How to Sew a DIY Origami Tote Bag in 5 Simple Steps

Bhooki
by Bhooki
8 Materials
$10
1 Hour
Easy

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly origami tote bag pattern, this tutorial is for you! You’ll need minimal sewing skills and time to make this fun bag perfect for summer. Depending on the fabric you choose, you could make this origami bag for other seasons or even give as gifts. Let’s get started with making this origami tote bag.

Tools and materials:

  • Fabric - outer, lining, and straps
  • Ruler
  • Measuring tape
  • Tailor’s chalk
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine
  • Scissors
  • Iron
Making the origami tote bag pattern

1. Make the pattern

Cut the outer fabric to be a 21 by 21-inch square.

Cutting lining to match the outer fabric

Cut the lining to match the size of the outer fabric.

Cutting straps for the bag

Cut the straps from the lining to measure 15 inches long by 4 inches wide.

Sewing the square

2. Sew the square

Lay the outer fabric on top of the lining right sides together. Sew with a ¼-inch seam allowance, leaving about 1 ½ inches unsewn.

Trimming the corners

Once it’s sewn, trim all the 4 corners so you'll have nice pointy edges when you turn it inside out. Turn it right side out. Give the square a good press. Topstitch the opening closed.

Folding the fabric in half

3. Sew the origami pleats

Fold the fabric in half so the lining faces you.

Measuring the length

Measure along the length and divide by half. Mark that half measurement.

Measuring along the fold

Then use that same measurement along the fold. In this tutorial, it is 5 inches.

Connecting points with a ruler

Connect these two points using your ruler and chalk to make a diagonal line.

Origami tote bag tutorial

Repeat this for the other side. Because this project is a perfect square the measurements should be the same on all sides. Sew along these two diagonal lines.

Making the pleats

Keeping the lining facing you, open and align the unsewn sides. Repeat the technique of measuring down along the length, marking the half measurement, and then marking the same measurement along the fold. Mark a diagonal line and pin.

Sewing the secure

Flip the fabric and repeat for the other side. Sew to secure.

How to sew an origami tote bag

Once the four diagonal lines are sewn, this is what it looks like.

Pressing the triangles

Open a sewn triangle, press with an iron, or secure it with a pin. Sew the triangle down. Repeat for the other three triangles. Turn right side out.

Inside the origami tote bag

This is what the inside should look like.

Folding the straps

4. Make the straps

Fold in the short ends by ¼ inch. Then fold along the length so both sides meet at the center.

Pressing the straps

Fold the strap in half. Give it a good press. Topstitch along all four sides.

Attaching the straps

5. Attach the straps

Place the first strap on one of the corners. Pin to secure. Place and pin on the adjacent corner. Repeat the process for the second strap.

Sewing the straps

Sew into place following the triangular shape and flat bottom.

DIY origami tote bag

DIY origami tote bag

You did it! You made this beautiful origami tote bag. Please let me know in the comments how easy this was for you and where you wore your bag. Thanks for making this beginner-friendly project with me.

Suggested materials:
  • Fabric - outer, lining, and straps
  • Ruler
  • Measuring tape
See all materials

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Comments
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2 of 3 comments
  • Diane Diane on Aug 10, 2022

    Very cute, but directions and video is vague.

    Show the length and width in inches and in cetemeters


    After outer triangles are sewn, next step iscto sew inner triangles down.

    where do you sew them??

    Show how it is being sewn on the video!

    Show , with arrows , how it is done on photos.


    How far down the folded triangle do you sew?

    Show, with arrows, how it is done on photos

    Show how it is being sewn on the video

  • Debbie Cannon Gorahm Debbie Cannon Gorahm on Aug 11, 2022

    Quick and easy!

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