• Home
  • FAQs
  • Contact
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Crazy Little Projects

  • Sewing & Crafts
    • Sewing Patterns & Ideas
    • Beginner Sewing Patterns
    • Sewing Tips & Tricks
    • Sewing Classes
    • Quick & Easy Crafts
    • Kids Crafts
  • Food & Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Desserts
  • Fun & Games
    • Parties & Party Ideas
    • Party Games
    • Fun for Kids
    • Great Books to Read
  • Gift Ideas
    • Cheer Up Gifts
    • Birthday Gift Ideas
    • Thank You Gifts
    • Holiday Neighbor Gifts
    • Handmade Gift Ideas
    • Color-Themed Gifts
  • Holidays & Occasions
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter
    • Thanksgiving
    • 4th of July
    • New Year’s Eve
    • Teacher Appreciation
    • Birthdays
    • Summer Fun Ideas
    • Back to School
You are here: Home / Favorite Posts / Cute & Easy Tote Bag Pattern with a Pocket

February 17, 2019 · 53 Comments

Cute & Easy Tote Bag Pattern with a Pocket

Favorite Posts· Fun & Crafts· Sewing & Crafts· Sewing Favorites· Sewing Patterns & Ideas

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Jump to Instructions Print Instructions

What’s the Project? This easy tote bag pattern is super simple to sew and turns out so cute. A roomy pocket on the outside, two straps, and a big tote bag opening makes this a simple bag to carry all your things in. You’re going to love it!

Everyone needs a great tote bag to carry, don’t they?

A year or two ago I made a fun and easy tote bag pattern because my friend needed a bag for carrying her church stuff. I made her the bag, took pictures of the process, and put the pattern on this site.

And it’s ended up being one of the most popular posts on Crazy Little Projects! So when her sister asked for a church bag too, I decided I could make her one and blog it too. Because this one has a little twist. It’s very similar to the original, but it’s got an outer pocket. Super handy!

So, here you go-the Easy Tote Bag Pattern-enhanced with a pocket.

Easy Tote Bag Pattern-This bag is easy to sew and turns out so cute. Perfect for carrying to church, the library, school or wherever you're going. You're going to love making this easy tote bag pattern. #sewing #sew #pattern #patterns #totebag

Cute right? And you can make it in any fabric so it could be good for anyone!

And when I say easy, I do mean easy. (Although I did make my fair share of mistakes and have to use the seam ripper more than I should have.)

Let’s make this easy tote bag pattern.

Tote Bag Patterns

Easy Tote Bag Tutorial

Easy Tote Bag Pattern

Crazy Little Projects
This tote bag is easy to sew-a great project for beginners! Large and roomy with a pocket on the outside.
Print Instructions Pin This Project Rate this Project

Supplies
  

  • 1/2 yard fabric for the inside of the bag
  • 1/2 yard fabric for making the pocket
  • 2/3 yard main fabric I used canvas fabric
  • 1/4 yard fusible fleece

Instructions
 

  • First cut your main fabric (on my bag it's the blue striped fabric). Cut 2 pieces that are 17 inches wide by 19 inches long and 2 strap pieces that are 31 inches by 4 inches.
  • Next cut fabric for the inside of your bag. Cut 2 pieces that are 17 inches wide by 19 inches long.
  • Next cut the fabric for your pocket. On my bag, it's the fabric with a floral print. Cut 1 piece that is 17 inches wide by 22 inches long.
  • Next, cut your fusible fleece. Cut 2 pieces that match your strap pieces.
  • Iron your fusible fleece to the back of your strap pieces.
  • Fold the straps in half lengthwise and sew up the long side leaving the two ends open. Turn the right side out (this can be a little tricky-be patient) and iron them flat so that the seam is in the center of the back.
  • Take your inner fabric and place with with right sides together and sew around two sides and the bottom.
  • Fold your pocket fabric in half so that it is 17 inches wide by 11 inches long. Place the outer fabrics together with right sides together. The pocket needs to go between these two fabrics. Sew down the side, across the bottom and back up the other side.
  • Now you are going to give each of your bag pieces box corners. To do this, hold your corners like this and sew across the tip about 1.5 inches down from the top corner.
  • Then snip it off.
  • Do this to all four corners. But you’ll need to be careful with the pocket and make sure it stays on one side of the bag and doesn’t get caught in the box corners in a weird way. I had to do a little seam popping to get it where I wanted.
  • turn your inner bag right side out and leave your outer bag inside out. Slide them together. Slip your straps down between the two layers and pin it in place. Make sure that it isn’t twisted inside and make sure that the side with the seam is facing the inner part of the bag.
  • Starting between two of the straps, sew all the way around the top leaving 3-4 inches between the straps to turn the bag right side out. Turn it right side out and press it flat. The corners should look like the photo:
  • And you’re all set! Pack it up and head out!
    Tote Bag Pattern

 

So cute right? Love this easy tote bag pattern!

