No Frills Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial

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This tote bag is definitely a no frills tote bag. Any time you find yourself in need of a quick gift or just need another tote bag you can run this one up in no time.

Make the bag using a canvas type fabric or a firm furnishing fabric .

The bag measures approx 12¼” x 13¼” and has a gusset measuring 3″

What You Need

One piece of canvas type fabric
Webbing for handles

What to Cut

Cut fabric – 16^1/2” x 29″
Cut two pieces of webbing – 22″ for each piece

Watch the Video below or scroll down for the step-by-step written instructions.

Method

Sew a zig zag stitch around the edge of the fabric. You can use your overlocker/serger or pinking shears if you prefer. This will just help stop any fraying that may occur.

Lay fabric on mat, right side facing up
Measure 2″ in from the edge on the long sides and draw a line.
Repeat for the other side.

Fold along the line and pin

Sew 1/8″ from the fold.

You now have a seam down either side of the bag.

Measure 1^1/2” from the fold and draw a mark. Do this on all four sides. It doesn’t need to be too long as it is just to mark where the handles are to line up.

Draw a 1″ line, from the edge, along the short sides, on the right side of the fabric

Turn the fabric over
Fold the fabric along the 1″ fold and pin in place

Slip the webbing under the fold at the 1^1/2” mark and pin.
Make sure to line up the edge of the webbing with the line as shown in the photo below.

Repeat the process for the other handle

Sew a 1/8″ from the edge making sure to catch in the handles.

Push the handles up and over the folded edge and pin in place. I put the pin in a diagonal position just to hold the handle in place until I turn the bag over and I will pin the handles in place when I turn the bag to the right side.