A pleated tote bag with a floral print is one of those timeless handmade accessories that makes any outfit pop. The contrast pleats on this particular bag design give it structure and elegance, while the floral canvas adds that perfect feminine touch. Plus, it has a zipper closure—practical and stylish!
Let’s dive into how to make this tote bag from scratch.
🧵 Materials Needed
Here are all the materials and tools you’ll need:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Floral canvas fabric (main) | ½ yard |
| Plain contrasting fabric (for pleats) | ¼ yard |
| Lining fabric (optional) | ½ yard |
| Fusible interfacing (medium weight) | ½ yard |
| 1” wide cotton or nylon webbing for handles | Two pieces, each 20 inches |
| Zipper (14" or longer) | 1 piece |
| Matching thread | As needed |
| Sewing machine, scissors, pins, clips, iron | Required tools |
✂️ Cutting Instructions
From the floral fabric, cut:
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(2) Outer panels: 16” wide × 12” tall
From the contrast fabric, cut:
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(5) Pleat inserts: 5” wide × 7” tall
From lining fabric (if used), cut:
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(2) Lining panels: same size as outer panels
From interfacing, cut:
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(2) Panels to match outer panel dimensions (apply to wrong side)
🪡 Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pleats
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Take each 5” x 7” contrast piece and fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together.
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Stitch the short ends with a ¼” seam allowance to make a tube.
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Turn the tube right side out and press flat, keeping the seam centered at the back.
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Fold each flat tube into a knife pleat or box pleat shape. Pin them in place temporarily.
You’ll make 5 pleats and insert them between 6 floral fabric sections across the bag.
Step 2: Construct the Front Outer Panel
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Cut the front floral panel into 6 strips, each 2” wide at the bottom and tapering slightly to 2.5” at the top.
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Insert a pleat panel between each floral strip (5 pleats total).
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Stitch them together with ½” seam allowance, right sides facing. You’ll get one wide panel that alternates floral and pleat panels.
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Press seams toward the floral fabric and topstitch if desired for structure.
Repeat this for the back panel, or keep the back panel plain floral for contrast.
Step 3: Attach the Interfacing
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Fuse the medium-weight interfacing to the wrong side of each assembled front and back outer panel.
This adds structure and gives your bag a firm shape.
👜 Step 4: Add Handles
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Take the 1” wide webbing and measure 3.5” in from each side on the front panel.
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Pin the webbing vertically from the bottom of the panel to 2” below the top edge, forming a U shape.
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Stitch securely in place using a box-and-cross method for strength.
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Repeat for the back panel.
🔲 Step 5: Sew Outer Bag
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Place front and back panels right sides together.
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Stitch along sides and bottom with a ½” seam allowance.
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Box the corners by marking a 2” square on each bottom corner, cutting them out, and stitching the open edges together to form depth.
🧵 Step 6: Make the Lining (Optional)
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Sew the two lining pieces right sides together, leaving a 4” opening at the bottom for turning later.
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Box the corners the same way as the outer bag.
🔒 Step 7: Add the Zipper
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Lay the zipper right side down along the top edge of the outer panel.
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Place the lining right side down on top of the zipper to sandwich it.
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Sew using a zipper foot.
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Fold both fabrics away from the zipper and topstitch along the seam for a clean look.
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Repeat this step with the other side of the zipper and the remaining panel.
🧼 Step 8: Final Assembly
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Open the zipper halfway (important!).
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Place the outer bag and lining right sides together, aligning all seams and edges.
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Stitch around the entire outer edge.
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Turn the bag right side out through the lining opening.
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Push out corners and edges, then sew the lining opening closed with a ladder stitch or by machine.
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Give your bag a good final press.
💡 Tips & Customizations
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Add an inner pocket to the lining before assembling for extra organization.
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Use a magnetic snap instead of a zipper for a more casual finish.
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Try using leather or faux leather for the handles for a more elegant touch.
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Embellish with lace, buttons, or applique for a personalized design.
🌷 Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You’ve just made a stunning pleated floral tote bag with structure, charm, and functionality. This pattern is a wonderful way to explore creative sewing techniques like pleats and zipper installation, while ending up with something truly practical. Whether you use it for shopping, work, or daily essentials, your handmade bag is sure to turn heads.
If you enjoyed this tutorial, don’t forget to save it for later and share it with your crafty friends!
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