Simple Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial | Quick Beginner Project, by Jan Howell on YouTube. 16 min 46 s.
- Video length
- 16 min 46 s
- Time to do it
- 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Wash and press your fabric so it does not shrink after sewing. Pick a medium cotton or canvas that holds its shape.
Cut two matching rectangles for the bag body. Cut two long strips for the straps, about 3 inches wide, so they fold into sturdy handles.
Fold each strap strip in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew along the long edge, turn it right side out and press flat.
If you want a label, pin it to the right side of one bag panel where you want it to sit. Stitch around its edges to secure it.
Place the two bag panels right sides together and sew the side and bottom seams. Trim the seam allowance to about 1/8 inch.
Turn the bag wrong side out and sew the same seams again to enclose the raw edges. This makes the French seams.
Fold the top edge under twice, about 1/2 inch each time, and press. Sew close to the lower fold to hem the opening.
Pin each strap end inside the top hem, one on each side of the bag, and stitch a square with an X inside it to hold it.
Topstitch around the top edge of the bag for a neat finish. Press the bag and fold it up.
Tips and common mistakes
Backstitch at the start and end of every seam so the straps and seams do not pull open.
Press each seam as you go. Flat seams are what make a homemade bag look neat.
If you own a serger, you can finish the side and bottom seams with it instead of sewing French seams.
Questions
Do I need a serger to make this tote bag?
No. The French seam method hides the raw edges with a normal sewing machine. A serger is only an optional faster finish.
What fabric works best for a beginner tote bag?
A medium weight cotton or canvas is easiest to cut and sew. Very thin fabric will not hold the straps well.
How do I make the straps strong enough?
Use a wider strip folded into several layers and sew a square with an X where each strap meets 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.
