Make a professionally looking lined tote bag using this easy tote bag tutorial and the free tote bag pattern - in two sizes!
I added tons of handy sewing tips, so even beginners can sew it. and from now on, you can also learn to add a recessed zipper closure to your tote bag - so handy!
Also, scroll down to see what else I made with this pretty fabric!
Do you want an ad-free, printable copy of this online tutorial? Find it here for just $3. You won’t need to access the internet every time you want to make it. ------ Or get the BUNDLE with ALL the Printable Tutorials - current and future ones!
Tote Bag Pattern In 2 Sizes
Simple and quick. No hardware is required for this tote bag pattern! Sturdy and beautiful handles, a generous size (two sizes, actually!) an interior pocket and so easy to sew! No curves, and quite a few sewing tips to give your project a professional finish - if you have never sewn a bag yet, this tote is a great project to start!
Also, if you are looking for totes to sell, this tutorial shows you how to pay attention to every detail, making this lovely classic tote bag with pockets a perfect fit for sewing to sell - check out my quick guide to find out more! (And yes, you can always sell items you've made with my patterns, free patterns and payable ones!) Or, if you'd really like to up both your sewing game and create more pretty items, check out our new FREE sewing-for-home email series:
Join the FREE 7-part email course and make 6 beautiful items for your home! You'll love it!
I can imagine this tote bag pattern with a pocket to turn into the perfect library tote or market bag. The interior pocket will safely house a library ticket, or the cash for your stroll through the Saturday market, and a cup of coffee in your favorite cafeteria after.
AppleGreen Cottage Tote Bag
Edit: About the name of this pattern, I think I should just start referring to it as the AppleGreen Cottage tote bag, what do you think? I've had many people asking about it, but they can't put a finger on which pattern it is. Need a name, haha
I will use this bag a lot, as soon as life gets back to normal. But for now, when we are all staying home, I've got tons of time to sew, and I'm gonna make tote bags from all the pretty prints I hoard in my closet. You can, too! 🙂
Tote Bag Pattern - How It All Started!
But let's start at the beginning, with fabric. Actually, the entire idea for this pattern hit me when I got a parcel. It was sent to me by Art Gallery Fabrics, and when I opened it - happy dance! What I was looking at was the Playroom collection by Mister Domestic. Here's some eye candy for you too - I snapped this picture like 2 minutes after the mailman left:
I had been planning to do a lined tote tutorial for the blog, and the Playroom collection was just perfect for that! Admittedly, deciding among all the pretty prints was tough, so I quickly turned the exterior into a blocked combo - two pretty prints are better than one, right? And then I added a cute flap pocket:
You can check out a patch pocket tutorial here if you need more details.
And since the handles do all the heavy lifting, they deserve some pretty accents too, right? Here they are, double-color handles! (And there's a tutorial for those too!)
Sturdy, too - I had to push them down to take this photo, LOL. Super neat, functional and so pretty! I made a separate tutorial for those (here) You can use it on any of our other bag patterns in the shop.
And I wasn't able to stop there. I quickly cut a few additional rectangles and made my latest pattern, the AIDEN Cell Phone Purse. Isn't it adorable!
Now, about the tote bag:
FINISHED SIZE of the DIy Tote bag - 2 sizes!
Do you like the 'mommy and me' look? Well, these two will work great, the small one is great for kids or for you when you don't need to tote along a lot. And the large one will house everything but the kitchen sink. Adult size, same handles. A perfect market tote.
The finished sizes are as follows:
- small tote: 9" wide at the bottom, 11 ½" tall, 4" deep
- large tote: 11" wide at the bottom, 14 ½" tall, 4" deep
Supplies
For the Large tote
To make the large tote, you'll need:
- ½ yard of outer fabric (Outer A)
- a fat quarter of outer fabric B (Outer B)
- ¾ yard of lining fabric (Lining)
- 1 yard (33" x 20") of fusible fleece (bolt width Pellon ) - less if you use Vilene with 35" bolt width (for tote outer, pocket, and handles)
- 30" x 19" of stiff mid-weight interfacing like Pellon Craft Fuse, Vilene S320 or similar (to interface lining and handle accents)
- optional: one KAM snap or a button for the pocket
For the Small tote
- ½ yard of outer fabric (Outer A)
- a fat quarter of outer fabric B (Outer B)
- ¾ yard of lining (Lining)
- ¾ yard (26" x 20") of fusible fleece (bolt width Pellon ) - less if you use Vilene with 35" bolt width (for tote outer, pocket, and handles)
- 26" x 15" of stiff mid-weight interfacing like Pellon Craft Fuse, Vilene S320 or similar (to interface lining and handle accents)
- optional: one KAM snap or a button for the pocket
To make the small tote, you'll have some leftover fabric, but overall, get ready the same yardage. Wait till you see what I made from those beautiful scraps!
