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fabric plain no pocket 1 color tote bag.jpg

Tote bag

👜 Carry Hope – Hand-Sewn Tote Bag Tutorial

☁️ Level: Beginner

⏱ Time: ~1 hour

💛 Tools You’ll Need:

 

  • Fabric for the bag (2 pieces of 16 x 14 inches / 40 x 35 cm each)

  • Fabric for the handles (2 pieces of 20 x 4 inches / 50 x 10 cm each)

  • Needle and thread

  • Scissors

  • Pins or clips

  • Ruler or measuring tape

  • Iron (optional, to press fabric)

Tip: Cotton fabric works great for a sturdy, washable tote bag.
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✨ Step-by-Step Instructions:

 

1. Cut Your Fabric

Cut out your two main pieces for the bag, each measuring 16 x 14 inches. These will form the front and back panels of your tote.

Then, cut two strips for the handles, each measuring 20 x 4 inches. This length can be adjusted based on how long you want the straps to be.

Optional: You can use contrasting fabrics for the inside and outside for a fun look.
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2. Make the Handles

Take each of the 20 x 4 inch fabric pieces and fold them in half lengthwise, with the wrong side facing in. Press with an iron to create a crease down the middle.

Next, fold each edge towards the center (about 1/4 inch) and press again to create a neat, finished edge. Then, fold the entire piece back in half, enclosing the raw edges. Stitch along both long sides of each handle to secure the folds and create a sturdy strap.

 

3. Sew the Sides of the Bag

Take your two main bag pieces and place them right sides together. Pin along the two side edges and the bottom. Sew around these edges, leaving the top open. Use a straight stitch, and make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end for extra durability.

Optional: For extra strength, you can double-stitch the side seams or use a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying.
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4. Box the Corners (Optional)

To give your tote more shape, you can box the corners by folding each bottom corner of the bag. Match the side seam with the bottom seam and stitch across the triangle that forms. This will make the bottom of the bag more square and add depth.

Tip: The more you fold the corners (1–2 inches), the deeper the bag will be.
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5. Attach the Handles

Now it’s time to add the handles!On each side of the bag, pin the ends of the handles about 2 inches in from the edge. Stitch across the handles securely with a few passes to make sure they are strong enough to carry weight.

Tip: Reinforce where the handles meet the bag for added durability by sewing in a box shape.
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6. Finish the Top

To finish the top edge of the tote, fold it over by 1/4 inch to clean up the raw edge. Pin it in place and then stitch around the entire top edge of the bag to create a neat, finished look.

 

🌟 You're Done!

Congratulations! You’ve made a beautiful hand-sewn tote bag that’s both practical and stylish. Whether you use it for shopping, carrying books, or as a gift, it’s a wonderful way to put your sewing skills to use.

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