Check Out This Adorable DIY Tote Bag Idea

Tools and materials:

• 12 oz canvas fabric
• Small piece of cotton or cotton/linen fabric
• 2 x 3/4 inch (2 cm) wide webbing straps, 25 inches (65 cm) long
• Fabric marker
• Scissors
• Pins
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Sew-on magnetic button or snap fastener
• Hand sewing needle and thread
• Iron
• Sewing machine

1. Cut out the fabric

You’ll need two 13 inch (33 cm) squares of canvas, plus one larger piece of canvas 38 inches by 13 inches (97 cm by 33 cm).

For the pocket, cut a piece of contrasting cotton fabric 18 inches by 13 inches (46 cm by 33 cm).

2. Side gusset pieces

Draw a line across one of the canvas squares on the wrong side, 1.5 inches (4 cm) from one edge.

Fold the edge up to meet the line and press.

Draw a line along the folded edge, 3/8 “ (1 cm) from the fold.

Turn the raw edge in along the line and press. Sew in place close to the upper fold.

Repeat for the second square and for both the short edges of the larger canvas piece.

3. Outer pocket

Fold the pocket fabric in half widthways, with the right side inside. Sew the short edges together with a 3/8 “ (1 cm) seam allowance.

Turn the pocket right side out.

Make a fold 3/8 “ (1 cm) from the seam, so one side is longer than the other, and press.

Top stitch along the edge of the seam.

Pin the pocket right side uppermost to the right side of the large canvas piece, 2.75 inches (7 cm) from one short edge.

Sew in place along the bottom and two side edges.

4. Assemble the bag

Place one of the squares with the wrong side uppermost.

Matching the folded edges, place the larger piece on top with the right side upwards and pin or clip in place along the side edge.

Pin the next section of the larger piece to the bottom edge of the square. 

Repeat on the third side of the square. The folded edges should remain unpinned.

Sew in place around the three sides, taking a 3/16 “ (0.5 cm) seam allowance. 

Cut a small notch at the two corners to allow you to turn them easily as you sew.

Attach the second square with the right side uppermost to the wrong side of the other long edge of the canvas in the same way.

Snip the corners and turn the bag wrong side out, so the pocket is on the inside.

5. Attach the straps

Finger press the seams around each square and top stitch them 3/8 “ (1 cm) from the edge.

Turn the bag right side out.

Place the ends of each strap to the side edges of the front and back sections against the stitching, 2.75 inches (7 cm) from the top edge.

Wrap the seam around the strap and pin in place. Stitch around the strap ends to secure them.

Place a folded piece of soft fabric below the presser foot from the back to level it as you start stitching through the thick layers of fabric.

6. Magnetic closure

Find the center of the top edges on the front and back of the bag.

Hand sew the magnetic button or fastener in place with doubled thread.

DIY tote bag idea

The finished size of the bag is an 11.5 inches (29 cm) square base and it’s 11.5 inches (29 cm) high, excluding the straps.

It’s a comfortable size to carry and the canvas fabric gives it structure.

It’s worth learning how to sew a tote bag using a thick fabric, so this is a perfect beginner project to practice with.

You can also fold the bag almost flat when you’re not using it, so it’s practical to carry with you.

I’d love to know in the comments below what you think of it.

Next, learn How to Sew a Hobo Bag That Will Look Great With Every Outfit.