Cutting Directions For Your Tote Bag
Small Tote (width x height)
From the Outer A fabric, cut
- 2 rectangles 14" x 9 ½" (for tote outer, top part)
- 2 strips 1 ½" x 22" (for handle accents) - these fit snugly under my shoulder, feel free to extend if you want more length
- 1 rectangle 7" x 10" (for pocket)
- 1 rectangle 7" x 7" (for pocket flap)
From the Outer B fabric, cut:
- 2 rectangles 14" x 6" (for tote outer, bottom part)
From the Lining fabric, cut:
- 2 rectangles 14" x 14 ½" (for tote lining)
- 2 strips 5" x 22" (for handles) - these fit snugly under my shoulder, feel free to extend if you want more length
From fusible fleece, cut:
- 2 rectangles 13" x 13 ½" (for tote outer)
- 2 strips 2 ⅜" x 21" (for handles)
- 1 rectangle 6" x 4 ½" (OPTIONAL pocket)
- 1 rectangle 6" x 3" (OPTIONAL pocket flap)
From stiff mid-weight interfacing, cut:
- 2 rectangles 13" x 13 ½" (for tote lining)
- 2 strips ¾" x 21" (for handle accents)
lARGE Tote (width x height)
From the Outer A fabric, cut
- 2 rectangles 16" x 11" (for tote outer, top part)
- 2 strips 1 ½" x 22" (for handle accents) - these fit snugly under my shoulder, feel free to extend if you want more length
- 1 rectangle 7" x 10" (for pocket)
- 1 rectangle 7" x 7" (for pocket flap)
From the Outer B fabric, cut:
- 2 rectangles 16" x 7 ½" (for tote outer, bottom part)
From the Lining fabric, cut:
- 2 rectangles 16" x 17 ½" (for tote lining)
- 2 strips 5" x 22" (for handles) - these fit snugly under my shoulder, feel free to extend if you want more length
From fusible fleece, cut:
- 2 rectangles 15" x 16 ½" (for tote outer)
- 2 strips 2 ⅜" x 21" (for handles)
- 1 rectangle 6" x 4 ½" (OPTIONAL pocket)
- 1 rectangle 6" x 3" (OPTIONAL pocket flap)
From stiff mid-weight interfacing, cut:
- 2 rectangles 15" x 16 ½" (for tote lining)
- 2 strips ¾" x 21" (for handle accents)
Diy Tote Bag Tutorial
Step 1 - Assemble outer panels
Take the pieces for the top part of tote outer (2 rectangles 14" x 9 ½" from Outer A fabric) and the pieces for the bottom part of tote outer (2 rectangles 14" x 6" from outer B fabric) and stitch them together using a ½" seam allowance. If you've got directional fabric like I had, please mind that the smaller rectangle will end up underneath the larger rectangle.
Step 2 - Add Fusible Fleece And Topstitch
Using the manufacturer's instructions, add fusible fleece to the back of the outer pieces and only after that, topstitch on both sides along the seam. It will strengthen the bond between the fabric and the fusible fleece.
Step 3 - Add Interfacing to Lining
Add stiff interfacing to your two lining pieces.
Step 4 - Make the Pocket And the Flap
Fold the Flap piece lengthwise (width should remain 7") measure 1 ½" from each corner and cut off the triangle. On the (not folded) fusible fleece piece for the flap, mark 1" from the corners and cut off the triangles too. Then add fusible fleece to both pocket pieces, like this:
Mind the width - it should remain 7" on both pieces, and the fusible fleece needs to be added to the bottom portion of each piece. Notice the directional print on the photos above?
Next, fold right sides together and sew, leaving a gap for turning on each piece. Again, use the ½" seam allowance:
Trim and notch the corners and turn right side out. If you need help with trimming the seam allowance, this is a good how-to:
See how to clip corners and make sewing easier.
Once you've turned both pieces, topstitch, but NOT all around the pieces. On the flap, you'll want to leave out the top edge, and on the pocket, you'll ONLY topstitch the top (folded) edge. Like this:
Step 5 - Attach Pocket To Lining
Got it? Let's go on: we'll attach the pocket on one of the lining pieces. Place the lining piece so that the width will be 14" (large tote bag: 16"), then place the main pocket piece, with topstitching at the top side, at a distance of 4" away from the top edge of the lining, and horizontally centered. See the blue arrows:
Pin and topstitch the pocket in place: I start at the top right, across the bottom and go back up on the left. See the red dashed lines above.
