A zippered tote bag is the ultimate accessory for staying organized and stylish on the go. Whether you're heading to work, the gym, or a weekend getaway, a bag that securely holds your essentials is a must-have. This detailed tutorial will walk you through the process of sewing a structured tote bag complete with a zippered top and inner pockets. The result is a professional-looking bag that is both durable and incredibly functional.
Materials You'll Need
To create a bag with the sturdy structure shown in the video, it's essential to use the right materials. This guide provides detailed dimensions for each piece, but you can adjust them to suit your needs.
Outer Fabric: A sturdy material like cotton canvas or denim.
2 pieces for the main body (36cm x 38cm each)
2 pieces for the handle strips (5cm x 15cm each)
1 piece for the bottom gusset (36cm x 12cm)
Lining Fabric: A lighter-weight cotton fabric.
2 pieces for the main lining (36cm x 38cm each)
2 pieces for the inner pockets (36cm x 26cm each)
1 piece for the bottom gusset lining (36cm x 12cm)
Handles:
2 long strips of webbing or fabric (6cm x 60cm each)
Zippers:
1 main zipper for the top opening (40cm long)
Tools:
Sewing machine with a zipper foot
Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter
Pins or Clover clips
A ruler and fabric marker
An iron and ironing board
Part 1: Preparing the Handles and Pockets
This project uses a clever method to create a clean finish for the handles and pockets.
Construct the Handles: Take your two handle strips (6cm x 60cm). Fold the long edges in towards the center and press. Fold the entire piece in half lengthwise, enclosing the raw edges. Press again and sew a topstitch along both long edges to create a finished handle.
Make the Pockets: Take your two inner pocket fabric pieces (36cm x 26cm). Fold each piece in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew the three raw sides, leaving an opening to turn. Turn the pockets right-side out, press, and topstitch the open edge closed.
Part 2: Assembling the Outer Bag
With the handles and pockets prepared, you can now construct the main body of the tote bag.
Attach the Handles and Pockets:
On the wrong side of your two main outer body pieces (36cm x 38cm), mark the placement for the handles. Pin the raw ends of the handles to the top edge of the panels and the smaller handle strips (5cm x 15cm) to the bottom of the handles. Sew them securely, reinforcing the stitches with a box stitch for durability.
On the wrong side of your two main lining pieces (36cm x 38cm), mark the placement for the inner pockets. Pin your finished pockets in place and sew them along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open.
Sew the Panels Together:
Sew the two main outer panels and the bottom gusset together to form the outer bag body.
Repeat this process for the lining pieces to form the lining bag body, but leave a large opening (about 5-6 inches) in the bottom seam of the lining. This will be used to turn the bag right-side out later.
Part 3: Final Assembly and Finishing Touches
Now it's time to bring all the pieces together to create the final tote bag.
Attach the Zipper: Pin the main zipper to the top opening of the outer bag, right sides facing. Sew it in place with a zipper foot.
Attach the Lining: Now, pin the lining bag to the other side of the zipper, with the right side of the lining facing the right side of the zipper. Sew this seam.
Turn and Close: Make sure the main zipper is open about halfway. Pull the entire bag through the opening you left in the bottom seam of the lining. Use your fingers to push out all the corners. Give the bag one final press. Hand-sew or machine-stitch the opening in the lining closed.
Your new zippered tote bag is now ready to use! Enjoy the satisfaction of having created a custom, organized, and stylish bag all by yourself.
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