The Seasoned Homemaker: Totebag Tutorial

Currently, I have a Craftsy Workshop in the works. It is the Tutu Tote Trio. The other day, Rachel (at Craftsy) asked me to include a tote bag tutorial that would be a part of the workshop. I have wanted to put this out there on my blog because occasionally a customer who has purchased one of the Tutu Tote Tutorials will think that a bag pattern is included. So, to satisfy all, here is the tutorial.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

1/2 yd. Main Fabric (exterior)

1/2 yd. Coordinating Fabric (interior)

Thread in coordinating color

Plus: Sewing machine, scissors, pins, iron and ironing board, water soluble fabric marker

Step 1:  Cutting Out Your Fabric

1. From the Main Fabric, cut 2 pieces that are 14” x 14”. This will be the outside of your bag.

NOTE: If you want an applique or monogram on your bag, now is the time to do this.

2. From the Main Fabric, cut 2 pieces that are 4” x 22”. These will be the bag handles.

3. From the Coordinating fabric, cut 2 pieces that are 14” x 14”. This will be the lining of your bag.

Step 2:  The Bag Handles

1. Prepare the bag handles by folding them lengthwise right sides together. Pin in place.

2. Using a 1/2” seam allowance, stitch down the long side, leaving the top and bottom open.

3. Using either a turning tool or large safety pin, turn the handle right side out and press flat. Repeat for other bag handle.

Optional: Top stitch a 1/4” seam down both edges.

Step 3:  Making the Body of the Bag

1. With right sides together, stitch the side seams and bottom of Main Fabric, leaving the top open. Use a 1/4” seam allowance.

2. With right sides together, stitch the side seams and bottom of Coordinating Fabric, leaving the top open. Use a 1/4” seam allowance.

Step 4:  Making a Pleat in the Bag

1. In order for the bag to have a flat bottom you will need to create a pleat. To do this, fold the bottom corner of your bag so it creates a triangle in the corner. Matching up the side seam and bottom seam will make this line up perfectly.

2. Pin the corner; and with your water soluble pen, make a mark 1 1/2” down from the corner.

3. Draw a stitching line and then stitch across to create a pleat.

4. Clip away the triangle, leaving a 1/4” seam allowance. Be sure to remove the markings. Repeat on all four corners of the bag.

Step 5:  Putting it all Together

1. Insert the Coordinating Fabric inside the Main Fabric with right sides together. Line up side seams.

2. Insert one of the bag handles between the Main Fabric and Coordinating Fabric about 3” from the side seams (like a sandwich). Be sure your handles are straight and do not twist.

The raw edges of the bag handles should be placed side by side, approximately 5” apart.

3. Pin in place and repeat on opposite side of bag. BE SURE TO LEAVE A 3” OPENING FOR TURNING YOUR BAG.

4. Using a 1/2” seam allowance, stitch around the top edge of your bag.

Step 6:  Finishing Touches

1. Turn your bag right side out and carefully press the top seam.

2. Push the lining fabric into the bag and press the top edge.

HINT: I like to use a bit of fabric glue to close up the opening. If you do this, use it sparingly and allow it to dry for at least an hour before top stitching.