Then attach the flap. Place it 3" below the lining edge, so there will be a one-inch distance between the main pocket and the flap. Topstitch in place:
Optional, but highly recommended: add a KAM snap to secure the pocket. Have I told you I'm in love with KAM snaps? And that I only use one size for all my projects? Check out this how-to:
STEP 6 - Corners
Make sure you've got all 4 of your main tote pieces rotated correctly (top edges all on top) and cut a 2" by 2" square at the bottom corners of each piece.
Step 7 - Make Tote Handles
Your finished handles will be 21" long. you can opt for regular ones (that's 2 seams per handle), or the pretty ones (4 seams per handle) - both are quick, and here's a detailed how-to:
Step 8 - Finish the Top Edge of the Tote
Once you've got your handles, baste the handle to the outer piece - make sure the accent side fo the handle is facing towards the right side of the outer fabric (pretty sides together, right?) Handle placement: mark the center of the top edge on outer piece and place the handle ends each 2 ½ away from the center, so they will be 5" apart.
Then place one lining piece on top of that, align the top edges, pin or secure using sewing clips, and stitch together, using a ½" seam allowance.
Repeat with the other set: outer, handle, lining. Then - and this is a smart tip to use for any bag, tote or pouch: understitching!
To understitch means to press the seam allowance towards the lining (see the blue arrow below) and topstitch on the lining side all the way along the sewn edge. Like this:
This magic stitch will pull the lining towards the inside of the bag, and it won't peek out on the outer side - even if you don't topstitch! Clever, what a single stitch can do!
Step 9 - Assemble the Tote Bag
Place the two semi-finished sets right sides together and pin. Again using a ½" seam allowance, stitch around the tote leaving out all the corners and leaving a few inches unsewn in the lining bottom of the tote bag.
Step 10 - Sew the Boxed Corners
Then, you'll need to box all four corners that are still open. Fold the corner flat matching up the two side seams. The side seams should lie directly one over the other.
Then stitch over the (blue) line. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to reinforce it.
Step 11 - Turn Right-Side-Out
Turn your tote right-side-out through the hole in lining and stitch it closed. If you want to, topstitch around the top edge. I nearly always do. But even if you don't, the understitching we did before will keep the edge neatly rolled towards the inside of the tote bag.
NOTE: In case you both understitch and then at the end also topstitch around the top, there will be two stitching lines visible on the lining side.
Press well to give your tote that neat look. I love to use my diy sleeve roll - it makes pressing bags and pouches piece of cake, every single time! You can use my FREE TEMPLATE to make one for yourself.
So, have you pressed well? Your tote is finished, congrats!
If you enjoyed this tote bag pattern and tutorial, share it, like it or tell your friends about it. Or save it for later, so you've got it ready whenever you want to make a lovely tote:
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Make a perfect set: the Kalina wallet fits comfortably into the interior pocket of the tote bag.
Gillian
Thank you so much for this lovely pattern. I have made two of these bags, one in each size and a friend has asked me for one. I made the small one first and, having been captivated by the beauty of the fabric I had chosen I hadn't registered that they were both directional. That meant I didn't have enough fabric for the bottom piece. To solve the problem I cut a strip about 1.25" wide from the plain lining material and stitched it in between the top and bottom fabrics. It makes a lovely contrast. I also didn't have any fusible fleece so instead I used some non-fusible foam wadding. I quilted the top section vertically and the bottom section horizontally. This altered the dimensions slightly as it was foam rather than ordinary wadding so when I made the second bag I cut the pieces slightly wider. I really enjoy using my bags and they attract a lot of lovely comments. Thank you.
Damjana
Gillian hi, I'm so glad you love AppleGreen Cottage tutorials. Even more so, your solution is so inspiring, using a third print on teh tote - I'm sure this will be helpful to other sewists too. Thanks, and as always, happy sewing! Damjana
Sharon Worley
Such a great a tutorial - thank you so much! I so enjoyed making this one and will certainly make a few more. I used a leftover panel piece and it turned out cute.
Ellen Sawyer
Hi...This pattern and your instructions are inspiring me to get to my sewing machine. One question, how well does this wash and or dry. As a quilter, I never pre-wash fabric but I'm wondering if I should for this project. Thanks for your wonderful site and instructions.
