Tote bags are the ultimate accessory—versatile, practical, and a great way to showcase your personal style. But what if you could make your own, complete with handy inner pockets to keep everything organized? This no-lining, beginner-friendly tutorial will guide you through creating a stylish and functional square tote bag. It's the perfect project for using up scrap fabric or for a quick, satisfying sewing session.
Materials You'll Need
Main Fabric: Two large pieces for the bag's body. The tutorial recommends dimensions, so you'll want to choose a sturdy fabric like canvas or denim.
Pocket Fabric: Two smaller pieces for the inner pockets.
Strap Fabric: One long piece for the handles.
Coordinating Thread
Sewing Machine
Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter
Ruler or Measuring Tape
Iron and Ironing Board
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to construct your square tote bag with inner pockets.
1. Prepare the Straps Take your long strap fabric piece. Fold the long edges in towards the center and press with an iron. Then, fold the entire piece in half lengthwise, enclosing the raw edges, and press again. Sew a topstitch along both long edges to secure the folds and create a durable, finished strap. Repeat this process for the second strap.
2. Create the Inner Pockets Take your two pocket fabric pieces. Fold the top edge of each pocket piece down by about an inch and press, then fold it down again to create a clean, finished hem. Sew along the folded edge to secure it.
3. Attach the Pockets Position the pockets on the right side of one of your main bag body fabric pieces. Place them where you want them to be, making sure they are centered and at a height that will be easily accessible. Pin the pockets in place and sew along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open. To make a divided pocket, you can sew a vertical line down the center of each pocket.
4. Attach the Straps Place the main bag body piece with the pockets facing up. Mark the placement for your straps, ensuring they are evenly spaced and positioned a few inches from the sides. Pin the raw ends of the straps to the top edge of the bag. Sew the straps in place, reinforcing the seam with a few backstitches to ensure they are strong enough to hold weight.
5. Assemble the Bag Body With the pockets and straps attached to one main bag piece, place the second main bag piece on top, right sides together. Pin or clip all the way around the three open sides. Sew a seam along the two side edges and the bottom edge, leaving the top open. Be sure to sew carefully over the straps to secure them even more.
6. Box the Corners To give your bag its square, structured bottom, you will "box" the corners. At each of the bottom corners, pinch the fabric so the side seam and the bottom seam meet and are aligned. This will form a flat, triangular shape. Measure about 1.5 inches from the tip of the triangle and draw a straight line perpendicular to the seam. Sew along this line. Trim the excess fabric, leaving a small seam allowance. Repeat this for the other bottom corner.
7. Finishing Touches Turn the bag right-side out through the top opening. Use your fingers or a tool to push out all the corners so they are crisp and square. Give the bag a final press with an iron to smooth out any wrinkles. Your finished tote bag is now ready to be used!
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