You Might Also Like:

Free Bag Sewing Patterns:

Free Bag Sewing Patterns

Beginner Sewing Projects:

25 Easy Beginner Sewing Projects and Patterns

Pin It:

Easy Tote Bag Sewing Pattern-This is the cutest bag and it's easy to make! You can carry all your things to church, work or school with this large and roomy tote bag that's easy to sew! #sewingpatterns #freepatterns #sew

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Related Posts:

  • Cute Kid's Backpack Pattern
    Cute Kid's Backpack Pattern
  • 25 Easy & Free Beginner Sewing Projects
    25 Easy & Free Beginner Sewing Projects
  • Homemade Mother's Day Gifts
    Homemade Mother's Day Gifts
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Previous Post: « “Buckets of Fun” Birthday Gift Idea
Next Post: 25 Sewing Projects for the Home »

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Susan Krueger says

    January 22, 2020 at 6:48 am

    How do you attach the the pocket to the outside of the tote????

    Reply
    • Amber says

      April 22, 2020 at 11:36 am

      Sew it on before you do the rest of your steps.

      Reply
  2. Judy Anzo says

    December 8, 2019 at 1:21 pm

    you have a mistake on measurements for the pocket, change the 16 to 17 that has to be corrected.

    Reply
  3. Isabel Baumgartner says

    November 9, 2019 at 8:38 am

    I wish you had made a video that was specifically for the bag with the pocket. Or at least illustrating instructions that are specific to the bag with the pocket. I’m very confused about putting the pocket fabric on the inside of the outer fabric. Do you fold the pocket together with the right sides together or wrong sides together? And my pocket fabric sides aren’t matching up with the outer fabric sides so I don’t know how the sides would stay up…I’m just unsure of how to proceed because I don’t want to do something and have to undo it because it didn’t work.

    Reply
  4. Chelsea says

    September 24, 2019 at 6:49 pm

    Your learn to sew series and tutorials have been so helpful as I just unboxed my first sewing machine! I did the kid’s mini messenger bag (except it is for me!) and I’m ready to try a full size one. I was wondering, do you have to use a different needle when sewing canvas? I’ve only tried with cotton so far. What fabrics would you need to change the needle?

    Reply
    • Amber says

      April 22, 2020 at 11:56 am

      Only with really heavy ones usually like denim or if you are sewing through many layers of thick ones.

      Reply
  5. Fay says

    December 30, 2018 at 8:11 pm

    How far from the edge should I place the straps

    Reply
    • Amber says

      February 2, 2019 at 8:54 pm

      It doesn’t matter a ton. Wherever you want them.

      Reply
  6. Lindsay says

    November 17, 2018 at 11:29 pm

    One of the easiest ways to turn the handles out is to use a mini-blind rod. They work like a dream to turn it out and make it a quick task! Loves these bags.

    Reply
  7. Melissa says

    November 6, 2018 at 9:17 pm

    Hi. I am wanting to make matching bags for my daughter and I, for our Girl Scout camping trip this weekend. I would like to make my daughters smaller. How would I go about figuring out measurements for that? I have been sewing now for a few months. I started out with 18” doll clothes, then some pajamas and dresses for my daughter. I have also done some coasters, center pieces and table runners. I would really love to make 2 of these in the next few days.

    Reply
    • Amber says

      November 7, 2018 at 10:52 pm

      You honestly could make this one any size at all. So easy! Just take a few inches off both the length and the width and you should be fine.

      Reply
  8. Gay Ferland says

    May 16, 2018 at 7:39 pm

    Nice bag! I made many and have been giving to my girlfriends for their birthdays. I added a flower clip that coordinates the fabrics, so sassy chic!!!

    Reply
  9. cheryl says

    May 1, 2018 at 2:33 am

    Hi, I am very new to sewing and want to give this tote a go, Id like to make it for my mum and have some fabric that she will love. However its not canvas and as i am on a tight budget don’t really want to go buying other fabric. Is there some way i can use the fabric I have, I believe its just cotton. Thank you

    Reply
    • Amber says

      May 2, 2018 at 9:43 pm

      Yes that’s totally fine!

