How to Make Tote Handbags

Sewing your own tote bag leaves endless room for imagination.

Purses are many a girl's go-to shopping item -- which can be a rather pricey pastime. Making your own handbag is a wonderful alternative. This allows you to create a bag unique to your own taste and unique style. A simple tote bag is one of the easiest sewing patterns to begin with. It is moderately easy to sew for even a beginner seamstress and has plenty of room for creative personalization. Make your tote bag reversible for added versatility.

Things You'll Need

• 3/4 yard long (45 inches wide) of one fabric
• 3/4 yard long (45 inches wide) of a second, matching fabric
• Pins
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Cut two pieces of each fabric, measuring 22 1/2 by 22 1/2 inches. This will be the inside and outside of your bag. Cut two pieces of each fabric, 3 by 30 inches. These will become the straps.

2. Pin the two pieces of the first fabric together with the right sides facing each other. Sew around the edges using a 1/2" seam allowance, sparing one edge, which will be the top of the bag. Pin the two pieces of the second fabric together and repeat, again leaving out one edge.

3. Reverse the finished fabric pocket you want for the outside of your bag and insert the other pocket. You should now have the finished outside of your bag showing the right side out, and the inside as it was, with the right side facing inwards.

4. Fold the raw top edge of the outer bag 1/2 to 1 inch inwards and secure it with a few pins. Repeat this for the inner bag, folding the edge outwards and use the same pins to attach it to the other edge. Both edges should now be sandwiched evenly between the two pockets.

5. Lay one strap piece of the first fabric on top of one of the second fabric, right sides facing each other, and sew along the edge using a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Repeat this for the second strap and turn both straps inside out.

6. Topstitch along the edges of both straps, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

7. Insert one strap on one side of the bag, between the two fabrics. Secure the strap 1 inch inwards and 3 inches away from either edge of the bag. Do the same for the other strap on the other side of your bag.

8. Topstitch around the top edge of the bag using a 1/2-inch seam allowance, and remove all pins and loose threads. Your bag is now finished and will be reversible and usable on either side.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a sturdy fabric such as cotton or twill, or even a waterproof outdoor fabric.

• Try matching a patterned fabric in one tone to a plain fabric of the same color for an interesting, chic look.

• Add pockets of the outer fabric to the inside and vice versa. To do so, sew the pockets on before inserting one fabric bag into the other, to avoid seeing unsightly seams on the outside.

References

• BaumTextile, Megan Avery: Oversized Reversible Tote
• Fabrics.net: Specialty Outdoors
• CraftStylish: How to Make an Apple-Print Tote Bag

Resources

• Craft and Fabric Links: Free Tote Bag Sewing Pattern
• CraftStylish: Recycle, Adorn and Embellish Your Tote Bag with These Fab Ideas