I Made the Most Popular Tote Bags in 20 Minutes! Easy for Beginners, by cheche_stitches on YouTube. 37 min 31 s.
- Video length
- 37 min 31 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Cut two outer bag pieces and two lining pieces, each 15 by 16 inches (38 by 41 cm). Cut two strap pieces 4 by 24 inches (10 by 61 cm).
Fold each strap in half lengthways with right sides out, press, and sew along both long edges. Topstitch for strength.
Pin the strap ends to the right side of each outer piece, about 3 inches from the side edges, and baste them in place.
Place the two outer pieces right sides together. Sew down both sides and across the bottom with a half inch seam allowance.
Box the corners: cut a 2 inch square from each bottom corner, pinch the cut edges together and sew straight across. Repeat on both corners.
Sew the lining pieces the same way, sides and bottom, but leave a 4 inch gap in the middle of the bottom seam.
Turn the outer bag right side out and drop it inside the lining, right sides facing. Match the side seams and pin along the top edge.
Sew all the way around the top edge with a half inch seam, then pull the bag out through the gap in the lining.
Push the lining inside, press the top edge flat and topstitch a quarter inch from the edge. Hand sew or machine stitch the gap closed.
Tips and common mistakes
Backstitch at the start and end of every seam so the bag holds up to weight.
Press each seam as you go, because a lined bag will not sit flat if the seams are unpressed.
Use a denim or jeans needle if your canvas is heavy, and sew slowly over the thick strap joins.
Keep fingers clear of the needle and cut fabric away from your body with a sharp blade.
Questions
How big is the finished bag?
With 15 by 16 inch pieces and half inch seams, the bag comes out roughly 14 by 15 inches, plus a 2 inch deep base from the boxed corners.
Can I make it without a sewing machine?
Yes. Use a strong backstitch by hand on every seam and double the thread. It takes much longer but the bag will still be strong.
What fabric works best?
Cotton canvas, twill or medium weight linen hold their shape well. Quilting cotton is fine for the lining but too thin for the outer bag on its own.
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.
