In a world where people own lots of objects that need to be carried around and plastic bags are taking over the Earth, we have tote bags to save the day! This tutorial is super flexible, so you can change the proportions of this bag to make it hold anything you want. Big, small, wide, narrow; you name it, this bag can be adapted to hold it.
First, select a size for your bag. I made mine rectangular shaped, 18" wide and 24" tall. I accounted for seam allowances by adding 5/8" on both sides and the top for seams.
Next, turn over a hem on the top edges of the bag by folding the edges over and tucking in the raw cut end. Pin and run a seam through both sides.
Next cut out a square for the pocket. I like 5" by 5" square pockets but sometimes you need more or less pocket so use your best judgment. Run another hem along the top of the pocket to finish off the edge of the fabric. Cut a square out of each bottom corner, to make the pockets lay flat. I suggest the same 5/8" margin when cutting the squares.
Fold over the sides and bottom of the pocket and pin to the inside of the bag. Run a seam around the pinned area to attach the pocket to the inside of the bag.
To make the straps, I cut 1 & 1/2' of fabric by 8" to ensure that they were the same length, then measured and cut in half the large piece into two thinner pieces. You should end up with a 2" wide strap once it's pinned. Fold the pieces in half long-ways and pin along the long edge only. Sew along the long edge, and use a safety pin to put the fabric right-side out.
Attach the straps by tucking the edges of the straps into itself at both ends and pin to the bag. Be sure to pin all four before you sew at this step so you don't have crooked straps.
Next, sew a box for stable straps that won't pop off if you put heavy things in the bag. Sew a box shape around the hem of the bag by pivoting as you reach the edge of each side. Then, pivot and sew diagonally twice to add strength.
First, select a size for your bag. I made mine rectangular shaped, 18" wide and 24" tall. I accounted for seam allowances by adding 5/8" on both sides and the top for seams.
Next, turn over a hem on the top edges of the bag by folding the edges over and tucking in the raw cut end. Pin and run a seam through both sides.
Next cut out a square for the pocket. I like 5" by 5" square pockets but sometimes you need more or less pocket so use your best judgment. Run another hem along the top of the pocket to finish off the edge of the fabric. Cut a square out of each bottom corner, to make the pockets lay flat. I suggest the same 5/8" margin when cutting the squares.
Fold over the sides and bottom of the pocket and pin to the inside of the bag. Run a seam around the pinned area to attach the pocket to the inside of the bag.
To make the straps, I cut 1 & 1/2' of fabric by 8" to ensure that they were the same length, then measured and cut in half the large piece into two thinner pieces. You should end up with a 2" wide strap once it's pinned. Fold the pieces in half long-ways and pin along the long edge only. Sew along the long edge, and use a safety pin to put the fabric right-side out.
Next, sew a box for stable straps that won't pop off if you put heavy things in the bag. Sew a box shape around the hem of the bag by pivoting as you reach the edge of each side. Then, pivot and sew diagonally twice to add strength.
Sew up the seams on both sides, and you're done! I forgot to get a final picture of this project before I gave it to my mom's best friend. I'm working on some more ideas for similar projects so keep your eyes posted for updates.
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