DIY Patchwork Tote Bag Tutorial: A Fun Way to Use Up Fabric Scraps

Sewphilia Studio
by Sewphilia Studio
6 Materials
$5
2 Hours
Easy

If you’re like me, you’ve got tons of scrap fabric tucked into bags or boxes. I hate throwing anything away and thought it would be easy and fun to make a DIY patchwork tote bag with my scraps. This bag is perfect for toting around anything - even sewing supplies.


Follow this fun patchwork tote bag tutorial to learn how to make it!

Tools and materials:

  • Scrap fabric
  • Lining fabric
  • Strap fabric (velvet)
  • Sewing machine
  • Scissors
  • Iron
Sorting through fabric scraps

1. Sort the scraps

Sort through your scraps to see which pieces can be made into squares and rectangles. Select these pieces.

Cutting the scraps into squares

2. Cut the scraps

Cut the selected scraps into equal sizes: squares should match each other, as should any rectangular pieces.

Sewing the DIY patchwork tote bag

3. Sew the patches together

Begin by sewing two pieces to each, right sides facing each other on one side. Keep adding squares and rectangles until you reach about a yard or just under a meter long of patchwork fabric. 

How to make a patchwork tote bag

4. Iron

Iron the fabric on both sides on medium heat. Then, trim any uneven edges.

Sewing the sides of the patchwork tote bag

5. Sew up the sides

With the right sides facing in, sew up the sides of the bag.

Cutting the lining for the DIY bag

6. Line the bag

Cut the lining to match the length and the width of the fabric. Turn the patchwork fabric right sides facing in and the lining on top. Sew only around the top, attaching the lining at the top.

Turning the lining fabric

Turn the bag right side facing outward and tuck the lining in.

Making the straps for the DIY bag

7. Make the straps

I had some velvet strips of fabric that I decided to use as straps for my DIY patchwork tote bag. Fold them in half and join the edges together with a straight stitch, then turn the fabric right side out and press.


Stitch the straps in the inside of the bag with a full square stitch.

DIY patchwork tote bag

Patchwork tote bag tutorial

There you have it! A really special way to make a patchwork bag out of old scraps. It is beautiful and useful and best of all, unique. No one else will have the same bag. Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this patchwork tote bag tutorial!

Suggested materials:
  • Scrap fabric
  • Lining fabric
  • Strap fabric (velvet)
See all materials

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Comments
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2 of 9 comments
  • Trudi White Trudi White on Nov 03, 2022

    For more stability take the straps down the sides and under the bag. This will support heavy items and not put stress on the top stitched handles.


  • Elaine Elaine on Dec 03, 2022

    I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    Thank you for sharing and God bless you too!

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