DIY Daily Tote Bag, very easy making, by Ae PooiM on YouTube. 10 min 1 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 1 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Cut the fabric to the sizes listed. From the canvas you need one 74 x 50 cm piece, two 54 x 14 cm handle strips and two 50 x 5 cm strips. From the lining, cut one 68 x 50 cm piece and two 34 x 30 cm pocket panels.
Fold the large canvas piece in half with right sides together so the 50 cm edges meet. Sew down both open side edges with a 1 cm seam allowance and backstitch at each end.
Square off the bottom corners. Flatten a corner so the side seam sits on the fold, mark about 5 cm across from the point, sew straight across and trim the excess. Repeat on the other corner.
Make the handles from the two 54 x 14 cm strips. Fold each one in half lengthwise with right sides together, sew the long edge and one short end, then turn it right side out, press it flat and topstitch both long edges.
Pin one handle end to the right side of the bag front, about 8 cm in from the side seam, and the other end to the same side of the back. Sew each end down with a small square and a cross inside it.
Sew the pockets. Fold each 34 x 30 cm lining panel in half with right sides together, stitch around it leaving a turning gap, clip the corners, turn it out, press it and topstitch the top edge.
Pin the pockets to the right side of the lining piece and stitch down the sides and bottom of each one, keeping the top open. Divide a pocket with an extra line of stitching if you want two sections.
Fold the lining in half with right sides together, sew both side seams and square the bottom corners to match the outer bag. Leave a 10 cm gap in one side seam for turning.
Turn the outer bag right side out and leave the lining wrong side out. Drop the outer bag inside the lining, match the side seams, pin the top edges together and sew all the way around the opening with a 1 cm allowance.
Pull the bag right side out through the gap in the lining, push the lining inside and press the top edge. Topstitch around the opening about 5 mm from the edge, then hand sew the gap closed.
Tips and common mistakes
Press every seam as you go, because a flat seam makes the topstitching along the opening much neater.
Backstitch where the handles meet the bag, or add a second row of stitching, so the weight of your shopping does not pull them off.
Use a 90/14 needle and a slightly longer stitch length for canvas so the seams stay smooth and do not pucker.
Clip the corners before turning the pockets and the bag out so the points sit sharp and flat.
Questions
Can I make this tote bag without a sewing machine?
Yes, but it takes longer. Use a strong backstitch by hand on the seams and handles, and sew the handle joins twice for strength.
What fabric works best for a daily tote bag?
Medium weight cotton canvas holds its shape and carries weight well. Quilting cotton is fine for the lining, but avoid thin, stretchy fabrics for the outer bag.
How much weight can a fabric tote like this hold?
It handles everyday loads like groceries, books or a laptop. Keep heavy items centred over the base and check the handle stitching if you regularly carry a lot.
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.
