The world's easiest-to-make tote bag!, by No Trace on YouTube. 4 min 18 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 18 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Wash and dry your half yard of fabric first, then press it flat with an iron. This stops the bag from shrinking later and makes cutting much easier.
Cut two rectangles about 15 by 16 inches, or use a free tote pattern. A rotary cutter and self healing mat give you the straightest edges.
Cut the 50 inch length of webbing into two 25 inch straps. Seal or fold under the cut ends if the webbing tends to fray.
On the right side of one panel, pin the ends of each strap 3 to 4 inches in from the side edges, matching raw edges. Check the straps are not twisted before you sew.
Baste each strap end in place with a short straight stitch, then sew across it a second time for strength. Remove the pins.
Lay the second panel on top, right sides together, and pin around the sides and bottom. Sew with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, backstitching at the start and end.
Trim the corners close to the stitching, then turn the bag right side out through the open top. Push the corners out with a chopstick and press the top edge.
Fold the top edge under 1/2 inch, then another 1 inch, and press. Sew the hem close to the lower fold, going over each strap end twice.
For a flat bottom, pinch each bottom corner into a triangle so the side seam meets the bottom seam, sew across 2 inches from the point, and trim the excess.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep your fingers behind the rotary cutter blade and close it after every cut.
Backstitch well where the straps meet the bag, because that joint carries all the weight.
Use a heavier needle and sew slowly over the webbing so the machine does not skip stitches.
Press each seam as you go; a pressed seam is a straight seam.
Questions
How much fabric do I need for a tote bag?
Half a yard of 44 inch wide cotton makes one bag from two 15 by 16 inch panels. Buy a full yard if you want a lining or a deeper bag.
Can I make this tote bag without a serger?
Yes. The bag is unlined, so a normal sewing machine with a straight stitch is enough. Zigzag the seam allowances if you want to stop fraying.
What can I use instead of webbing for the handles?
Cotton canvas strips, cotton rope or ready made bag handles all work. For fabric straps, cut strips 4 inches wide, fold and press them into 1 inch straps.
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.
