To make a tote bag, you'll cut sturdy fabric (like canvas), fold it in half, sew the sides and bottom, create and attach straps, and finish the top opening with a hem for a simple, classic design, though you can also use methods like upcycling T-shirts or using duct tape for no-sew options.
Let's get started.
The Best Fabrics for Tote Bags Tote bags can be made from pretty much anything! Linen, cotton, duck cloth, canvas, denim, corduroy and even home dec fabrics work well. The only thing I'd suggest not using is stretchy fabrics, though for a certain purpose, even that could be cool for an unstructured look.
Best Interfacing & Stabilizer for Bags: Structure & Durability...
You'll love the ease and speed of Aleene's Stiffen-Quik Fabric Stiffening Spray for stiffening and shaping fabric, crocheted doilies or ribbons.
In order of least to most stiff, commonly used in bag making:
Skipping Interfacing and Stabilizer
Mistake: Not adding interfacing or stabilizer, resulting in a flimsy bag. How to Avoid It: Interfacing eliminates subtle one-way stretch in cotton, vinyl, faux leather, and suede. Stabilizer adds structure and durability, helping your bag hold its shape.
What is the Standard Tote Bag Size? While tote dimensions vary, here are some typical tote size guide: Small/medium totes: 14”W x 14”H is a popular compact day bag size. Large totes: 18-20”W x 12-15”H works for bigger loads like beach bags.
Duct Tape No-Sew Tote
Cotton canvas is the most popular and economical material choice for our tote bag products. Our 10 oz cotton canvas is USA-made and specially woven for Enviro-Tote. The extra yarn and tight weave make our 10 oz comparable to other companies' 12 oz weight.
Sturdy fabrics such as canvas, denim, twill, drapery fabric, upholstery fabric, and outdoor fabric are best for tote bags. Since many tote bags seldom require cleaning, novelty drapery and upholstery fabrics can be fun choices. Faux leather vinyl and nylon are a couple more durable options.
A Photo transferred onto a Shopping Bag using Transfer Paper
How to Sew a Simple Tote Bag (with lining)
If a thread broke while sewing, it was seen as a warning that the project (or even a relationship) was doomed to fail. Some sewers also avoided threading a needle at night, as it was thought to invite misfortune or trouble into the home.
While the Hermès Kelly bag has a longer history, the Hermès Birkin bag is the most iconic and collectible. It remains the most sought-after by celebrities and the luxury handbag-obsessed collector.
Mod Podge Stiffy makes fabric less flexible and can be applied directly onto all types of fabric surfaces such as cotton, cheesecloth, burlap, gauze, laces, ribbons, needlework, and felt. It is quick and easy to work with and is sure to make your crafts stand out.
Stuffing Your Bag To Restore The Shape
Bubble wrap or hard plastic works best. Stuff the bag enough to retain its shape, without creating too much tension on the stitches.
Use Elmer's Glue
Elmer's glue offers a simple way to harden fabric. Mix equal parts glue and water in a bowl for an easy homemade stiffener.
Wheat paste. 1/4, flour/water. It will dry clear and be permanent. It will also ruin anything it touches so use with caution.
Can you use hairspray to stiffen fabric? This was mentioned to me and it might work as a temporary fix, but it's going to wear away. It will be on top of the fabric and not soaked throughout the fibers. Not only that, but if it gets wet, you're going to have “un-stiffened” fabric.
There are so many formulas of Mod Podge and most of them are interchangeable, meaning you can use regular Mod Podge for fabric or paper or whatever. Mod Podge dries clear and is permanent. My favorite thing to decoupage or Mod Podge is furniture, but the decoupage process is the same for home decor, etc.