Tote Bag Pattern – Free, Easy Printable PDF!

Learn how to sew a tote bag with this free tote bag pattern. If you are looking for a quick and easy project, look no further. Sewing a tote bag is super simple, and it makes for a handy gift. Use your handmade fabric bag for a shopping bag, a book bag, a knitting bag, or a bag for storing bags. 

You can use this tote pattern to make a beautiful lined bag that even beginners can sew. It is so easy and even has a lining and an inside pocket.

Tote Bag Pattern in Any Size

The lovely thing about learning how to sew a tote bag is you have flexibility. The instructions suit any size bag, and the basic requirements are the same. All you need to do is size it up or down to fit your project and fabric. (Read more about the types of bags) This tutorial will show you how to make a tote bag with lining and an inside pocket.

The best thing about sewing a tote purse pattern is that you get to use it straight afterwards. It will take most of you less than an hour so you can use it for your weekend chores or day out. I use this sample regularly to carry books.

Treasurie Tote Bag Pattern

Simple, soft, sturdy, and easy to customize, DIY tote bags have many useful features. I would say they are easy to love and just as easy to make! From printed fabrics to solids, boxy-shaped totes to those with more subtle curves, there are lots of options to add some dimension and style to your tote bag.

Make your bag reversible! You get two for the price of one! If you make the lined tote bag in this tutorial, you can make it reversible by carefully hand-sewing the gap in the lining closed. When the bag is complete, it will not matter which way it is turned. 

Printable Tote Sewing Pattern PDF

Your printable tote bag pattern template is absolutely free. As you can see below, it has 6 pages that you will print and tape together. If you haven’t printed one of my patterns before have a read of the PDF printing guide. The PDF will open in a new window, so make sure you come back here.

Finished Size of the Tote Bag Pattern

I have made my sample 17×17 inches (43x43cm). Which is a great size for books and a sweater when I go out for the day. The printable pattern is for this size.

As these totes are cut from squares, it is easy to adjust this pattern to any size you wish. The finished size will be 1 inch smaller than the squares you cut out for the body. Here’s a suggested table of sizes and what can fit inside each:

Size (inches & cm)	What Can Fit Inside
17 x 17″	Groceries, larger books, sweater
19 x 19″	Beach towel, yoga gear, gym clothes
21 x 21″	Multiple grocery bags, shoes
25 x 25″	Bulkier items, beach essentials

Supplies

To make the tote you’ll need:

• MAIN FABRIC – Medium weight cotton or canvas
• BAG LINING FABRIC – Lightweight cotton.
• (OPTIONAL) FUSIBLE FLEECE – Fusible fleece or interfacing to help strengthen the straps. If you want your bag to stand up, then you definately need fusible fleece for the body as well.
• SEWING SUPPLIES – Sewing machine, matching thread, pins.
• CUTTING TOOLS – Fabric scissors or rotary cutter and cutting board.

To make the 17 inch tote bag, you will need half a yard (0.45m) for the outside and half a yard (0.45m) for the lining. You will need more or less fabric if you make a custom size.

The best fabric for tote bag patterns is cotton or canvas in a medium weight. Look for decorator fabrics, demin, as well as drill or cotton duck. If you choose to jazz up your tote bag, there is no harm in adding a different color at the bottom or the top. A softer lining makes for a neat inside of the bag and reduces some bulk.

I used a decorator fabric that was like a light canvas for my tote sewing pattern. For thinner fabrics, you may need some interfacing to give the tote some body and make it look more substantial.

DIY Tote Bag Pattern Tutorial

Here is how to sew a tote bag with a flat bottom. Pre-wash your fabric and get all the tools you will need. Here are the step-by-step instructions for making a DIY tote bag.

Step 1 – Cut the Fabric

Here are the cutting directions. Cut out two squares for the outside body and two for the lining. Cut two straps from whichever fabric you choose to use. If your strap fabric is thin, cut out interfacing to strengthen the straps.

• CUT 2 BODY – 18×18″ (46x46cm)
• CUT 2 LINING – 18×18″ (46x46cm)
• CUT 2 STRAPS – 3×25″ (7.5×63.5cm)

Custom Sizes – You can make your squares larger or smaller to suit your ideal tote bag. The seam allowance is 1/2 inch (12mm), so the finished size of your bag will be 1 inch (2.5cm) smaller than the squares you cut. For example if you want a finished tote 14×14 inches for a small laptop, cut your squares 15×15 inches. The straps will be the same for all sizes – or you can vary those too!

