How to Sew a Tote Bag / Easy Beginner Sewing Project

These little DIY tote bags are quick to make, use up fabric scraps, and are super handy for everyday life.

You can fold them up and tuck them into your
Use them as lightweight shopping bags, or even carry books, crochet, or craft supplies.

No interfacing required—just fabric and a few basic sewing supplies.

I’ll show you two methods for sewing tote bags:

A French seam with a regular sewing machine.
Using a serger with finished edges.

Why You’ll Love Making This Tote Bag

✔ Beginner-friendly — no advanced techniques required
✔ Great scrap-buster project
✔ Reusable and eco-friendly
✔ Perfect handmade gift idea
✔ Fun to customize with colorful fabrics and tags

Supplies You’ll Need

Quilter’s cotton, canvas, or denim fabric
Rotary cutter, ruler, and mat
scissors
Fabric clips or pins
Heat-erasable pen or marking tool
Sewing machine (or serger)
Iron
Spray starch (optional)
Optional: labels or tags for a personal touch

Learn how to make your own labels and tags HERE.

Cutting Out Tote Bag

Sewing machine/French seam method: Cut two pieces – 17.5″ x 19″
Serger method: Cut two pieces – 17.5″ x 18″
Straps: Cut two pieces – 4″ x 26″
***Tip: Mix and match fabrics for a fun, whimsical look—or go classic with matching straps and panels.

Step 1: Prep Your Fabric

Trim selvage edges so your fabric is straight.
Cut out two bag panels and two straps.

***If you want to add a label on the front of the bag, do that now.

Step 2: Sew the Straps

*** Spraying the wrong side of the straps with spray starch before pressing is very helpful in getting crisp edges of the fabric.

Fold the strap in half lengthwise and press.
Open up the strap and fold each edge in toward the center, press again.
Fold in half once more to enclose the raw edges.
Topstitch along both sides using a 1/8 inch seam allowance.
***Batch sewing? Sew the straps right after each other while topstitching to save time and thread.

Step 3: Assemble the Bag (French Seam Method)

Place the wrong sides together and clip in place.
If you want to add a label or tag to the bag, do that now.
Place the label on top of the fabric, 3/8 inch from the edge of the fabric.
Baste the tag in place using a 1/8 inch seam.

5. Sew around three sides of the bag with a ¼” seam allowance, pivoting at corners.

6. Trim corners and press seam open.
7. Turn the bag inside out and press.
8. Sew around the same three sides again with a 3/8 inch seam allowance to enclose raw edges..

Step 4: Hem the Top

Measure down 2 inches from the top edge and draw a line using a disappearing ink pen.
Measure 1 inch from that line and mark another line. (Do this on both sides of the bag).

*** A starch spray is also good to use on this hem.

3. Fold the top edge down to meet the first line and press.
4. Fold that edge down to the next line and press.
5. Mark strap placement: measure in 4.5″ from each side.
6. Insert straps under the fold and clip in place, making sure they aren’t twisted.

Step 5: Top Stitch and Secure the Straps

Stitch 1/8 inch from the lower folded edge, catching the straps.
Topstitch again along the top edge.
Sew an “X” where the straps meet the bag for extra strength.

Step 6 : Assemble the Bag (Serger Method)

*** Label/Tag Application (optional)

Place the label BETWEEN THE TWO FABRIC PIECES, 1/4 inch from the edge of the fabric. Baste the tag in place using a 1/8 inch seam.
Place right sides together and serge around the sides and bottom with a 3/8 inch seam allowance.

Step 7: Hem The Top Edge (Serger Method)

Measure 1 inch down from the top edge and mark a line.
2 Finish the top by serging the raw edge, then fold over to meet the 1″ line. Press and topstitch.
Attach the straps the same way as above.

That’s it! These bags are perfect for gifts, market bags, or even to sell at craft fairs.

Want to make them even more versatile?

Add a boxed bottom to give your tote extra room.

I show you exactly how in this tutorial.

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1 Comment

Wholesale Workwear Bags
October 12, 2026 at 3:54 am
Such a useful beginner sewing project! A handmade tote bag can be both practical and stylish. https://www.workgear.ca/bags.html
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Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.