How to make a lined denim tote bag (Denim tote bag diy) – Two-tone denim tote bag tutorial

Let’s make a durable and easy-to-use denim tote bag featuring a contrasting fabric design. This is a tutorial on how to make a simple two-tone denim tote bag. (Denim tote bag diy.)

The step-by-step instructions for making the tote bag come with images. The finished size of this denim tote bag is approximately 33cm tall, 37cm wide, and 13.5cm deep. This is also recommended for beginners making a tote bag for the first time. (Simple tote bag tutorial.)

How to make a lined denim tote bag (Denim tote bag diy)

Supplies needed for a denim tote bag (Denim tote bag making materials)

For the outer fabric of the denim tote bag, prepare two pieces measuring 42cm × 53cm (seam allowance included). Apply fusible interfacing to the back of each piece.

Outer fabric for the denim tote bag (Tote bag making fabric)
Apply fusible interfacing to the outer fabric of the denim tote bag

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

The lining for the denim tote bag consists of two pieces, each measuring 41.5 cm × 52.5 cm (seam allowance included).

Lining of the denim tote bag

The reinforcement fabric for the bottom of the denim tote bag is one piece measuring 20cm × 53cm (seam allowance included).

Reinforcement fabric for a denim tote bag

For the tote bag handles, prepare two pieces of webbing (Cotton webbing, Nylon webbing, Acrylic webbing, etc…), each measuring 2.5cm × 123cm.

Acrylic webbing for the denim tote bag handles

Make the outer fabric of the denim tote bag (Make the outer bag of the denim tote bag)

1. Sew the bottom of the tote bag’s outer fabric with right sides facing each other, then press the seam allowances open.

Place the outer fabrics of the tote bag right sides together and sew the bottom edge
The outer fabric of the denim tote bag has been sewn together

2. Sew the two tote bag handles onto the outer fabric.

The position for attaching the tote bag handles (How to attach handles to a denim tote bag)
Sew the handles onto the outer fabric of the denim tote bag

3. The patch fabric attached to the bottom of the tote bag is folded 1cm at the top and bottom edges, then sewn onto the outer fabric.

Fold the edges of the patch fabric
Sew the patch fabric and the outer fabric of the tote bag together

When folding the fabric before sewing it on, it is good to use an hot hemmer (hot ironing ruler) to create the crease. You can fold it precisely according to the measurements, and the finished tote bag will look neat.

4. Fold the outer fabric of the denim tote bag in half with the right sides together, then sew the sides.

Fold the outer fabric of the denim tote bag in half with the right sides facing each other
Sew the side seams of the tote bag's outer fabric

5. Cut the corners of the outer fabric, press the seam allowances open, and create the gussets for the tote bag.

Cut the corners of the tote bag's outer fabric (How to make the gusset of a denim tote bag)
Make the gussets of the denim tote bag
Sew the gusset of the tote bag with a sewing machine
The outer fabric of the denim tote bag is complete

Make the lining of the denim tote bag (Make the inner bag of the denim tote bag)

1. The lining (inner bag) of the denim tote bag is made in the same way as the outer fabric (outer bag). Place the lining pieces together with the right sides facing each other, and sew the sides and bottom.

Sew the sides and bottom of the tote bag lining

2. Cut the corners of the lining fabric, press the seam allowances open, and make the gusset of the tote bag.

Cut the corners of the lining to create the gusset of the tote bag
Cut the corners of the lining to form the gusset of the tote bag
Sew the gusset of the tote bag with a sewing machine
The lining of the denim tote bag is complete

Sew the outer fabric and the lining together to finish the denim tote bag

1. Place the outer fabric and the lining right sides together, and sew around the opening of the denim tote bag. (Leave an opening of about 12cm to turn it right side out.)

Sew the opening of the denim tote bag

2. Press the seam allowances open and turn the bag right side out through the opening.

Turn it right side out through the opening

3. Press the opening of the denim tote bag with an iron and topstitch along the edge.

Press the opening of the denim tote bag with an iron
Topstitch along the edge of the tote bag’s opening

4. Sew the base of the handles to reinforce them, and press the bag with an iron to finish. With that, the denim tote bag is complete.

Sew the base of the tote bag handles
The denim tote bag is complete

Making movie is the following.

How to make a lined denim tote bag (Denim tote bag diy) – Two-tone denim tote bag tutorial – YouTube