Tote bags are the ultimate everyday accessory, and making your own is a fantastic way to create a piece that is both stylish and functional. This tutorial is perfect for beginners, as it guides you through a clever method to construct a sturdy, square-bottom tote bag with inner pockets—all without a separate lining! The technique is simple, efficient, and results in a clean, professional-looking finish. Get ready to create your new favorite bag.
Materials You'll Need
Gathering your materials before you begin will make the process much smoother. You can use any fabric you like, but a medium-weight cotton canvas or similar sturdy fabric will work best for a tote bag.
Main Fabric: Two large pieces for the bag's body (e.g., 18" x 16" each, or your desired dimensions).
Pocket Fabric: One piece for the inner pocket (e.g., 16" x 8").
Strap Fabric: Two long pieces for the handles (e.g., 20" x 3" each).
Coordinating Thread
Fabric Scissors or a Rotary Cutter
A Sewing Machine
Pins or Clips
A Ruler or Measuring Tape
An Iron and Ironing Board
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to construct your very own square tote bag.
1. Prepare Your Fabric Begin by cutting all your fabric pieces to the desired dimensions. The video uses two large pieces for the main bag body, one piece for the pocket, and two long, thin pieces for the handles. Iron all your fabric pieces to remove any wrinkles before you begin.
2. Sew the Pockets Take your pocket fabric piece. Fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew along the two short sides, leaving one of the long sides open. Turn the pocket right-side out and press it flat with an iron. This will create a clean, finished pocket with no raw edges on the top opening.
3. Attach the Pocket to the Main Bag Body Lay one of your main bag body pieces flat, with the right side of the fabric facing up. Pin the finished pocket onto the main bag body, positioning it where you want the inner pocket to be. Sew the pocket to the main fabric along the three raw sides (the bottom and two sides). To create multiple pocket sections, you can sew a vertical seam down the middle or in multiple places.
4. Create the Straps Take one of your strap fabric pieces. Fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew along the long open edge. Use a safety pin or a loop turner to turn the strap right-side out. Iron the strap flat, making sure the seam is on one side. Repeat this process for the second strap.
5. Attach the Straps to the Main Bag Body Take the main bag body piece with the pocket attached. Mark the placement for your straps, ensuring they are evenly spaced and a few inches from the side seams. Pin the raw ends of the straps to the top edge of the bag. Sew the straps in place with a strong seam, reinforcing the stitches by sewing a box or an 'X' shape to make them extra secure.
6. Assemble the Bag Place the two main bag body pieces right sides together. The straps and the pocket should be on the inside. Pin the two side edges and the bottom edge together, leaving the top open. Sew a straight seam along both side edges and the bottom edge.
7. Box the Corners This step gives the bag its square, structured bottom. At each of the bottom corners, pinch the fabric so the side seam and the bottom seam meet and are aligned. This will create 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.
8. Finishing Touches Turn the bag right-side out through the top opening. Use your fingers to push out all the corners so they are neat and square. Give the entire bag a final press with an iron to create a clean, professional finish. You've now created a sturdy, square-bottom tote bag with inner pockets, all without a separate lining!
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