How to Sew a Tote Bag (in 10 minutes!)

How to Sew a Tote Bag (in 10 minutes!)

A simple tote is a great vessel for so many different projects! They are perfect for customizing and giving as gifts or even just for holding the kids library books! A quick tote is a staple in your sewing arsenal. Here is how to sew a tote bag (in about 10 minutes!)

This is just one of my 50+ easiest sewing tutorials. Check out the rest HERE.

How to Sew a Tote Bag (in 10 minutes!)

Supplies:

Two Pieces of Fabric 18″ x 18″. (You can use many fabric types. I prefer to work with cotton or canvas.)

Reflective Ribbon

Instructions:

Find the top of each of your pieces of fabric. Press the edge under 1/4″. Stitch this in place.

Now place the two pieces of fabric together right sides facing each other. Sew around the three raw edges. The two sides and the bottom, the top will remain open.

Now press the top edge under 1/4″ again. Line the two top edges up and pin or clip the handles in place. Be sure that they land at the exact same place on both sides of the tote.

Top stitch the 1/4″ seam in place, this will also sew the handles to the bag. Back-stitch over the handles to ensure that they are firmly attached.

This bag does not have a lining. To create a bag with a lining you would simply repeat the first few steps using two pieces of fabric that are 1/4″ smaller on all sides than the first. This will create two of the same tote but one will be slightly smaller. You will not add handles to the second tote. Stuff the smaller tote into the larger tote with the wrong sides facing each other and top stitch around the top edge to attach the two.

This tote with the reflective handles is perfect for the kids for Halloween or just for taking to the library. They are perfect for customizing especially if you use a fabric without a pattern.

Will you make some of these and what will you use them for? Share with me in the comments below!