How to Sew a Tote Bag With Inside Pockets: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial
Today, I’m going to be showing you how to sew a tote bag with inside pockets. This is a beginner-friendly tutorial. This DIY tote bag with a pocket is super easy and fun to make, and it's a great way to use up leftover fabric.
A cute tote bag is also an excellent idea to make as a gift or a special occasion. If you’re wondering about the pattern - it's super easy! Let’s get started.
Tools and materials:
- ½ meter (just over ½ yard) of cotton fabric
- Paper
- Pen
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pins
- Marker
- Barbecue skewer
1. Make the DIY tote bag pattern
This pattern is for the body of the bag. Start by drawing a rectangle that measures 14.5 inches wide and 18 inches long.
Then add 2x2-inch squares at the bottom corners. You’ll need two tote bag body pieces.
For the pockets, measure a rectangle that measures 9 inches wide and 12.5 inches long. You’ll need one of these.
Then, draw out the straps. These will be 2.5 inches wide and 26 inches long. You’ll need two of these.
So, your pattern should look something like this once cut out in your chosen fabric. Remember to cut out the small bottom squares. How cute is this cat pattern, by the way?
2. Sew the bag
Place the body pieces wrong sides facing, then sew the sides and the bottom at a ¼ inch from the edge. I’m sewing French seams as this will hide the seams.
If you’re not sure how to do a French seam, then pay attention to the next two steps.
3. Press
Turn the bag right sides in, and iron the DIY tote bag so it’s nice and flat.
4. Sew again
Now, sew the sides and bottom again (with the fabric wrong sides out) and this time, add ½ inch from the edges.
Repeat the same steps for the corners as well. Fold the corners, as shown. Pin them wrong sides together and sew.
Then, flip the bag inside out and sew the corner a second time.
To add more strength to the tote bag, go ahead and topstitch the seams all around the bag.
Now, you have super clean and strong seams.
5. Assemble the pocket
Start by hemming the top edge by folding it down twice.
Next, mark the other edge at 1.5 inches and fold the pocket up to that line.
Then, baste stitch the sides. This will make it easier to hem the sides afterward.
Fold both of the sides in twice, and sew.
6. Make the straps
Fold the long rectangular pieces right sides together, and sew the edge.
Here’s a neat trick to flip it right sides out. Sew one of the short ends close, and flip it with a barbecue skewer by pushing it up from the stitched end. Then, remove the side stitches.
Iron the straps and sew a topstitch on either side.
7. Assemble the DIY tote bag
Now that all of the parts are sewn, it’s time to assemble them.
Mark the center of the bag and the center of the pocket. Place the pocket on top, and align the center marks.
Then, mark the sides; this is where you’ll place the straps.
Place the straps facing down and sew them on both sides of the bag.
If you’re wondering how to sew pockets in a tote bag, then pay attention to the following steps. Place the pocket facing down and sew the top edge.
Hem the top of the bag; fold the top end by about ½ and inch and a second time at 1 inch.
Now, sew the edge. For a cleaner finish, sew a topstitch at the outer edge of the bag.
Sew a tiny “X” on each strap to give it extra strength.
Pivot around the “X” mark.
How to sew a tote bag with inside pockets
Your stunning DIY tote bag is complete! I hope you found this tutorial on how to sew a tote bag with inside pockets useful. This DIY only takes an hour but may take a little longer if you’re a beginner.
Thanks for joining me and good luck!
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- ½ meter (just over ½ yard) of cotton fabric
- Paper
- Pen
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Pins
- Marker
- Barbecue skewer
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I really like the simplicity of this bag. Thank you for such clear instructions.