Make an Easy Summer Beach Tote: Free Photo Tutorial

Need a fresh tote for the summer?  Here is an easy Summer Tote that is the perfect size for taking to the pool or the beach. Use your favorite outdoor fabric print for a sturdy beach bag that will hold up in the sun.

Looking for more Summer sewing ideas..

Make a Wristlet Key fob to wrap around your tote handle

Sew a Soft Sunglasses Case

Make a Travel toiletry bag with this free pattern.

 

Making a bag can be an intimidating project if you've never made one bag before. But don't worry, It's easy! I promise.  I've taken a lot of pictures to help you along the way!  You'll learn to construct this bag all at once using "French" seams instead of making the exterior and lining separately. This Summer Beach Tote is simple and sturdy. Make one this month and be prepared for your Summer adventures!

Sew an Easy Summer Beach Tote - Free PhotoTutorial

Here's what you'll need:

• 1/2 yard outdoor canvas, or home decorator weight fabric.
• 2/3 yard lining. I used 100% cotton solid.
• 1/4 yard fabric for handles, I used small wale corduroy. 
• coordinating thread.

As an option, you can choose to omit the lining fabric, which just makes the bag a little flimsier when finished and saves a little fabric cutting time.

Cutting

From the outdoor canvas, or home decorator weight fabric cut:

• 2 squares 16'' x 16'' for the body
• 3 rectangles 6''x 16'' for the sides

From the lining fabric cut:

• 2 rectangles 14 1/2'' x 16''
• 2 rectangles 14 1/2'' x 6'' 
• 1 rectangle 6'' x 16''

From the handle fabric cut:

• 2 strips 4 1/2'' x 28'' 

Make the Summer Beach Tote Body

The instructions are written on each picture below.

Next take your long piece and pin it, right sides together, to 3 sides of your square, matching the seams to the corners.

Stitch around the 3 sides with a slightly less than 1/4 in seam allowance.

Pin the other square to the other side of he long piece and stitch in place.

Hem the Top Edge of the Summer Tote

Press the corner seams to one side, do not press them open.

Topstitch around the Outside of the Summer Tote

Don't forget to back stitch a few times at the top for added security.

Make the Handles 

Almost done!! Make the handles... these go quickly.

And that's it!! Trim your threads pack up your bag and head for some sun!!

More Summer Sewing ideas..

Make a Wristlet Key fob to wrap around your tote handle
Sew a Soft Sunglasses Case
Protect your phone from sand and water a vinyl sided zipper pouch. (free pattern coming soon)
Make a Travel toiletry bag with this free pattern.