DIY whale-pattern tote bag tutorial (Feel the ocean! make a lined tote bag with a whale print)
How to make a tote bag with whale-patterned fabric. (Marine-themed tote bag tutorial.) I will explain the materials needed to make a tote bag and key points of the process with images. Since this tote bag has a lining and gussets, it is very practical to use. The lining of the handmade tote bag is made from unbleached canvas fabric.
This tote bag has no zipper, so it’s easy to make. It’s a beginner-friendly handmade tote bag that can be made without a pattern. The finished size of this whale-patterned tote bag is approximately 24cm in height, 33cm in width, and 9cm in depth (gusset). Let’s have fun making a stylish marine-themed tote bag by hand. (Create your own tote bag.)
Supplies needed for a whale-pattern tote bag (Whale print tote bag making materials)
For the outer fabric of the whale-pattern tote bag, prepare two pieces measuring 31cm × 44cm (seam allowance included). Apply fusible interfacing to the back of each piece.
Applying fusible interfacing adds firmness to the fabric, helping the tote bag maintain its shape and preventing it from sagging.
https://www.jewel-track.com/en/post-627-enThe lining for the whale print tote bag consists of two pieces, each measuring 30.5 cm × 43.5 cm (seam allowance included).
The reinforcement fabric for the bottom of the whale print tote bag is one piece measuring 19cm × 44cm (seam allowance included).
For the tote bag handles, prepare two pieces of webbing (Cotton webbing, Nylon webbing, Acrylic webbing, etc…), each measuring 2.5cm × 48cm.
You can make the tote bag handles with any fabric you like, but I recommend using webbing tape available at craft stores. It’s easier and makes the tote bag quicker to sew.
Make the outer fabric of the whale-pattern tote bag (Make the outer bag of the whale print 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. 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 hem ruler, hot ironing ruler) to create the crease. You can fold it precisely according to the measurements, and the finished tote bag will look neat.
3. Fold the outer fabric of the whale print tote bag in half with the right sides together, then sew the sides.
4. Cut the corners of the outer fabric, press the seam allowances open, and create the gussets for the tote bag.
5. Baste the two handles of the whale print tote bag to the outer fabric.
Make the lining of the whale-pattern tote bag (Make the inner bag of the whale print tote bag)
1. The lining (inner bag) of the whale-pattern 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.
2. Cut the corners of the lining fabric, press the seam allowances open, and make the gusset of the tote bag.
Sew the outer fabric and the lining together to finish the whale-pattern tote bag
1. Place the outer fabric and the lining right sides together, and sew around the opening of the whale print tote bag. (Leave an opening of about 11cm to turn it right side out.)
2. Remove the basting threads from the handles of the tote bag.
3. Press the seam allowances open and turn the bag right side out through the opening.
4. Press the opening of the tote bag with an iron to shape it, then stitch along the edge. Since the opening of the tote bag has many layers of fabric and is quite thick, work carefully.
5. Finally, press the tote bag with an iron to finish and shape it. With this, the whale print tote bag is complete.
Following is the video for how-to.