Tote bag – tried and tested easy to sew

Tote bag with long shoulder straps and appliquéd Unicorn.

Table of Contents

Sew this uncomplicated unlined tote bag.

This tote bag can be adapted to take a lining, can be “bagged out” with a sugar bag bottom seam to make it a wider tote bag.
Adding a few strips of fabric with a zipper closure with keep the contents of the tote bag safe.
The pattern is just a square, so size can be what you prefer.
Use longer straps to go all the way down the tote bag to give extra strength.
For adjustments to style you may need to use more fabric.

Materials needed to sew your tote bag:
fabric measurements including seam allowance 40cm wide X 40cm high, straps should be 5cm wide X approx 90cm long

Choose fabric which is study for your tote bag, preferably a cotton or other woven material. Fabric approx. 1m X 112cm for this size. I use curtaining fabric. It is strong, great designs and you could use old curtains. Think free gifts.
Decide on how you would like to embellish it. Busy fabric designs hardly need anything but a plain fabric can have an appliquéd design to give the tote bag a character and uniqueness. Contrast fabrics for the desired design.
Bias Binding to add a colour line across the top.
If doing an appliqué design “ Bondaweb” which is an iron on glue. This allows you to “stick” your design down before sewing around it.

Tools for the tote bag project:

Scissors
Pins
Sewing machine
Thread, matching and if using a contrast, contrast thread
Needles for hand sewing embellishments like buttons
Iron and ironing board.

Before you cut the fabric:

Take time to plan and prepare, you will have better results.

Top Tip: Wash your fabric prior to cutting. Cotton fabric does shrink.

To Start: I am making my tote bag 40cm X 40cm, unlined with over shoulder straps.

Draw the square to your size on a piece of paper to use as a template, this allows you to “square” up all the corners and make sure they are all 90° and straight.

Place the pattern onto your washed and ironed fabric.
Pin and cut two, one back and one front.
Use a ruler to measure the straps, these can be made up of piece that have been joined together or one single length. Cut two straps each 5cm wide and 90cm long.

Placing and sew your appliqué on the front of the tote bag.

This is a calico bag with a unicorn appliqué with button stars.

Draw your appliqué design out on paper.
Cut it out and place it onto your desired appliqué fabric.
Draw around the design and cut the fabric out.
Place the cut out image on a piece of bondaweb( available from online stockists) Cut the bonda web out roughly around your fabric appliqué.
Press the shiny side of the bonda web piece to the appliqué design
Cut it out, peel the paper backing off and place it onto your bag piece in the position you desire.
Press this until all edges are stuck down. Add all layers of your appliqué design before sewing around it.
Set your sewing machine to a close zigzag and sew around the appliqué. Traditionally this has been a satin stitch but you can use any zigzag stitch to secure the design. Follow around the edges using needle in to pivot the foot around tricky spots.

Adding colour and creating the top edge

Bias binding (available at sewing shops and online stores) is used to finish the top raw edge.
Pin it in place over the top edge of both the front and back pieces.
Use a top stitch ( straight stitch, length 3) and sew the bias binding on as shown.
Turn the top edge over to the right side of the fabric this is around 4cm.
Press and sew in place. You can use a decorative or straight stitch to secure it.
Repeat this with both front and back pieces.

Sewing the tote bag straps.

Fold each long edge of the strap pieces over by 1cm, press flat.
Fold the strap in half with the pressed 1cm allowance together.
Iron this nicely to get a good matched strap, pin it together so it does not move when sewing together.
Sew using a top stitch close to each edge.
Finish the raw edges of each strap edge with a zigzag stitch.

Putting all the tote bag bits together.

With right sides facing, pin the front and back pieces of your tote bag together.
Sew a 1cm seam allowance all the way around. Make sure you do a reverse stitch start and finish to secure your sewing.
Use a zigzag stitch to finish the edges and make it neat.

Attaching the straps to the tote bag.

Measure 10cm from each edge and make a mark. Repeat with the other side.
Take a strap and pin it to one side of the mark, curl it so it forms the handle and pin it to the other side mark on the same side. The strap should go down to meet the line of bias stitching as shown. Repeat with the other bag side.
Secure each strap edge by sewing a rectangle with a cross in it. The rectangle should be close to the top edge to keep the straps from rolling over.
Turn the tote bag right way round, pick corners out so they are square and press.

Finishing touches

Mark where you wish to place embellishments. I am using buttons for stars on my appliqué design.
Use a hand needle and thread to sew the buttons on.

Result!! A lovely tote bag, easy to carry and great for just nipping out to the shop.