Tote bags are one of the most versatile and stylish sewing projects you can make. They are perfect for carrying groceries, books, travel essentials, or even using as an everyday handbag. In this tutorial, we’ll walk through a detailed, step-by-step guide to sewing a beautiful oversized tote bag, similar to the mustard-yellow one shown above.
This bag has a roomy body, boxed corners for depth, and wide handles that make it comfortable to carry. It is beginner-friendly but still polished enough to look store-bought. Whether you want to sew it as a weekend project, a handmade gift, or your new go-to everyday bag, this tutorial will cover everything you need.
Materials You’ll Need
Before we begin, gather your supplies:
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Fabric for the outer bag – Medium to heavy-weight cotton, canvas, denim, or linen (1 yard / 1 meter). In the image, mustard canvas fabric was used.
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Fabric for lining – Quilting cotton or light canvas (1 yard / 1 meter).
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Interfacing (optional but recommended) – Fusible medium-weight interfacing for extra structure.
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Thread – Matching or contrasting, all-purpose polyester thread.
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Sewing machine – With a universal needle size 90/14 (for thicker fabrics).
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Scissors or rotary cutter
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Pins or sewing clips
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Iron and ironing board
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Measuring tape or ruler
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Chalk or fabric marker
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Optional hardware – Magnetic snap, button, or decorative label.
Cutting the Fabric
Let’s cut our pieces according to the measurements:
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Outer fabric (canvas):
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2 rectangles: 20” wide × 18” tall (for front and back)
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2 strips: 4” wide × 24” long (for straps)
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Lining fabric:
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2 rectangles: 20” wide × 18” tall
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Interfacing (if using):
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Cut the same size as the outer fabric rectangles and straps.
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Boxed corners: To achieve the depth of the bag, we’ll be cutting 3.5” × 3.5” squares from the bottom corners of both outer and lining fabric.
💡 Tip: If you want a larger or smaller bag, simply adjust the rectangle size but keep the proportions the same.
Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Straps
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Take the 4” × 24” fabric strips.
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Fold each strip lengthwise in half, wrong sides together, and press with an iron.
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Open and fold the raw edges inward to meet the center crease. Press again.
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Fold in half once more so the raw edges are tucked inside, making a strap that’s about 1” wide.
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Stitch along both long edges, close to the edge, to secure.
👉 Now you have two sturdy straps.
Step 2: Add Interfacing (Optional)
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If your fabric is soft, iron fusible interfacing to the wrong side of your outer fabric pieces for more structure.
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Do the same for straps if you want them extra strong.
Step 3: Sew the Outer Bag
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Place the two large outer rectangles right sides together.
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Sew along both sides and the bottom using a ½” seam allowance.
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Leave the top edge open.
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Press seams open.
Step 4: Box the Corners
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At the bottom of the bag, cut out 3.5” × 3.5” squares from both corners.
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Pinch each cut corner so the side seam and bottom seam align, forming a triangle.
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Sew straight across the raw edge with a ½” seam allowance.
👉 This creates the flat bottom of the tote.
Repeat for both corners.
Step 5: Sew the Lining
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Repeat the same process with your lining fabric (sew sides and bottom, box the corners).
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Leave a 4” gap at the bottom seam of the lining. This will be used to turn the bag right side out later.
Step 6: Attach the Straps
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Turn your outer bag right side out.
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Position the straps 4” in from each side seam. Pin them with raw edges aligned to the top of the bag.
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Make sure straps are not twisted.
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Baste (temporary stitch) in place.
Step 7: Assemble the Bag
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With the outer bag right side out and the lining wrong side out, place the outer bag inside the lining so right sides are together.
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Align side seams and top edges, pin or clip all around.
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Sew around the top edge with a ½” seam allowance, securing straps in place.
Step 8: Turn the Bag
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Pull the bag right side out through the gap in the lining.
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Push the outer bag completely through until it looks correct.
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Sew the lining gap closed with a small stitch or by hand (ladder stitch).
Step 9: Finish the Top Edge
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Push the lining inside the bag.
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Press the top edge flat with an iron.
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Topstitch around the edge about ⅛” from the seam. This gives a professional finish and secures straps.
Optional Additions
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Closure: Add a magnetic snap, button, or Velcro at the center top.
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Pockets: Before assembling, add patch or zipper pockets to the lining for keys, phone, or wallet.
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Decoration: Add appliqué, embroidery, or a fabric label for personalization.
Final Measurements
Once finished, your tote will measure approximately:
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Width: 20” (50 cm)
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Height: 18” (45 cm)
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Depth: 7” (18 cm) thanks to the boxed corners
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Handle drop: About 10–11” (25–28 cm) – comfortable for shoulder carrying.
Sewing Tips for Beginners
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Always press seams after sewing—it makes the bag look more professional.
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Use clips instead of pins if working with thick canvas.
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Lengthen your stitch to 3.0 mm when sewing through multiple fabric layers.
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If your machine struggles, use a denim needle.
Variations You Can Try
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Mini Tote: Cut fabric rectangles 15” × 12” for a smaller handbag.
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Extra-large Tote: Use 24” × 20” rectangles for a travel-sized bag.
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Reversible Tote: Use two strong fabrics for both outer and lining, skip interfacing, and make it reversible.
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Eco-friendly Tote: Repurpose old jeans, curtains, or upholstery fabric.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a DIY oversized tote bag that looks stylish, modern, and practical! The mustard-yellow fabric gives it a bold and trendy look, but you can customize it in any color or print you love.
Sewing this bag is a satisfying project whether you are a beginner learning the basics of boxed corners and straps, or an experienced sewist looking for a quick but useful make. Once you’ve made one, you’ll probably want to sew a few more for friends and family!
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