DIY zippered tote bag (Tote bag with zipper tutorial) – Making a tote bag with lining

How to Make a Handmade Tote Bag with a Japanese-Style Design and Zipper. (Diy zippered tote bag.) Learn how to make a zippered tote bag using traditional Japanese-patterned fabric, step by step. (Tote bag with zipper tutorial.)

This zippered tote bag is practical and easy to use, featuring a lining and a gusseted bottom. This zippered tote bag measures about 38cm in height, 24cm in width, and has a 9cm gusset.

DIY zippered tote bag (Tote bag with zipper tutorial)

Materials for the Zippered Japanese-Pattern Tote Bag (Zippered tote bag making materials)

The outer fabric for the zippered tote bag consists of two pieces, each 30cm × 35cm including seam allowances. Attach fusible interfacing (iron on interfacing) to the back side.

Outer fabric for the zippered tote bag
Apply fusible interfacing (ironable interfacing) to the outer fabric of the zippered tote bag

Applying fusible interfacing adds firmness to the fabric, helping the tote bag maintain its shape and preventing it from sagging.

For the bottom part of the zippered tote bag, prepare two pieces of fabric measuring 14.5cm × 35cm. Include seam allowances, and apply fusible interfacing (iron on interfacing) to the back.

Bottom fabric for the zippered tote bag
Attach fusible interfacing (ironable interfacing) to the bottom fabric of the zippered tote bag

For the tote bag handles, prepare two pieces of webbing (Cotton webbing, Nylon webbing, Acrylic webbing, etc…), each measuring 2.5cm × 50cm.

Acrylic webbing used for the handles of the zippered tote bag

For the lining of the zippered tote bag, prepare two pieces measuring 35cm × 42.5cm, including seam allowances.

Lining for the zippered tote bag

Use one 31.5cm nylon coil zipper.

Nylon coil zipper attached to a tote bag with a zipper

Sew the outer fabric of the zippered tote bag to the bottom fabric

After sewing the outer fabric of the tote bag and the bottom fabric with right sides together, press the seam allowances open and topstitch.

Join the tote bag's outer fabric and bottom fabric by sewing
Press the seam allowances open with an iron
Topstitch to secure the seam allowances
The outer fabric of the zippered tote bag is finished

Attach the handles and zipper to the outer fabric of the tote bag

1. Attach the two tote bag handles by sewing them onto the outer fabric.

The position for attaching the tote bag handles
Sew the handles onto the outer fabric of the tote bag
The handles have been attached to the outer fabric of the tote bag

2. Sew the outer fabric of the tote bag and the zipper together with right sides facing.

Sew the outer fabric of the tote bag to the zipper

3. After that, place the lining of the tote bag with right sides facing and sew them together.

Place the outer fabric and lining of the tote bag right sides together
Sew the outer fabric and lining together with a sewing machine
The zipper has been attached to the tote bag fabric

Unlike metal zippers, nylon coil zippers are thin and flexible, making length adjustment easy. The linked page explains how to shorten them by cutting with scissors and how to attach nylon coil zippers.

4. Sew the zipper onto the other outer fabric and lining in the same way.

Attach the zipper to the other outer fabric and lining as well
Sew the outer fabric and lining together with a sewing machine
The zipper has been fully attached to the tote bag fabric

5. Press the opening of the tote bag with an iron and sew a topstitch.

Topstitch the opening of the tote bag

Join the outer fabric and lining to complete the zippered tote bag

1. Place the outer fabric and lining of the tote bag separately with right sides together, and sew around the edges. (※Leave about a 10cm opening unsewn for turning.)

Layer the tote bag's outer fabric and lining each with right sides facing
Leave an opening for turning and sew around the edges

The area where the zipper is attached is thicker, so you need to be careful when sewing.

2. Trim the corners of the fabric, press the seam allowances open, and create the gussets of the tote bag.

Make the gussets for the tote bag
Cut the corners of the outer fabric and the lining
Sew with a sewing machine to create the gussets
The zippered tote bag now has finished gussets

3. Turn the bag right side out through the opening, then sew the opening closed. The zippered tote bag is now complete.

Turn it right side out through the opening
Sew the turning opening closed to finish the tote bag
The zippered tote bag is all done

Making movie is the following.

DIY zippered tote bag (Tote bag with zipper tutorial) – Making a tote bag with lining – YouTube