Tutorial:a whale-patterned fabric tote bag(DIY lunch tote bag)

Today’s handmade product is a “DIY whale-patterned fabric tote bag". The color of the inner and handle is a natural color beige, and the entire piece is finished in a calm atmosphere. I made the tote bag which looks a little stylish and changed the design of the bottom part.

It is a cotton tote bag without a zipper, so it is easy to make. It has a gusset, so the usability is good. The size is also affordable, and I think it is just right for everyday use.

whale tote bag

Materials

The 2 pieces of fabric for the exterior are 19cm x 36cm. (Seam allowances are included, interfacing to be attached)

outer fabrics
attach interfacing

Fusible interfacing gives the fabric firmness, and helps to keep the shape of tote bag.

The 2 pieces of fabric for the bottom patch are 8cm x 36cm. (Seam allowances are included, interfacing to be attached)

bottom patch fabrics

The 2 pieces of fabric for the lining are 24.5cm x 35.5cm. (Seam allowances are included)

inner fabrics

Handles are 2 pieces of 2.5cm x 27cm. The handles can be made from any fabric you like, but I recommend using acrylic webbing, available at craft stores. (This way is easier and more convenient.)

handles

How to make the exterior

1. Sew the exterior fabric and bottom patch with right side together. (Right side means the front sides of the fabric are lined up with each other.)

sew the outer fabric and bottom patch

2. Press seam allowances over to the bottom side, and stitch at the edge.

press seam allowances to bottom side
stitch

3. Baste the fabric and handle together.

baste the fabric and handle

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

other fabrics do the same way

How to make the bag body (exterior)

1. Place the exterior fabrics with right sides facing each other and sew the side and bottom.

sew the side and bottom

2. Cut the extra fabric, and press seam allowances open. Then make the gussets, and sew. (The gusset will determine the thickness of the bag.)

cut off extra cloth
press seam allowances open
sew the gusset

3. Cut a little extra seam allowances at the sides. (about 2.5cm from the opening)

cut the extra seam allowances

How to make the bag body (lining)

1. Layer the lining fabrics with right sides, and sew the sides and bottom.

sew the side and bottom

2. Cut off extra fabric and press seam allowances open. Then make the gusset, and sew.

cut off extra cloth
press seam allowances open
make gussets

3. Cut a little extra seam allowance at the sides. (about 2.5cm from the opening)

cut the extra seam allowances

How to make the tote bag

1. Insert the lining bag into the exterior bag with the right side together and sew around the entrance. (Leave about a 7cm opening to turn right side out.)

sew around

2. Remove the bastings from the handle.

unseam the bastings

3. Press seam allowances open, and turn the bag inside out.

press seam allowances open
turn inside out

4. Iron the opening and stitch in place. There are many layers of fabric in the opening, and it’s quite thick, so work carefully.

iron
stitch

5. Finally, apply a finishing iron to give the bag a nice shape. Your whale-patterned fabric tote bag is now complete.

marine tote bag (whale)

Following is the video for how-to.

Tutorial:a whale-patterned fabric tote bag(DIY lunch tote bag) – YouTube