Tutorial:a camouflage-patterned fabric tote bag(DIY mini tote bag)

Today’s handmade work is a “DIY camouflage-patterned fabric tote bag (with flat bottom and lined)". It is a simple tote bag without zipper and pockets.

The finished size is about 15cm x 24cm, with a gusset length of about 8cm, which is rather small for a tote bag. I think it is just right for a “lunch tote bag" where you can carry your lunch and drinks.

It might be a little bit difficult to put on a handle, but you can finish it if you make it carefully by following the instructions step by step.

camo tote bag

Materials

Outer fabrics are 2 pieces of 16cm x 34cm sized fabric. (Seam allowances are included. Attach fusible interfacing on the back.)

outer fabrics
attach interfacing

Fusible interfacing gives fabric firmness and keeps the shape of the tote bag.

Bottom patch fabrics are 2 pieces of 8cm x 34cm sized fabric. (Seam allowances are included. Attach fusible interfacing on the back.)

bottom patch fabrics

Lining fabrics are 2 pieces of 21.5cm x 33.5cm sized fabric. (Seam allowances are included)

inner fabrics

Handles are 2 pieces of 2.5cm x 56cm. Handles can be made by using any fabrics of your choice. Acrylic webbing tape is recommended from craft shop. (It is easy to make.)

handles

How to make the outer fabrics of the tote bag

1. Attach a masking tapes on the outer fabric. (Since the tape is peeled off after sewing the handle, use a weak adhesive type of tape. Strong adhesiveness can damage the fabric.)

put a masking tapes on outer fabric

2. Place the handle on the edge of masking tape. Then sew.

sew the handle

3. Sew the outer fabric and bottom patch with right side together. (When sewing right sides together, the front side of each fabric is placed facing each other.)

sew the outer fabric and bottom patch

4. Fold the bottom patch, and iron. Then stitch at the edge.

stitch

5. The remaining fabric should be sewn in the same way.

other fabrics do the same way

How to sew the bag body (outer bag)

1. Place the outer fabrics with right side, and sew the side and bottom.

sew the side and bottom

2. Cut off extra corner cloth and press seam allowances open. Then make gusset and sew. (Gusset adds depth to the bag.)

cut off extra cloth
press seam allowances open
sew the gusset

3. Cut the extra seam allowances (2.5cm from bag opening).

cut the extra seam allowances

How to make the bag body (lining bag)

1. Place the lining fabrics with right side, and sew the side and bottom.

sew the side and bottom

2. Cut off extra corner cloths, and press seam allowances open. Then make gusset, and sew.

cut off extra cloth
press seam allowances open
sew the gussets

3. Cut the extra seam allowances (2.5cm from bag opening).

cut the extra seam allowances

How to sew the tote bag (finishing the bag)

1. Insert the lining bag into the outer bag with right side together. Then sew around perimeter of bag opening. (Leave 7cm gap for turning.)

sew around

2. Press seam allowances open, and turn inside out from the gap.

press seam allowances open
turn inside out

3. Iron and stitch the edge of bag opening. The fabrics overlap and become thick in the bag opening, so be careful to sew the bag opening.

iron
stitch

4. Reinforce the base of handles with stitch. Then iron to finish. The camouflage-patterned fabric tote bag is done.

reinforce
camo tote bag

Following is the video for how-to.

Tutorial:a camouflage-patterned fabric tote bag(DIY mini tote bag) – YouTube