DIY CuteTote Bag, very easy making, by Ae PooiM on YouTube. 10 min 50 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 50 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Wash and press your fabric, then cut the canvas and lining pieces to the sizes in the list. Mark 1 cm seam allowances on the wrong side with chalk.
Make the straps. Fold each 40 x 9 cm canvas strip in half lengthwise, press, open it, fold both raw edges into the centre crease and press again. Topstitch close to both long edges.
Pin one strap end to the right side of a canvas panel, about 8 cm in from the side edge, with the raw ends level with the top. Repeat with the other end and the second panel, then baste.
Place two canvas panels right sides together and sew down both sides and across the bottom with a 1 cm seam allowance. Backstitch at the top of each side seam.
Box the bottom corners. Pinch each corner so the side seam sits on top of the bottom seam, sew straight across 5 cm from the point, then trim the excess to 1 cm.
Fold the 32 x 32 cm lining square in half, sew around it leaving a small gap, clip the corners, turn and press. Pin it to a lining panel and stitch down the sides and bottom.
Sew the lining. Place the lining panels right sides together, sew the sides and bottom, and leave a 10 cm gap in the bottom seam for turning.
Turn the outer bag right side out and drop it inside the lining, which stays wrong side out. Match the side seams and pin the top edges together all the way around.
Sew around the top edge with a 1 cm seam allowance, catching the straps as you go. Trim the seam to 6 mm and clip the curves.
Pull the bag through the gap in the lining, push the lining inside, press the top edge and topstitch 5 mm from the opening. Slip stitch the gap closed.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a heavy needle and a slightly longer stitch length on 12 oz canvas, or your machine may skip stitches at the seams.
Sew over the strap joins twice so the handles hold when the bag is full.
Clip the seam allowance at the bottom corners before turning, so the corners sit sharp and flat.
The cut list gives four 46 x 34 cm panels in each fabric, so you can make a second bag or use the spares for extra pockets.
Questions
How much fabric do I need for one tote bag?
About half a metre of 12 oz canvas and half a metre of cotton lining covers the cut list, with a little spare. Buy a full metre of each if you want to match the print or make two bags.
Can I make this bag without a sewing machine?
Yes, but use a strong backstitch by hand and a heavier thread. Hand sewing the canvas seams and straps takes much longer, roughly three to four hours.
How big is the finished bag?
With 46 x 34 cm panels and 5 cm boxed corners, you get a roomy grocery-size tote with shoulder-length straps. Shorten the panels to 40 x 30 cm for a smaller everyday 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.
