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How to make a tote bag with a pocket.
How to make a tote bag with a pocket.
Step 1: Select Fabric
Step 1: Select Fabric
Choose what fabric you want for the bag. You do not have to use the same fabric for everything. You can choose different fabric for the front, back, pocket(s), and straps.
Tip: sturdy non-stretchy fabric works best for a tote bag.
Tip: thread that matches your fabric will make your seams less noticeable. This tutorial was done with contrasting thread to make things easier to see.
Step 2: Measure and cut out all the pieces.
Step 2: Measure and cut out all the pieces.
The size of the pieces depends on how big you want your bag to be. Look at other bags for inspiration if your not sure what size to make!
You will need the following pieces:
front
back (the same size as the front)
pocket
straps or handles (1 or 2, depending on your design)
Cut from a corner to conserve fabric.
Mark and measure with pencil or fabric marker (NOT SHARPIE) on the wrong side of the fabric.
Use a tape measure to figure out how long to make the straps.
Add 2 inches to the width of your strap. (If you want a 2" wide strap, cut 4" wide fabric strips)
With wrong side facing up, fold over each edge and sew. Use a straight stitch and start and end with a backstitch.
A single fold and sew on each edge is all you need.
Tip: Your bobbin thread will be visible on the outside of your hemmed pocket.
You only need to hem your pocket, you don't need to hem your front and back panels.
Step 4: Sew your pocket on
Step 4: Sew your pocket on
Figure out where you want your pocket and pin it in place. Start in the upper right corner of your pocket. Backstitch off the edge a tiny bit, then continue down the right side of your pocket, across the bottom, up the other side, and backstitch at the top left. Don't sew your pocket closed!
Tip: Your top spool thread will show on your pocket, so choose a color you like.
Backstitch off the top edges of your pocket a tiny bit.
Step 5: Pin the Front and Back together inside out
Step 5: Pin the Front and Back together inside out
Pin the front and back panels together with rights sides together (inside out). Line up your bag the same way you lined up your pillow! Make sure your pocket will open correctly by making sure the opening of your bag and opening of your pocket are going to same way.
Line up your panels as closely as possible. You will be able to see the stitching from your pocket.
Make sure right/good sides of fabric are facing each other. Pocket should be inside.
Pin perpendicular to the way you will sew. Pins should go in and out the some side and through all layers. Trim your fabric if your two layers are not even.
Step 6: Sew the side and bottom seams
Step 6: Sew the side and bottom seams
If you sides are not even, trim them before sewing.
Choose your seam allowance (it should be the same on all 3 sides). Keep the edge of your fabric lined up with that line on the baseplate while sewing.
Start at the top right, backstitch, sew down the right side, across the bottom, back up the other side and end with a backstitch at the top.
Be careful not to sew the top of your bag closed!
Step 7: Hem the top opening of the bag
Step 7: Hem the top opening of the bag
Fold down the top edge of the bag and pin in place. Use a straight stitch to sew the hem making sure to only sew on one panel. Open the bag at the sewing machine so you don't accidentally sew it closed. Start in the center of the back and work your way all the way around the top edge of your bag until you get back to the beginning. Backstitch at the beginning and end.
Tip: Work slowly and rotate the bag as you sew. Keep a look out for the bag getting folded over itself.
With bag still inside out, fold the edge of the opening down about 1/2" all the way around the top of the bag.
Pin or press (iron) the edge down. Make sure not to pin the front and back of the bag together.
*IMPORTANT*
Open the bag up when you stitch the hem so that you don't accidentally sew your bag closed.
Step 8: Make the straps
Step 8: Make the straps
Fold and hem the long edges of the strap.
Repeat on the other strap. Your bobbin thread will be visible in the end.
Fold the straps in half to complete hem and conceal all raw edges.
Trim ends if uneven.
Step 9: Attach the straps
Step 9: Attach the straps
With your bag inside out, line up one strap where you would like it. Pin it in place without pinning your bag closed. Make sure it is not twisted.
Open you bag when you sew on the strap to ensure you don't sew your bag closed.
Sew a box with an "X" inside to secure the strap to the bag. Repeat on the other end of the first strap. Attach the second strap the same way on the other side.
Step 10: Turn your bag right side out! You're done!
Step 10: Turn your bag right side out! You're done!
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