DIY Beach Tote Bag | Intermediate Sewing Tutorial | No Pattern Needed, by Fraulein DIY on YouTube. 19 min 30 s.
- Video length
- 19 min 30 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Decide your bag size and cut two outer rectangles and two lining rectangles from your cotton fabric. Add about 1 cm seam allowance on every side.
Cut two handle strips about 10 cm wide and long enough to sit comfortably on your shoulder. Fold and press them, then sew along both long edges.
Cut a pocket piece from the solid fabric and press interfacing onto the back if you want it firmer. Fold the top edge, sew it down, then pin the pocket to a lining piece.
Sew the pocket sides and bottom to the lining, leaving the top open. Add a strip of elastic across the pocket to keep items from sliding out.
Place the two outer pieces right sides together and sew down both sides and across the bottom. Repeat with the two lining pieces, but leave a gap of about 15 cm in the lining bottom.
Pin each handle to the top edge of the outer bag, raw ends matching the fabric edge, and baste them in place so they stay put.
Turn the outer bag right side out and slide it inside the lining, right sides together. Pin the top edges and sew all the way around.
Pull the bag through the gap in the lining bottom, then sew that gap closed by hand or machine. Push the lining inside the bag.
Press the top edge, then topstitch around the opening to hold the lining and handles in place. Trim any loose threads with pinking scissors.
Tips and common mistakes
Backstitch at the start and end of every seam and at the handle joins so the bag holds weight.
Keep your seam allowance the same on every edge or the lining will not fit the outer bag.
Use a denim or heavy needle for thick layers at the handle joins.
Press each seam as you go; it makes the finished bag look much neater.
Questions
Do I need a paper pattern?
No. You measure and cut rectangles straight from the fabric using a ruler and sewing chalk.
What fabric works best for a beach tote?
Medium weight cotton or canvas is sturdy enough. Thin fabric will sag under towels and bottles.
Can I skip the lining?
You can, but the lining hides the seams and gives the bag shape. It also lets you add pockets.
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.
