How to Make a Tote Bag: Choose Your Options

How many tote bags do you own? 

How many tote bags have you made?

Totes are everywhere and that’s for a good reason– they’re very handy to have around for your hobbies and for daily life too. For instance, if you’re making EPP hexies you may have a tote bag dedicated to that project. If you knit or crochet, there’s a good chance each of those WIPs live in a dedicated tote bag too. Then you have a bag for the beach, a bag for the library, a bag for book club, plus many more. 

While it’s tough to argue that you NEED yet another tote bag, it’s always a fun project. Once you’ve made a few by following different patterns, you start to form opinions and preferences about construction and functionality, particularly because how you construct the tote influences what you can do with the tote. 

Tote Bag Options

In this post, we look at some of the key choices in tote bag construction and function. We’ll walk through pros and cons of different materials and methods. We hope this helps you make decisions about your next tote project. We’ll include some links to example projects along the way. 

Fabrics for Tote Bags

Start with a few questions: What do you need the tote for? How will it be used? 

Those answers will tell you what size to make and what kinds of fabric to consider. If you’re making a small library book tote for a kiddo, you’ll be fine with a quilting cotton or flannel- remember to make it large enough to handle large picture books! If you want a big tote to carry on your summer adventures and you know you don’t want to worry about being careful with the bag, then look at duck canvas or another sturdy home decor fabric. 

In all cases: avoid knits. Knits just don’t provide the structure necessary for a tote. 

Do I Need to Line a Tote Bag?

How much time do you have for this project? 

If you need to get the project done quickly, opt for an unlined bag. If you’re working with a thick fabric and have a serger, you’ll be able to whip up a tote in no time. The serger is very important here. In an unlined tote, raw fabric edges need to be enclosed to prevent fraying and to keep the bag looking nice. (You can use a zigzag stitch on a domestic to enclose raw edges, but this method doesn’t look as tidy and won’t last as long.)

If you’re making a lightweight tote, definitely add a lining and interfacing to give the bag enough structure to make it easy to use. 

Tip: Choose a light-colored lining fabric with minimal print to make it easier to locate things when you’re looking in the bag.

A lining is also your chance to add custom pockets to your tote. What pockets will be most useful for this tote? Consider pocket placement here- a high-up pocket may be easiest to reach (especially on a deeper tote), but a lower pocket is better for heavier items (like your phone). 

Box the Bottom

While the very simplest tote bag won’t have a boxed bottom, taking the small amount of time needed to add two seams to the bottom of the bag adds depth, making the bag more versatile and easier to use. If your bag is lined, you’ll need to box that layer as well. 

Straps for a Tote Bag

A tote always has two sturdy straps, one on each side. Length can vary, but you’ll want a bag that will be comfortable to use. If you want to hang it on your shoulder, you’ll need a longer drop. 

Tip: Grab a tote you already own and like and use that measurement for your straps. 

We love to use webbing for tote handles. Look for 1” or 1 ½” webbing in your local shop. You might prefer a wider strap for a larger tote. As you browse the options, pay attention to the fabric content- cotton webbing is usually softer than synthetic options, but synthetics can come in a huge range of colors. You’ll want to avoid any webbing that is too stiff and scratchy- you’ll end up avoiding it and not enjoying it like you should!

Tip: Strap-making can be a chance to use up extra binding you have lying around. You’ll want the binding to complement your tote, of course. Binding will work best for lighter totes that won’t be carrying heavy loads. 

If you’re sewing your straps to the outside of your bag, now is the time to attach them. If you have plenty of strap material, go for a looped strap that travels from one side of the bag over the bottom and back to the other side. We love this because it’s sturdy and because it adds a classic tote design detail. 

You might also choose to wait on attaching the straps to tuck them in between the bag and lining– keep reading for that method. 

How To Line a Tote Bag

How do you want to attach the lining to the outer bag? Once your outer bag and inner lining are complete, you need to decide how to put them together. We recommend either of these two methods. 

Inside Out Method:

The first- and most essential- step of this method occurs when you’re sewing the lining. When stitching up one of the sides of the lining, leave a few inches open. 

Turn both the outer bag and lining inside out. Nest them together, right sides touching, with the lining on the outside. (Note: if you’re going for extra tote construction bonus points, you can tuck straps in between the layers at this time- this results in a nice finish, but it will place a lot of stress on the seam as you use the tote, so use this for lighter totes only.)

Sew around the top to attach the bag and lining. Using the opening you left on the lining, turn the bag right-side-out. Sew the opening shut. Go back to the top seam to press and then add a round of topstitching to secure the opening. 

Binding (Drop In) Method:

Binding is a great option for attaching inner and outer layers of a tote. It’s a chance to add another decorative element to the bag, and the binding will add structure to the opening so it stays open more easily. You’ll nest the bags inside each other (wrong sides touching) and add your binding all the way around. 

Getting started on a new tote bag is exciting. In an afternoon, you can have a brand new bag to use yourself or give as a gift. We hope this review of tote bag options helps you make decisions about how you’ll construct your next bag. 

If you’re a beginner to tote bags, we’ve gathered a few tutorials that will walk you through the process and help you make a bag you’ll be proud to carry. 

DIY Tote Bag from Whitney Sews

Easy Lined Tote Bag from Sewing Report

The Perfect Tote Bag Tutorial from Melanie Ham

Whether you’ve made tons of totes or are just getting started on your first, Quilters Quest can help you find the right fabrics and supplies to suit your needs. Stop in today or visit us online anytime!