Quick and Easy Tote Bag

June 14, 2021
Sewing Tutorials

We can never have enough bags, right? I love have a good sized tote around for shopping trips or weekend outings. I designed this super simple tote to be big enough for a laptop or iPad. It fits lots of stuff but easily folds up to fit in a purse. This Tote bag tutorial is a great project for beginner sewists!

Supplies Needed:

28″ by 17″ Fabric of your choice. I really love the Cotton Linen Canvas from Spoonflower. You can use a fat quarter which is the perfect size for this bag
1.5 yards of 1″ cotton webbing for straps. Alternatively, You can make straps from extra canvas
matching thread

Start by cutting out two rectangles of Fabric that are 14″ by 17″

1. Sewing the bag

Line up rectangles, right sides facing each other. Sew both long edges and Bottom edge with 1/2″ seam allowance.

2. Sew bottom corners

Fold the sewn rectangles in half so that the two long seams are laying on top of each other. this should create two corners at the bottom. flatten each corner and mark a line 1.5″ from the point. Stitch across the line.

3. Clip Corners

Cut off excess corner fabric 1/2″ below your stitch line.

4. Finish the top

Open your bag back up so that the side seams are now on the side and your two rectangles are once again laying on top of each other. Fold over 1/4″ from top edge all around and press.

5. Finish the top

Fold over an additional 2″ all around.

6. Add the straps

Cut your 1.5 yard of Cotton Webbing in half. Alternatively cut 2 pieces fo webbing 28″ long. Place the edges of the webbing underneath your folded edge. place the straps 4.5″ apart. Pin the straps in place. Repeat on other side of bag.

7. First Stitch

Sew all around the folded edge to secure the folded fabric as well as the strap ends.

6. Finish the straps

Flip the straps up so that they are laying flat on the bag and extending past the opening. Pin straps at top edge of bag. Sew all around the top edge 1/8″ to 1/4″ below the fold to secure the straps again.