Make a tote bag (Making a tote bag with lining) – Fabric tote bag making

2019/12/5

This time, I will explain how to make a tote bag with a lining. (Lined tote bag tutorial.) This is a simple and easy-to-use tote bag design. This tote bag features long handles that make it easy to carry over the shoulder.

This tote bag (homemade tote bag) has a gusset and a lining, and it’s spacious enough, making it perfect for everyday shopping. The finished size of this handmade tote bag is approximately 33cm in height, 32cm in width, and 12cm in depth (gusset).

Materials for a lined tote bag (Tote bag making materials)

For the outer fabric of the tote bag, prepare two pieces measuring 40.6cm × 46.6cm. (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 40.6cm × 46.6cm. (Including seam allowances.)

For the reinforcement fabric attached to the bottom of the tote bag, prepare one piece measuring 21cm × 46.6cm. (Including seam allowances.)

For the tote bag handles, prepare two pieces of webbing (Cotton webbing, Nylon webbing, Acrylic webbing, etc…), each measuring 2.5cm × 126cm.

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

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.

Put together the outer fabric and the lining 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 12–13cm 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 lined tote bag is complete.

Making movie is the following.

Make a tote bag (Making a tote bag with lining) – Fabric tote bag making – YouTube