DIY Zippered Quilted Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial | Beginner Friendly, by Nina on YouTube. 19 min 49 s.
- Video length
- 19 min 49 s
- Time to do it
- 2 to 3 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Cut your outer quilted fabric, lining fabric and strap pieces to the bag dimensions. Keep the two outer panels and two lining panels the same size so the seams line up.
Place the zipper face down along the top edge of one outer panel, right sides together. Pin or clip it in place, lining up the zipper tape with the fabric edge.
Sew along the zipper tape with a zipper foot. Fold the fabric back, press the seam, then topstitch close to the zipper for a neat finish.
Repeat on the other side of the zipper with the second outer panel. Open the zipper partway so the bag can be turned later.
Sew the outer panels together along the sides and bottom, right sides facing. Clip the bottom corners and press the seams open.
Make the straps by folding each strip in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sewing along the long edge. Turn them right side out using a safety pin.
Pin the strap ends to the outer bag at the marked positions, with the straps pointing down inside the bag. Baste them in place.
Sew the lining panels together along the sides and bottom, leaving a gap of about 4 inches in the bottom for turning.
Place the lining inside the outer bag, right sides together, and sew around the top edge, catching the zipper tape.
Turn the bag right side out through the lining gap, sew the gap closed, and press the top edge.
Tips and common mistakes
Open the zipper halfway before sewing the top seam so you can turn the bag easily.
Use a zipper foot and sew slowly near the zipper teeth to avoid breaking needles.
Backstitch at the strap joins since they take the most strain.
Press each seam as you go for flatter, more professional results.
Questions
Do I need a special zipper foot?
A zipper foot helps you sew close to the teeth, but a standard foot works if you move the needle position. Sew slowly and check the seam as you go.
Can I make this without quilted fabric?
Yes. Use regular cotton with fusible batting or fleece to add structure and softness.
How do I stop the straps from twisting?
Pin or baste the straps to the bag before sewing the top seam, and keep them pointing down inside the bag.
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.
