I am not one to brag about what I create, but this Grocery Tote Bag is by far one of my top sewing projects that I can honestly say is amazing! Yes! I am bragging!!!
This Grocery Tote Bag stands up on its own, has a square boxed bottom, sturdy handles, is leak proof and washable!
But my favorite thing about this grocery bag is the size. Grocery bags carry heavy items! I didn’t want it to be so big that it was hard to carry, or too small that it wasn’t helpful.
*This post contains affiliate links, if you shop through them I will make a small commission which allows me to continue to make these free tutorials for you. I appreciate your support.
How to Sew this Quality Grocery Tote Bag:
The Grocery Tote Bags Finished Size:
Base: 11″ by 8″ Height: 14″
You will need:
- Cotton Fabric for the lining.
- Canvas Fabric for the outer bag.
- Waterproof Polyester Canvas Fabric one side will be treated to look like plastic or vinyl.
- Interfacing, I used Pellon WonderUnder 805 you could also use Pellon Shapeflex 101 (the main thing you need, is an interfacing that is single sided, Also, make sure that the interfacing you purchase is at least 20″ high. Some rolls can come in smaller heights which will become problematic.
- Webbing for handles, make sure it is a cotton/poly blend or a polyester strap (I avoided 100% cotton straps as I was concerned they would shrink in the wash).
- Jean Needle (I used my all purpose needle and it was fine, but if your machine starts to struggle, then switch to this needle).
- All Purpose Thread (I used two colors, one matched the straps and the other matched the fabric).
- Teflon Sewing Foot (helps to sew along the plastic lining of the polyester fabric).
- 1/4″ Sewing Foot is helpful at times but not necessary.
Cut List:
- Cotton Lining: Cut 2 at 19.5″ High by 20.5″ Wide
- Interfacing: Cut 2 at 19.5″ by 20.5″ (The height of my interfacing was only 20″ which is common, so I ended up cutting my interfacing at 19.5″ by 20″ which is fine).
- Canvas: Cut 2 at at 19.5″ by 20.5″
- Polyester Canvas Base: Cut 2 at 10″ High by 20.5″ Wide
- Webbing: I ordered 3 yards, then cut it in half to create two handles. If you want longer handles you can adjust this to your liking.
Watch the Video Tutorial HERE:
To follow along and put your tote bag together, watch all the steps in this video tutorial.
Please pin the below image to share this project with others. I appreciate your help in spreading the word!
I am not sure what weight of waterproof polyester canvas to use. What GSM did you use in these grocery store tote gags?
I bought the fabric at my local fabricland and it was titled waterproof polyester canvas. It didn’t have a specific GSM that I noticed. But It wasn’t super thick. It has a shiny side and a poly/canvas side. I am sure that you could ask at your local fabric store and they would know where to guide you. Hope that helps! Happy Sewing 🙂
I’m about to sew one of these bags. I was delighted to read the word “FabricLand”. I am also Canadian. BTW, hanks of strapping were deeply discounted at my local FabricLand today (Aug 30/24). I am excited to try this project tomorrow.
lol, I love my local fabricland! Hope your project went well 🙂
Love your video and enthusiasm. However I’m having trouble finding 1.5″ poly/cotton webbing even when I use your Amazon link. I am finding Medium-Weight Polypropylene Webbing at Wawak.com. Can you provide another link of where I might find the webbing OR will the polypropylene variety work OK? Keep up the great work! Thanks. . . . . . . Kae
Hi Kae, I wouldn’t worry too much about your straps, even though I say to avoid 100% cotton webbing because I worry it will shrink. If that’s all you can find, I think it would still work. Anything that has a mix or is nylon or 100% poly should be fine. If you get the poly webbing it will just be shiny. Which I think is perfectly fine. Hope that helps! Or go to your local fabric store as they often have options there too.
Thank you so much Love it
I am so glad to hear it!!!! These are my fav bags as they are so durable 🙂 Happy Sewing!
I have washed all my material and ready to start cutting and sewing.
I am Really enjoying these sessions.
Elaine. Runge
I would really like to purchase the grocery tote bag heavy duty tutorial. I have a problem following the video. Can you help me. Enoy your videos.
Elaine Runge
I will work on making a pattern for it. I am slowly making patterns to go with my popular tutorials but it will take me some time.
I’m really excited to make this tote, however I can’t find the waterproof canvas in the US. Most of our fabric stores have closed. Any suggestions? Will marine vinyl work?
you might be able to find some on Amazon? Or online fabric stores?