How to make a tote bag with a flat bottom.
In this easy and beginner friendly tote bag tutorial, I’ll show you what I believe is a failsafe tote bag pattern and sewing method that should work every time.
I see lots of “how to make a tote bag” sewing tutorials but they often don’t have captions or a voiceover or explain the steps in detail so I find it hard to interpret what’s going on. Hopefully you’ll find this tutorial easy to follow.
At the end, I’ve included a concise, step by step outline of the entire process that you may want to watch several times to get the steps right.
Let’s get started…
Step 1 – Cut out the pieces for the tote bag and lining
The first step is to cut out the pieces. I always line my bags but you don’t have to. I cut all the pieces at the same time – the outer fabric and the lining.
Tote bag pattern (without lining)
- 2 x 34cm x 34cm (13.38″ x 13.38″) for the front and back
- 2 x 34cm x 11cm (13.38″ x 4.33″) for the sides
- 1 x 32cm x 11cm (12.59″ x 4.33″) for the bottom
- Spare fabric for the pockets and handles
Tote bag pattern (with lining)
- 4 x 34cm x 34cm (13.38″ x 13.38″) for the front and back
- 4 x 34cm x 11cm (13.38″ x 4.33″) for the sides
- 2 x 32cm x 11cm (12.59″ x 4.33″) for the bottom
- Spare fabric for the pockets and handles
Note: You can adjust the tote bag pattern sizes above to your preference. The steps below should still work.
Step 2 – Join the sides to the back and front pieces
Next, join your side pieces to one of the front or back pieces. Sew these in place.
Then, sew the remaining front or back piece to the free side piece. You should then have a tube.
Step 3 – Sewing the bottom of the tote bag
Now, it’s important that the bottom piece is attached and sewn following this method.
Out of cardboard, cut an equilateral triangle that has 3 equal sides of 2cm. Keep this somewhere safe because you’ll use it over and over when making these bags.
Using the triangle as a guide, place it in each corner of the bottom piece and draw a diagonal line.
Now, attach the bottom piece to the bottom of your top tube. But, you’re not going to sew all the way to each corner. Stop sewing when you reach the diagonal line. Then, start again on the other side of the diagonal line.
Then, fold down the corners and sew the diagonal in each corner. This gives nice rounded corners at the bottom of the bag.
Step 4 – Sew pockets to the lining of the tote bag
If you want to add pockets to the inside, I do this next. To make the pockets, I use the burrito or inside out method. Sewing the outside, leaving a section open, and then turning it right side in. These are then sewn to the right side of the lining.
Step 5 – Make the tote bag handles
Next, it’s onto the handles. I do this a few ways. I’ve included a different handle option at the end of the tutorial that is easier than this option.
Option 1 – Round tote bag handles
For the blue bag, I made rounded straps. To make these I make a tube, like you would a waist band, and then feed rope through. Because I don’t anything new when upcycling and sewing, I just use camping rope that I’ve got in my workshop.
How long or short you want the handles is your choice. Personally, I like short handles.
If you’re doing this method, make the fabric tube longer than the rope handle. This is so you can affix the handles to the bag between the outer fabric and lining.
Option 2 – Flat tote bag handles (easier)
If you prefer flat handles or an easier method, cut two matching lengths of fabric. Turn over and press a longer hem. On the other side, turn over and a shorter hem. Then fold the shorter hem over to cover the longer hem. Pin this in place. If you prefer, give it a press with iron and sew it in place. You want to make sure that you’ve left enough hem so it won’t come undone.
Step 6 – Attach the lining to the outer fabric of the tote bag. Affix the handles.
To make it easier to sew the lining to the outer bag, I press a hem at the top of each with the iron. I then pin them together before measuring where I want to affix the handles.
The gap you want between the handles is also a personal choice. I tend measure 7cm each side of the centre point.
Then sew the top hem in place on the machine. Make sure you move the lining down a centimetre or so. This is so the lining doesn’t show over the top of the bag.
Step 7 – Affix a closure
And finally, I go through my bag of tricks to work out how I’m going to create a close for each bag. I don’t have any press studs left so use buttons with a ribbon tie. I like to add some beads or a tassle to the end as a personalised finishing touch.
And here is the blue one finished. I’ve made so many of these, they only take me around an hour to make each one. And I don’t rush.
And you’re done! I hope I explained the steps simply enough.
Video : Tote bag tutorial
What is a tote bag?
A tote bag is a large, often unfastened, bag with parallel handles that emerge from the sides or front. Traditionally, tote bags were made of durable materials like canvas, cotton, or nylon, making them suitable for carrying groceries, books, or other everyday items. T
Tote bags are popular worldwide due to their versatility, simplicity, and eco-friendliness because they can be reused many times, reducing the need for disposable bags.
Some brands produce tote bags featuring their logos or artwork, transforming them into a fashionable statement preferred by some.
Why upcycling is important.
Clothes upcycling promotes a more sustainable, creative, and responsible approach to fashion, all of which contributes to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.
Environmental Impact
Clothes upcycling helps reduce waste by repurposing old or unwanted garments, often diverting them from landfill.
With the fashion industry being one of the planets largest polluters, upcycling and repurposing clothing reduces the need for new materials and decreases carbon emissions associated with the product and disposal of clothing.
Conservation
Traditional clothing manufacturing consumes significant amounts of water, energy, and raw materials.
Upcycling clothing not only extends the life of existing textiles, conserving these valuable resources, but promotes more sustainable consumption patterns.
Creative Expression
Upcycling clothes and other materials encourages creative freedom by transforming old clothes into unique, personalised garments.
Upcycling and sewing fosters innovation and encourages people to experiment with designs, creating one-of-a-kind items that reflect personal style and creativity.
Cost Effective
Upcycling clothing can be very cost-effective by reducing money spent purchasing new clothes but can also assist charities when clothes are purchased second hand from charities.
Quality and Longevity
Repairing and mending clothing enhances the longevity of existing garments, giving them longevity in your wardrobe and limiting the need to purchase new clothes. This contrasts with fast fashion items, which are frequently designed for short-term use.