Karen C
Your tote is most adorable!! I have not sewn a project since 1982, my senior year of high school. After seeing your very detailed instructions, and especially all your included photos, I decided to attempt to make one. Using a Singer 401A that I paid $20 for (including the cabinet) at an auction, I followed your perfect instructions and made a tote that I'm proud enough of to gift to my adult granddaughter! I wish I could attach a photo. You are a master!! And I Thank You So Very Much!!
Damjana
Karen I'm so glad my tote tutorial was helpful to you. Happy holiday season,
Margo
Awesome tutorial as always! In Step 1, when sewing the bottom to the top, do you spread the seam and iron it to both the bottom and top, or just iron it in one direction (before adhering the interface)? The photo in step 2 shows the seam flattened one way which is towards the top main fabric. Thank you 😊
Karen
What a terrific pattern!! Excellent step by step directions! Love it!! I made 3 as Halloween candy bags ( in my custom size). Thank you for sharing this terrific pattern! As a retired teacher I know great explanations when I read them! Thank you again!
Christie
Just finished making 2 tote bags for my grandkids with your tutorial. It was so helpful and I just love the bags! Thanks for all your tips to make it look so nice! I've never made a tote before so these were a lot of fun to make! I appreciate you sharing your pattern so much! Thank you!!
Glenda Roy
I just finished this tote in the small size in a multi-colored polka-dot on white background with a solid royal blue for the outer bottom and lining. I added a circle patch applique in royal blue for a monogram in bright yellow. I also made a matching bucket hat from your multi-size bucket hat pattern/tutorial. The set is a birthday gift for my great-great niece, who's turning 7 in a few weeks. It turned out so cute (and was so much fun to make) that I'll be making another set for a friend's granddaughter soon. By the way, although they arent "advertised" as such, I can see both the bucket hat and the tote bag as being reversible.
Nicola Dawes
I made this bag this weekend from some Marvel material for my daughter. First time I've ever made anything like this and I loved it. The instructions are so easy to follow and the finished bag looks great - even by a novice sewer. I already have 3 more planned!
Ellen
I sewed this tote in small brown checks and brown linen, and it turned out beautifully! The directions were excellent. The only thing I didn't remember reading was making the last stitches in the lining on the bottom of the inside of my pocketbook (it's still unsewn;), but it doesn't affect the looks or use of the tote. I'll definitely be making this beaut again. Next one I'll use fun, colorful fabric, and I'll probably make the smaller pattern.
Paulap
Your instructions are so easy to follow and your methods are spot on!!! I’ve not had this simple yet professional looking results before. Such a nice looking tote bag!
Meg
This is a beautiful pattern! Newbie sewer here, what seam allowance do you use for topstiching on this bag?
Jen
I needed to make some totes for a friend's cleaning business and I knew I could find what I was looking for on your page. Thank you!!
Jane
Absolutely loved making this bag, so much I made two. One each for my daughters. Thank you so much for the pattern and easy instructions..
Jennifer Higgins
Thanks for these great free patterns
I can’t wait to try them all
Love your guidance for new sewers
Elaine Porter
Damjana, This is a beautiful bag! Do you have a downloadable file of this pattern? I wanted to print it to take to my sewing table but if I try to print this page it's 50 pages! It's just beautiful.
Damjana
Elaine
thank you for your comment, this bag is quite popular. While there is no printable PDF pattern (and I'd advise against printing the whole thing, it's too many pages), the tote tutorial includes all the cutting instructions, steps, and tips. If you could keep it open while sewing, you could use it directly. The pieces are just large rectangles, I hope this helps. Happy sewing,
Susan
Thank you so much for the lovely pattern. I made a quick version for an Easter egg bag and used the handle instructions - they are brilliant - I usually make drawstring bags because on befing rubbish at handles. Now I have another and better. And as I am approaching my 76th birthday I am always reassured that I can learned something new!
It is very good of you to post such carefully planned projects.
Susan
Damjana
Susan hi,
I'm glad my tutorial helped you. Happy sewing,
Brandy
This looks like a great tutorial! Can't wait to try it. I just have a question about the understitching. If you use this technique, will there be two stitch lines on the inside after doing the final top stitching? I have never seen this done before. Thanks for the great tutorial!!
Damjana
Brandy hi,
you're right, in case you both understitch and then at the end also topstitch around the top, there will be two stitching lines visible on the lining side. I'll add that to the tutorial, thank you. Enjoy!
Karen
Totally love this pattern!!! So far I have made 3 bags (2 large and 1 small. Your instructions are spot on and so easy to follow. Thank you so much for sharing your pattern!!!
Holly Norgrove
Hey there,
Just finding this pattern and super excited to try it out. Though, I'm wondering if the fusible fleece is necessary. I'm not able to easily get my hands on any right now. Thanks!
