Why a Tote Bag is the Ideal First Project

A simple tote bag requires only straight seams, no complicated pattern pieces, and uses a forgiving fabric like cotton canvas. It's practical, quick to complete, and gives you a real finished item to use and be proud of — all while teaching you the core skills of machine sewing.

What You'll Need

  • Fabric: 60 cm (¾ yard) of medium-weight cotton canvas or denim, at least 112 cm (44 inches) wide
  • Thread: All-purpose polyester thread in a matching or contrasting colour
  • Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
  • Ruler and fabric marker
  • Pins or clips
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Sewing machine

Cutting Your Fabric

Cut the following pieces:

  • Main bag body: Two rectangles, each 40 cm wide × 42 cm tall (16" × 16.5")
  • Handles: Two strips, each 8 cm wide × 60 cm long (3" × 24")

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Handles

  1. Fold each handle strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press with an iron.
  2. Open the strip, fold each long edge into the centre crease, then fold in half again so all raw edges are tucked inside.
  3. Press flat and topstitch along both long edges, close to the edge. Repeat for the second handle.

Step 2: Attach the Handles

  1. On the right side of each bag panel, mark two handle positions: 10 cm (4") from each side edge, centred along the top.
  2. Pin the raw ends of each handle to the top edge of the bag panel, facing downward (handle loops pointing toward the fabric centre).
  3. Baste in place with a stitch line 0.5 cm from the top edge.

Step 3: Sew the Bag Body

  1. Place the two bag panels together, right sides facing, handles sandwiched between them.
  2. Pin the side and bottom edges together.
  3. Sew along both sides and the bottom using a 1.5 cm (⅝") seam allowance. Backstitch at the start and end.
  4. Trim corners diagonally to reduce bulk when turned out.

Step 4: Finish the Top Edge

  1. Fold the top raw edge of the bag down by 1 cm and press. Fold down again by 2.5 cm and press.
  2. Pin in place and topstitch around the entire top, close to the lower folded edge. Add a second stitch line near the top fold for a neat double-stitched finish.

Step 5: Turn and Press

  1. Turn the bag right side out through the top opening.
  2. Push out the bottom corners with a blunt tool (a chopstick works well).
  3. Press the whole bag with an iron, giving the seams a crisp finish.

Optional: Adding a Boxed Bottom

For a wider, more structured tote, after sewing the sides and bottom, pinch each bottom corner so the side seam aligns with the bottom seam. Sew a straight line across the triangle — about 5 cm (2") from the point. This creates a flat, boxed base.

Personalising Your Tote

  • Add a fabric pocket to the inside before assembling the bag
  • Use contrasting fabric for the handles
  • Embroider or stamp a design on the front panel before sewing
  • Use a pre-quilted fabric for a padded, textured look

Once you've made one tote, you'll find yourself making them for gifts, shopping, and storage — it's a project you'll return to again and again.