How to Make a Tote Bag With a Zipper

Many tote bags have open tops, allowing items to spill out if the bag is tipped over. Making a tote bag with a zipper solves that problem. If you are carrying valuables such as a wallet and electronics in your bag, a zipper provides an extra measure of security to help prevent someone from easily reaching into your bag to steal an item.

Things You'll Need

• Durable fabric such as denim
• Tape measure
• Iron
• 16-inch all-purpose zipper
• Straight pins
• Thread
• Sewing machine with zigzag feature

Instructions

1. Cut two squares of 18-by-18-inch fabric. These will make up the main body of the tote. Cut two strips of fabric 27 inches long by 4 inches wide for the straps.

2. 

   Fold under top edge of each square 1/2 inch. Press. Pin the zipper face up under these edges, leaving teeth free. (See picture.) Sew in place along both sides.

3. Fold under 1/2 inch on all sides of the straps. Press. Fold the straps in half lengthwise with wrong sides together. Press. All raw edges are now on the inside. Topstitch close to the edges on all sides.

4. Pin ends of each strap to the outside of the main sections of the tote. Position the straps so that the outside edges are 1 inch away from the side seams, and the bottom of the straps are 2 inches from the top. Stitch horizontally across the end of straps 1/4 inch from the bottom. Make a parallel, horizontal stitching line 1 inch higher than the first stitching line.

5. With right sides of the main sections together and using 1/2-inch seams, sew the sides and bottom of the tote, going over the end tabs of the zipper. Zigzag over the edges of the seams to finish raw edges and provide durability.