flat for a more finished and professional look.

Now find the side that will be the back of your tote. You will attach the straps to the back (before finishing the tote.) Find the raw edge of your first strap. Place it 3″ in and 3″ up from the bottom edge and pin. Repeat with the second strap on the other edge of the tote. The straps should face down and away from the tote (as pictured below.)

Sew in place and use a zig zag stitch to keep the raw edge of the strap from fraying. Sew only through the gray canvas, move the lining out of the way so the seam does not go through both fabrics. Repeat with the second strap.

Now fold the straps up and pin them three inches in and two inches down on the top. I chose to place a strip of the trim along the top edge of my strap to give it some fun visual interest. Then sew in place.

Adding the tote straps:

Now line up your trim or straps along the top edge of your lining. You can use trim as I have done or create your own faux leather straps, learn how HERE. Fold the raw edge under and then pin the strap in place 2-3″ from the top. As with the backpack strap you will sew through only one layer of fabric when attaching the strap so that your seam does not show through. Repeat until both your straps are attached.

Finishing the beach towel tote pattern:

Open the zipper abut 3/4 of the way. Seriously don’t forget.

Place the lining right sides together and the outside pieces of the tote right side together. Pin the straps out of the way so you don’t accidentally sew over them in this step. This will create a long strip with the zipper in the middle. Sew around the majority of the outside. Leave 3 or 4″ of the bottom of the lining open to turn the tote out.