A tote bag is an open-top bag with two handles, and a lined tote with boxed corners is the version that holds its shape and stands up on a table. It is one of the best first sewing projects: straight seams, no fitting, and a result you will use every day. Instead of a fixed size, Ourlette draws the pattern to the dimensions you enter, from a small book bag to a large beach tote.
Tote bag options
- Width: from 20 to 60 cm (8 to 23 1/2 in), 40 cm (15 3/4 in) by default.
- Height: from 20 to 55 cm (8 to 21 3/4 in), 38 cm (15 in) by default.
- Depth (boxed corners): from 0 to 20 cm (0 to 8 in), 10 cm (4 in) by default. At 0 the bag is flat.
- Handle length: from 25 to 120 cm (10 to 47 in), 62 cm (24 1/2 in) by default, long enough to carry on the shoulder.
- Lining: on by default. Without it, the top edge is hemmed.
- Inside pocket: on by default.
- Magnetic snap: off by default.
No body measurements are needed: the size comes from what you want to carry.
Best fabrics for a tote bag
For the outside, a sturdy woven: canvas, denim, upholstery cotton, waxed cotton or cotton duck. For the lining, quilting cotton is easy to sew and comes in endless prints. Medium fusible interfacing on the outer pieces gives body to lighter fabrics. If your machine struggles with thick layers, use a denim needle and sew slowly over the seams at the handles.
How hard is it to sew?
A beginner project. If you can sew a straight seam and press it, you can make this bag. Allow 2 to 3 hours for a lined tote with a pocket; an unlined flat tote takes about an hour.
What's in the pattern
- Outer, cut twice, with the boxed corners already cut out
- Lining, cut twice, the same shape
- Two handles, folded in four, given as cutting dimensions
- Inside pocket, folded in half, given as cutting dimensions
Notions: medium fusible interfacing, and a magnetic snap if you chose one. The guide lists the fabric quantity for 110, 140 and 150 cm (45, 55 and 60 in) wide fabric, with a cutting layout for the outer fabric and the lining. The PDF, with the pattern at true scale and the sewing guide, prints free on every plan, the free plan included.
How to sew a lined tote bag
- Interface the outer pieces.
- Fold and topstitch the handles.
- Sew the inside pocket onto a lining piece, and fit the magnetic snap.
- Sew the sides and bottom of the outer bag and of the lining.
- Box the corners by matching the side and bottom seams.
- Put the outer bag inside the lining, sew the top edge, turn, then topstitch and press.
Our project post sew a lined tote bag with boxed corners shows each step, and a tote is one of the handmade gifts you can sew in a weekend.
Frequently asked questions
How much fabric do I need for a tote bag?
At the default size, a lined tote usually takes 0.8 to 1 m (7/8 to 1 1/8 yd) of 140 to 150 cm (55 to 60 in) wide outer fabric and about 0.6 m (3/4 yd) of lining. A larger bag, long handles or 110 cm (45 in) wide fabric need more. Ourlette computes the exact quantity for your size and fabric width.
Can I make the tote without a lining?
Yes. Turn the lining off and the pattern hems the top edge instead. An unlined tote in canvas or denim is quick, light and still strong.
What are boxed corners?
The two bottom corners of the bag are cut out as small squares and sewn closed across, which gives the bag a flat base and depth. Set the depth to 0 for a flat bag.
Can a home sewing machine sew canvas?
Most can, with a denim needle (size 90/14 or 100/16), a longer stitch and slow sewing over thick seams. Test on a scrap with the same number of layers as the handle seams first.
Is the tote bag pattern free?
Yes. The tote bag is one of six very easy models, with the drawstring bag, scrunchie, headband, cushion cover and apron, that print free on every Ourlette plan, the free plan included: download the true-scale PDF and its sewing guide without a subscription. On the free plan, changes by hand are unlimited and changes asked in words are limited to 2 small ones per pattern.
