DIY Small Tote Bag in 5 minutes, by Ae PooiM on YouTube. 3 min 29 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 29 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Cut one piece of main fabric and one piece of lining fabric, each 46 x 32 cm. Cut two handle strips 2.5 cm wide and 25 cm long.
Fold each handle strip in half lengthwise with right sides facing. Sew the long open edge, turn the strip right side out and press it flat.
Fold the main fabric in half with right sides together, matching the 32 cm edges. Pin and sew both 32 cm sides with a 1 cm seam allowance.
Do the same with the lining, but leave a 5 cm gap in one side seam. This gap lets you turn the bag right side out later.
Turn the main bag right side out and push out the corners. Pin the handle ends to the right side of the bag top, about 5 cm in from each side seam, raw edges matching.
Slide the lining over the bag with right sides together and match the side seams. Pin the top edges together all the way around.
Sew around the whole top edge with a 1 cm seam allowance. Backstitch at the start and finish to lock the seam.
Pull the bag through the gap in the lining. Sew the gap closed by machine or with a small hand stitch.
Tuck the lining inside the bag and press the top edge. Topstitch 5 mm below the seam if you want a neat finish.
Tips and common mistakes
Press every seam as you go, because a quick press makes the next step much easier.
Keep a 1 cm seam allowance throughout so the lining and the outer bag line up at the top.
Backstitch where the handles meet the bag, since that join takes the most strain.
Use medium weight cotton or canvas for the outside and a lighter cotton for the lining.
Questions
Can I make this bag by hand?
Yes. Use a simple backstitch and keep your stitches small and even. It takes longer, maybe an hour, but the bag ends up just as strong.
How much fabric do I need?
One 46 x 32 cm piece for the outside, the same for the lining, plus a small scrap for the two handles. A fat quarter is usually enough.
How do I stop the handles from twisting?
Press each handle flat after turning it right side out, and pin it to the bag before sewing. Sew slowly over the handle ends, forward and back.
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.
