Quick & Easy! How to make a Daily Tote bag without Lining, by Ae PooiM on YouTube. 10 min 57 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 57 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Cut all the fabric to the listed sizes. Cut one canvas body piece 78 x 34 cm, two calico pieces 44 x 34 cm, two calico pieces 44 x 18 cm and two canvas pieces 32 x 18 cm. Cut the strap to 36 cm and 58 cm.
Fold the canvas body in half with right sides together so it measures about 39 x 34 cm. Pin the two open side edges and sew them with a 1 cm seam allowance.
Trim the seam ends, press the seams open with an iron, then turn the bag right side out through the open top.
Make the pockets by pairing each 32 x 18 cm canvas piece with a 44 x 18 cm calico piece, right sides together. Sew around the edges, leave a 6 cm gap, clip the corners, turn and press.
Topstitch along the top edge of each pocket to close the gap. Pin the pockets where you want them on the bag front and back, then sew close to the edge on three sides.
Fold the top edge of the bag to the inside by 1 cm, press, then fold again by 2.5 cm and press. Sew around the top about 2 mm from the lower folded edge.
Pin the 36 cm and 58 cm straps to the top edge, one on each side, about 8 cm in from the side seams. Check the strap ends sit under the folded hem.
Sew each strap end in a square with an X across the middle, going over the stitching twice. Backstitch at the start and end so the handles hold weight.
Tips and common mistakes
Wash and press the canvas before cutting so the finished bag does not shrink later.
Use a denim needle and a longer stitch length, since canvas and calico layers get thick at the strap joins.
Stitch the strap ends in a box with an X rather than a single line, or the handles will pull loose with use.
Press the top hem well before sewing so the edge stays even and does not pucker.
Questions
Do I need a lining for this tote bag?
No. The bag is made without a lining, so the top edge is folded over twice and stitched instead. That keeps it quick and light.
What size is the finished bag?
The body starts at 78 x 34 cm, so folded in half it is about 39 x 34 cm. That makes a medium everyday tote, roughly 39 cm wide and 34 cm tall.
Can I sew this bag by hand?
Yes, but canvas and strap webbing are thick. Use a strong needle, doubled thread and a backstitch, and expect it to take a few hours.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
