Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial

This is the best tote bag sewing tutorial for any beginner sewer to start with.

You only need one piece of canvas fabric and your basic sewing tools.

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Tote Bags Finished Size:

• Body of Tote Bag: 15.5″ High by 14″ Wide.
• Handles: 10″ from the top of the tote bag to the top of the strap.

You Will Need:

• 3/4 Yard of Canvas Fabric (you may get away with a half yard but it will depend on the width of the fabric from selvage to selvage).
• All Purpose Sewing Thread.
• Measuring Gauge (optional)
• Sewing Stiletto (optional)
• Jean Sewing Needle (optional).
• Remember to backstitch when you start and stop for every seam sewn.

Cut List:

• Cut the main fabric at 15″ by 35″
• Cut 2 pieces for the straps at 3″ by 27″

Watch the Video Tutorial HERE:

To follow along and put your beginner tote bag together, watch all the steps in this video tutorial.

Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial (Step by Step):

1. Cut all three pieces of fabric.
2. Fold the main piece in half (Right Sides Together).
3. Sew 1/2″ Seam Allowance along both sides.
4. Sew a zig zag stitch along both sides to stop the fabric from fraying.
5. Make the straps by folding both edges in 1/2″ and press.
6. Then fold the strap in half, pin.
7. Sew 1/8″ seam allowance along both sides of the straps.
8. Do step 5-7 for both strap pieces.
9. Take the main tote bag piece, fold the top edge over 1/2″, press.
10. Fold this same edge on the tote bag over 1″, press & pin in place.
11. Mark 3″ in from both side seams.
12. Line up the outside edge of the strap along the 3″ marks and tuck under the 1″ fold.
13. Sew 1/8″ seam allowance along the inside edge of the fold.
14. Flip the straps upwards, pin in place.
15. Sew 1/8″ seam allowance along the top edge of the tote bag.
16. Sew an X formation along all four straps where they connect with the tote bag.

And that is how you can sew an easy tote bag! I hope you enjoyed the process 🙂

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