Now you will need to modify your squares for the body and lining (4 in total). Cut 2-inch (5cm) squares out of the bottom corners only. This will allow you to box the bottom corners, giving your tote bag pattern some depth to carry more items.

Step 2 – Stitch the Outside

Put the body pieces right sides together and sew up the side and bottom seams. The seam allowance for these panels is 1/2 inch (12mm).

Backstitch well at the beginning and end of the seams for extra strength. Finishing the seam at this stage is not necessary because you are making a lining. This means no fraying edges. Hooray!

 Step 3  – Box the Corners

Here a triangle-shaped corner is sewn at the bottom of each side of the tote bag. This creates the fullness of the bag.

The corners are boxed by matching the bottom and the side seams to form a triangle effect. Stitch across with a 1/2 inch seam (12mm). Press the seams open. It is a little awkward pressing the bag seams open, but it will give you nicer side seams when you have finished.

Step 4 – Add a Pocket to the Lining

Adding a pocket to your tote bag pattern is optional, but I think if you make the effort now, you will be so glad the first time you use it.

If you wish to add a pocket to the bag, cut a scrap piece of fabric 9×9 inches (23x23cm). Once again you can make a custom pocket of any size. Just cut 2 squares. Your finished pocket size will be 1 inch smaller than the squares you cut.

On the wrong side of the pocket, press over the bottom and side edges by 1/2 inch (12mm). Press over the top by 1/4 inch (6mm) then 3/4 inch (2cm) to form a double fold hem. Stitch across.

Place the pocket centered and 4 inches (10cm) down from the top. Topstitch the sides and bottom. For more types of pockets, read my articles on zipper pockets and patch pockets.

Step 5 – Sew the Tote Bag Lining

Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the lining except leave a 4-inch (10cm) gap at the bottom of the lining bag.

You will now have two bags – one for the outside and one for the lining.

Step 6 – Sew the Handles

If your fabric is thin, press some fusible interfacing on the wrong side of the strap fabric. I used a medium-weight decorator fabric that didn’t need interfacing.

1. Press each side of the strap over by 1/2 inch (12mm) towards the middle.
2. Now press them in half, so the raw edges are inside the straps. 
3. Sew a top stitch down the side edges.

TIME SAVER – Webbing makes great handles for bags that need some extra strength. Manmade webbing handles come in a wide variety of colors and will cut down on your sewing time considerably.

Step 7 – Assemble the DIY Tote Bag 

Position the handles 4 inches (10cm) from the sides of the bag. Baste them in place. IMPORTANT – Make sure the handles are not twisted. 

Put your main bag the right way out and your lining the wrong way out.

Start by slipping the main bag into the lining so the right sides are together. Match the side seams and raw edges at the top.

Stitch around the top edge of the bag with a 1/2 inch (12mm) seam. I like to go over the strap areas a couple of times for added strength.

Step 8 – Turn Right-Side Out

Turn the tote bag through the opening you left in the lining. Stitch the gap in the lining closed either with a hand stitch or by machine. Press the top seam and push the lining into the bag.

Topstitch around the top of the bag. The topstitching will neaten the top edge and make the lining top sit flat. The straps or handles should be sticking out at the top and be the same distance apart.

Decorating Tote Bag Sewing Patterns

Once you have your basic tote bag pattern, it is time to think about how you can embellish it to create your perfect bag.

• Adding zippered bag pockets to the inside is easy with my step by step tutorial.
• Embroidery or applique is always a popular option to personalize your tote.
• Add charms hanging off the handles with pompoms or tassels.
• With your left over fabric, you can make a zippered pouch to put your change, phone or makeup in.
• The length of the straps can be varied to suit the bag. Shorten or lengthen make broader or narrower straps. Twisted straps, embellished straps, and padded straps all make good options.
• If you want to add a bit of fun and pizzaz to your tote bag, yarn tassels are a colorful way of embellishing your bag. 

Frequently Asked Questions

In Conclusion

Tote bags tick all the boxes for a handy bag that is useful and easy to make. In this day and age, when plastic is frowned upon, a handy tote bag pattern or two will get you through many different situations, including shopping, where you have to carry on and carry all! Thanks for learning how to make a tote bag with Treasurie.

More Purse Patterns:

• Fabric Gift Bags
• Dog Purse
• Zipper Pouch
• Drawstring Bags