      Reply
  10. Carmel Bergin says

    April 17, 2018 at 7:11 am

    Hi, love the Tote, so many uses. I have made them before and purposefully made one handle about 3/4″ to 1″ (inch) shorter than the other so that when carrying in the hand the shorter handle fits neatly beneath the longer one. Also it doesn’t affect wearing it over the shoulder.

    PS: this grey coloured font is very difficult to read.

    Reply
  11. Carina says

    April 5, 2018 at 7:41 am

    I can’t wait to try this!! I plan to stitch the top from the outside so i would not need to turn them. Do you think that would work?

    Reply
    • Amber says

      April 16, 2018 at 5:47 pm

      Probably, it would just take a little tweaking. Let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  12. Meredith says

    March 20, 2018 at 4:39 pm

    Hi! I was wondering, what type of sewing machine do you prefer?

    Reply
    • Amber says

      March 29, 2018 at 9:44 pm

      I love Janome. I have a post about it: https://crazylittleprojects.com/best-sewing-machines-for-beginners/

      Reply
  13. Emma says

    March 16, 2018 at 8:15 am

    What kind of fabric did you use?

    Reply
    • Amber says

      March 29, 2018 at 9:45 pm

      I used a canvas for this to give it a little bulk

      Reply
  14. Karolyn says

    March 11, 2018 at 4:17 am

    Beginner here and I want to sew this bag for my next project. I’m kind of confused about the pocket though. How did you get that top stitch? Did you sew the material for the fabric before placing it between the 3 outer materials and stitching?

    Reply
    • Amber says

      April 16, 2018 at 5:55 pm

      Yes, do that part first.

      Reply
  15. Katie says

    March 10, 2018 at 3:45 pm

    Good afternoon! I’m currently working on cutting the pocket fabric, but I am confused on the sizing. I have a fabric that needs to be a certain direction (it’s chevron), so I’m trying to figure out which direction to cut the pocket fabric. However, when I looked down at the later instructions of what you actually do with it, it said fold it in half but the dimensions you gave don’t seem to match up with the size I’m supposed to cut. I don’t want to cut the fabric unless you are certain you’re dimensions are correct. 🙂 Thanks so much! I’m going to go work on the handles in the meantime! I’m excited to complete this.

    Reply
    • Amber says

      April 16, 2018 at 6:42 pm

      Cut the pocket width the same width as the bag. 🙂

      Reply
  16. Carol L. Simpkins says

    January 2, 2018 at 3:31 pm

    Just finished my tote today. I love it. Had fun matching up the owls for the outside pocket I added. Wish I could post a photo of it.

    Reply
    • Amber says

      January 10, 2018 at 11:11 pm

      Sounds great!

      Reply
  17. Shae says

    November 18, 2017 at 10:43 am

    I’m confused about leaving 3-4 inches at the end. Ate we sewing the whole top shut when doing the handles? I thought we’d just sew around the top to secure the handles but I’m confused why I need the gap for turning.

    I’m new at sewing. Sorry!

    Reply
    • Amber says

      November 29, 2017 at 10:39 pm

      Because you will need to be able to pull the bag through the little opening to turn it right side out.

      Reply
  18. Sheila says

    November 8, 2017 at 5:18 pm

    I just bought a machine. Haven’t sewn in 40 years. I found this while looking for beginner projects. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us.

    Reply
  19. Sandy says

    September 18, 2017 at 3:43 pm

    I’ve made several of these and love the pattern. I add a pocket to the inside, but like this idea on the outside as well!

    Reply
  20. Karen P says

    August 10, 2017 at 9:04 am

    Thank you for the tutorial. I have a question. Once you have turned the bag right side out do you need to do a hand stitch where you just turned to make sure all the inner is no longer on show? Many thanks in advance Karen

    Reply
    • Amber says

      August 17, 2017 at 9:45 pm

      You don’t have to but it’s not a bad idea at all!

      Reply
  21. Elizabeth Clark says

    July 29, 2017 at 12:46 am

    I love your bag so much!!

    I’m a beginner at sewing and you made this seem so easy for me! Thank you so much for making your easy tutorial. I’m going to give it a try.

    By the way, where did you get your fabric?

    Reply
    • Amber says

      August 7, 2017 at 11:39 am

      That’s from Hobby Lobby. 🙂

      Reply
  22. Christine L Goodness says

    June 14, 2017 at 8:02 pm

    it took 3 days and some odd hours to turn the handles. I will definitely do that differently next time. Also the instructions on making a box corner with a pocket…is this even do-able? I am winding up with an ugly mess! I may do this step differently also. Cute bag though!

    Reply
    • Christine L Goodness says

      June 24, 2017 at 6:22 pm

      silly me, i was turning it the wrong way! It worked perfectly!

