Make a striped tote bag (How to sew a lined tote bag) – Simple homemade tote bag tutorial

2019/12/5

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to make a tote bag with a gusset and lining. (Tote bag tutorial.) The tote bag is sturdy thanks to the lining, and it features a striped pattern and a gusseted design. Even beginners can enjoy making this fun and practical tote bag.

Materials for the striped tote bag (Tote bag making materials)

For the outer fabric of the striped tote bag, prepare two pieces measuring 21cm × 35cm. (Including seam allowances, with fusible interfacing applied to the back.)

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

For the lining of the tote bag, prepare two pieces of fabric measuring 20.5cm × 34.5cm. (Including seam allowances.)

For the reinforcement fabric attached to the bottom of the tote bag, prepare one piece measuring 18cm × 35cm. (Including seam allowances.)

For the tote bag handles, prepare two pieces of webbing (Cotton webbing, Nylon webbing, Acrylic webbing, etc…), each measuring 2.5cm × 64cm.

Make the outer fabric of the striped tote bag (Make the outer bag of the striped 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.

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

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.

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 tote bag in half with the right sides together, then sew the sides. (Leave 4cm from the bottom unsewn, as it will be used later to create the gusset of the tote bag.)

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

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

The lining of the tote bag is made in the same way as the outer fabric.

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

1. Place the outer fabric and the lining right sides together, and sew around the opening of the tote bag. (Leave an opening of about 7cm to turn it right side out.)

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

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

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

Making movie is the following.

Make a striped tote bag (How to sew a lined tote bag) – Simple homemade tote bag tutorial – YouTube