Super Simple Tote Bag Tutorial

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Written by

Sarah Markos

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Today I'm sharing the Super Simple Tote Bag that I taught at our Sewing Soiree last week.  It is very basic and great for beginners.   In fact, it is so easy, I think it is the perfect project to use to teach someone to sew so I'm adding it to my Teach a Sewing Class series

Super Simple Tote Bag Tutorial

I think it is so fun to teach others to sew.  Sewing is such a useful skill, plus it's fun!  Teaching a class is a great way to spread the sewing love and share your passion with your friends.  I've put together a set of instructions for you to use to teach your own sewing class.

Sew a Simple Tote Bag With a Triangle Corner Gusset

This simple tote bag is by no means my own design.  I basically copied a simple store bought tote that I liked.  I particularly like that the bag has a gusset that is sewn into the side seams.  It makes such a cute little triangle, and is way easier than sewing a corner into the bag after you sew the side seams as you would for a traditional gusset. 

triangle gusset detail

I also like the way the handles are attached.  You don't have to be careful about hiding any raw edges as you sew. 

handle detail - super simple tote bag tutorial

Have I sold you on the simplicity of this simple tote bag project yet??

if you are teaching a class,I made an instruction sheet that you can print out to share. Click HERE to get to it. This bag is made of one layer of fabric so you will want to choose a heavier weight fabric for it.

How to make a super simple tote bag using canvas

Supplies

1/2 yard of fabric. It can be canvas, outdoor canvas, twill, decorator fabric, corduroy, or denim are all good choices.  

 Lets get started, shall we?

Instructions

1. Cut your fabric.:

  • for body - cut one 14” x 32” rectangle
  • for handles - cut two 3” x 21” rectangles

2. Prepare handles by pressing long sides 1/2 inch toward center with wrong side of fabric facing up.  Then match folded edges and press in half forming a strap. Stitch along both sides 1/8 inch from edge.  Lay the handles next to each other and make sure they are still the same length.

fold and sew the handles


3. Prepare the body of the bag by folding the rectangle in half with right sides
together. Make a small mark 1 1/2” from fold on both edges front and back.

fold the pleat for the triangle gusset

4. Make a fold connecting each of the markings and match folds together making a pleat that folds up inside the bottom of the bag. Pin pleat at the sides. See example.

pleated gusset detail - sew a simple tote bag


5. Sew side seams by stitching along each side about 3/8 in. from edge. Using a wide zig zag stitch, sew along side seam enclosing the raw edges so they won’t fray.

finish the raw edges with a zig zag


6. Fold down the top of the bag ½” toward wrong side of fabric and press
pushing side seams to ones side.  Then fold it down again 1” and press.

fold and hem the top


7. Tuck handle end into fold 3 inches from each side seam and pin. Handle
should point down into bag. Repeat for the other handle.

pin handles under the folded hem


8. Starting at a side seam, topstitch down fold 1/8 inch from bottom of fold on the inside of the bag.

sew hem


9. Finally fold up handle and stitch in place making an “x” surrounded by a box.

sew an X to stitch handle down

10. Now, for a perfect looking Simple Tote Bag, iron it.

Super Simple Tote Bag Lined Version

Okay, so here is a little more information.  You can also line this bag easily by cutting a second body out of lightweight fabric that is 3 inches shorter than the main body cut.  You make it exactly the same way and slip it inside just before you hem the top. 

add a lining to the tote bag just before hemming

You can also add a pocket to the inside lining before you sew it together.

add an easy slip pocket and label if you want

Now go spread the sewing love and teach someone to sew!

Happy Teaching!

Super Simple Tote Bag Tutorial - Blue Susuan Makes
About Sarah Markos

Hi, my name is Sarah Markos and I love to sew! Mostly things out of fabric. I'm a little addicted to buying and looking at fabric. Especially vibrant, colorful fabric. I love to make things like Halloween Costumes, Pillows, Clothes, Quilts, but most especially Handbags.

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