Damjana
Holly hi,
a great question. In a pinch, there are always alternatives - check out this post about interfacing. Hope this helps!
Damjana
Pam
Lovely tote bag pattern, I really enjoyed making this today and will make more. Thank you
Connie Ferrell
I love, love, love this pattern! So far I have made 4 bags. I prefer to make gift bags for Christmas instead of paper wrapping. That way they are reusable and something my family and friends can use after I pass to remember me. This is definitely my “go to” pattern. Did I say I LOVE this pattern. Thank you.
Damjana
Connie hi,
thank you, it means so much to me to see people love this tote bag pattern. It's been popular since day one, and I can't wait to see your makes!
xoxo, Damjana
Sian
I am inspired! But before I begin I’d like to ask a) are you using a heavy duty machine? And b) what type and brand of needle are you using for this project? Thank you 🙂
Damjana
Sian hi,
thanks for asking 🙂 I used my domestic sewing machine for this project, it's a basic model, so I can always make sure the project is easy to do for everybody. I use the jeans needles by Schmetz when sewing totes and baskets (these work amazingly well for sewing through layers!) Hope this helps, happy sewing,
Gwen Logan
Love this! Love the box corners method! Others were the reason I hated to make bags. Didn’t use fleece, just interfacing. Made with stripes and polka dot. Turned out so cute! Thanks for the usable bag!
Patricia Titus
I cannot thank you enough for your wonderful pattern and carefully written instructions for the tote. I just made one for my sister for her birthday, using fabric from my late mom's bathrobe and some coordinating heavier fabric for the bottom and lining. It turned out simply beautiful; I wish I knew how to include a photo of it here. I will be making similar items for my other three sisters from Mom's clothing. I am very grateful to you because your inspiration gave me the emotional courage to finally open that big bag of Mom's clothes.
Damjana
Patricia hi,
that's wonderful to hear. Sewing is therapeutic indeed. Wishing you and your sisters all the best.
Damjana
Oh, and if you'd be willing to post a photo, feel free to join our friendly, crafty group on Facebook
We love to see each other's makes.
Kmckay
Sorry I'm new to sewing and had a question(s).
What do you do about the hole in the bottom of the lining? Do you not sew that shut after you pull the bag through?
Damjana
Hi,
a great observation! In Step 11, you need to stitch the turning hole closed, you're totally right. I have made this clear now and included the sentence into the instructions, thank you. Happy sewing,
Barbara Gilbert
I do believe that is the PRETTIEST bag I’ve ever seen! Of course it helps that it is my favorite color, too! I have been a fan of understitching since I use it when a garment has facings around he neck and armholes. It make a huge difference there, and obviously here, too. It’s a professional finish everyone should adopt. You are a pro, of course, and I enjoy the things you make because they inspire me, and because your enthusiasm is such a delight! Thank you for all you do!
Damjana
Barbara hi,
this means the world to me! Thank you,
Rose Rader
Thank you for sharing wonderful beautiful pattern and explanation.
Tracy
Thank you sooo much for the patterns and wonderful tutorials that are easy to follow. My daughter has recently expressed her interest in sewing and I can't wait to try this out . I'm so happy about this that I may even let her use my machine LOL.
This will be a nice change from the masks I have been making for anyone that will wear one!
The fabric choice is absolutely beautiful. Love ,love ,love!
I can hardly wait to receive my new fabric parcels to try this out .....I have a slight fabric addiction( the cure? More time,more money). Some call this hoarding, I call inspiration.
Damjana
Tracy hi,
I definitely call it inspiration, too! 🙂
xoxo,
Colleen
What type of fabric are you using to make this tote?
Damjana
Colleen hi,
it's quilting cotton from Art Gallery Fabric. More precisely, the Playroom collection by Mister Domestic. Super cute, isn't it?
Shelagh Anderson
Thank you so much for the tutorial. Although i don't have that exact fabric i have such a huge stash am anxious to make a few of these as gifts for my nieces, daughter-in-law and daughter. Love your tutorials and they are much appreciated.
Shelagh
Damjana
Shelagh hi,
I'm so happy my tutorial has inspires you to create handmade gifts. Those are the best kind! <3
Marilyn
This is ABSOLUTELY beautiful! I was able to get the same outer fabric and can't wait to make it. Thank you so much for this wonderful pattern.
Damjana
Marylin hi,
you've just made my day. Thank you so much! <3 And I'd absolutely LOVE to see what you make!
xoxo, Damjana
Rebecca
That fabric is hella cute!! bag looks awesome!! gonna have to check out my local quilt shop for that line!!