      Reply
      • Amber says

        June 24, 2017 at 7:45 pm

        Oh good!

        Reply
  23. Patricia says

    June 9, 2017 at 1:24 am

    I’ve been wanting a tote like this for some time! Thank you for this tutorial! Pinning to my “Next” board!

    Reply
  24. Judy S. says

    June 8, 2017 at 8:41 am

    What a pretty bag!! I think the outside pocket is a versatile addition. And the fabric combination is very appealing. From what fabric line is the dandelion print? I would love to make some bags using all the coordinating colors.

    Reply
    • Amber says

      June 16, 2017 at 9:55 pm

      The fabric is from Hobby Lobby.

      Reply
  25. Sara says

    May 18, 2017 at 12:57 pm

    I love your fabrics! I enjoy making bags and you’ve just inspired me to make another one 🙂 I think I might cut my straps 6 inches wide then fold the edges to the middle then fold in half and sticth to get a 1.5″ wide strap. (I don’t like having to flip it otherwise.)

    One question about the sizes to cut the fabrics, is there a typo on the lining size? I would think we would need to cut it 17″ by 20″ just like the outer fabric?

    Reply
    • Amber says

      May 21, 2017 at 8:48 pm

      Yes, should be the same as the outer

      Reply
      • Rachael says

        June 5, 2018 at 3:28 pm

        Is there also a typo on the pocket dimensions? Just wondering where I’m supposed to get an extra inch at. It says to cut it 16″ wide by 22″ long and says to fold in half to make it 17″x22″ that’s impossible

        Reply
        • Amber says

          June 11, 2018 at 12:41 pm

          Whoops-yes, probably just a typo. 🙂

          Reply
          • ashlee hoelck says

            May 2, 2020 at 9:47 pm

            Hi! Love your tutorials… you should probably edit it though because now i’ve got a pocket an inch too small and my lining all serged up… trying to decide how to not waste fabric and save this bag :[

  26. Linda says

    May 18, 2017 at 10:25 am

    I haven’t made this yet but plan to. Look nice and easy..p

    Reply
  27. Laura says

    May 18, 2017 at 10:06 am

    Do you use quilting fabric or canvas for this tote?

    Reply
    • Amber says

      May 21, 2017 at 8:49 pm

      I used canvas. Should have mentioned that! Whoops.

      Reply
      • Mary says

        June 8, 2017 at 3:55 pm

        where do you find such cute Canvas. Love your tutorial. Very helpful

        Reply
        • Amber says

          June 16, 2017 at 9:55 pm

          This is from Hobby Lobby.

          Reply
          • Carmel Bergin says

            January 18, 2018 at 1:13 pm

            Hi Amber, that a lovely tutorial. I love tote bags and make them. I have adapted two things on the handles. One is about 3 inches long strip of padding on the shoulder part of the strap. The second one is I make one handle approximately 1 inch shorter than the other so that when I’m carrying the bag in my hand the sorter strap fits neatly below the longer one and of course its padded and easy on the hand.

      • Paulina says

        September 15, 2018 at 9:18 am

        You did!

        Reply

Primary Sidebar

Well hello!

Hi! I am Amber. I'm first and foremost a mom to 4 boys. When I am not being a mom or a wife I love to bake, I love to sew, I love to read and I don't like to sit still. Welcome to Crazy Little Projects where I show off my latest crazy projects and show you how you can do them too. Thanks for visiting! [Read More …]

Favorite Posts:

Homemade Donuts
25 Free Baby Sewing Patterns
Unique Thank You Gifts

More Posts from this Category

Copyright © 2023 crazylittleprojects.com. All rights reserved.

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Crazy Little ProjectsLogo Header Menu
  • Home
    • About Me
    • Contact Crazy Little Projects
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Sewing & Crafts
    • Sewing Patterns & Ideas
    • Beginner Sewing Patterns
    • Sewing Tips & Tricks
    • Sewing Classes
    • Quick & Easy Crafts
    • Kids Crafts
  • Food & Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Desserts
  • Fun & Games
    • Parties & Party Ideas
    • Party Games
    • Fun for Kids
    • Great Books to Read
  • Gift Ideas
    • Cheer Up Gifts
    • Birthday Gift Ideas
    • Thank You Gifts
    • Holiday Neighbor Gifts
    • Handmade Gift Ideas
    • Color-Themed Gifts
  • Holidays & Occasions
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter
    • Thanksgiving
    • 4th of July
    • New Year’s Eve
    • Teacher Appreciation
    • Birthdays
    • Summer Fun Ideas
    • Back to School