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A good tote is the kind of thing that becomes indispensable: a place for library books, a little knitting, or the perfect on-the-go project bag. This one is uncomplicated and easy to make your own.
There is no lining or separate pattern to print. Two body panels and two long strips become a useful bag with sturdy, folded fabric handles.
What you’ll need
- 1 yard of 44–45" wide stable, medium-weight woven cotton, cotton/linen or light canvas. You need at least 40" across × 28" along the length after washing; the illustrated layout sits within a 42" × 34" usable piece.
- Strong all-purpose thread and a suitable needle; sewing machine or hand-sewing needle.
- Ruler, scissors or rotary cutter and mat, pins or clips, and iron.
Cutting list
All measurements are in inches. Cut measurements include the stated seam allowances. Measure fabric after washing and pressing.
| Piece | Quantity | Cut size |
|---|---|---|
| Body panels | 2 | 16" wide × 18" high |
| Handle strips | 2 | 4" wide × 28" long |
Right sides together means the fabric faces you want to show are touching. Secure the beginning and end of each assembly seam.
Let’s make it
1. Prepare and cut
Wash, dry and press the fabric. Cut two body panels and two handle strips. For the layout shown, place the body panels side by side across the width, using 32". Put the two 4"-wide handles in the next 8" of width, with their 28" length running along the yard. Keep directional prints upright on both body panels.
2. Make the handles
For each strip, press it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and open it. Fold both long raw edges to the center crease, then fold in half again. The strip is now 1" wide with the long raw edges enclosed. Stitch close to both long edges. Turn each short end ½" under and press; you will secure those folds when attaching the handles.
3. Sew the body
Place the body panels right sides together. Sew both sides and the bottom with a ½" seam, leaving the entire top open. Secure the seam ends. Finish the raw seam allowances together with a zigzag or overcast stitch; if sewing by hand, use a blanket stitch. Clip a little from the bottom corner tips without cutting the stitching.
4. Hem the opening
With the bag still wrong side out, fold the top edge ¼" to the wrong side and press, then fold another 1". Stitch close to the lower folded edge all around the opening. Turn the bag right side out and press. The hem should form a firm band for the handles.
5. Pin the handles
On each face, mark two handle positions approximately 3½" inward from the side seams. Place the two ends of one handle on the inside of that face, with each folded end 1" below the top rim. The loop rises above the opening. Check that the handle is not twisted, then repeat on the other face. Match the two handle lengths before sewing.
6. Reinforce and finish
Secure each handle end through the top hem with a small stitched rectangle and an X inside it. Keep the rectangle within the hem band and catch the folded handle end. Use short stitches and secure the thread ends; by hand, work small backstitches and reinforce the corners. Check all four attachments before putting the bag to use.
Choose the right weight
A firm woven fabric gives this unlined bag its shape. Very loose weaves, stretch fabrics and delicate cloth need a different construction or extra support.
Make it yours
Add a little hand quilting or embroidery to one body panel before assembly. Keep this a light everyday tote, and avoid overloading it with heavy groceries.
A little more making
There's no need to save your favorite fabric for a big projects. Let this small project become part of the everyday.
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