DIY Tote Bag - Beginner Sewing Tutorial - Whitney Sews

[@MusicaAngela]

I learned how to make my first tote bag from you a few years ago and haven't stopped making them! I like that in this version you keep the turning opening in the side seam. Thank you for your great tutorials!

[@landrifergerson4123]

This is so beginner friendly I am 11 years old and I made this so easy tysm for making this!!

[@lizahillmusic]

Bro didn’t anyone ever tell u to never give out ur age on the internet?

[@sleepstation7443]

@@lizahillmusic ya

[@michelewalburn4376]

Yeah. Change that to 111. That way you keep your age private and get to laugh when you imagine someone doing this: reads age. pause. reads it again, long pause. Reads again, pauses, scratches head. Tilts head to left then right, and again. Shakes head, gives up. Lol.

[@michelewalburn4376]

Really do be careful. We need all the mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy ladies we can get in this world.

[@luvmaryam350]

@@lizahillmusic cool but when a 16 yr old does it its okay?

[@pfrierson1]

I love how you don't spend a lot of time introducing the video or generally chattering about the projects background, what you ate this morning, etc.! Also, I love like how you show every step clearly and succinctly. I'm going to watch more of your videos!

[@charlotteswenson258]

Whitney, Years ago I made all of my own clothes. I loved sewing. But then the children came, live intervened. I switched to Halloween costumes and drapes. Now I'm retired, upgraded the machine and am getting back into it. I made some placemats and napkins for one daughter-in-law, just to start. Thought I would make a tote bag for my sister with the extra material. I used your tutorial. It turned out beautifully!! Another daughter-in-law saw it and wanted one. I made that today. I now run from the iron to the sewing machine to the computer!! It's a different sewing world than it was before but so many more options. Your teaching method is great. And a fabulous way to make a tote. It's so good to know you are out there as a resource. Thanks so much!!

[@storkparanoia]

I've ben watching tutorials all night and yours is the first that is actually simple to follow. Thank you for saving me from a headache.

[@Whitney_Sews]

Glad I could help!

[@michellegarcia4759]

I have been teaching myself how to sew with machine. One of the projects I did was a tote bag. I watched your video over and over! Wanted to let you know it helped me a lot! Thank you so much for your video! Can't wait to make more tote bags!

[@Whitney_Sews]

You are so welcome! Glad it has helped you.

[@bonniemaiorca3495]

I have sewed so many of these bags for charity thank you Whitney for giving beginners such easy and complete instructions.

[@janetwelch2130]

of all the tote bags on KZbin, yours is the best (for me!) Thank you Whitney

[@judithbachand4448]

I made this bag for my neighbor for her birthday. So easy....I made it with very petty blue, greens & purple batik. She loved it. Thank you Whitney. I know I will be making more.

[@xiumeh8926]

i bought a sewing machine and had no idea how to start sewing but this turned out so great! it's my first project ever and i'm so happy with it, thank you!!

[@Molly-pb2yb]

I always come back when u need a refresher on making tote bags! Thanks Whitney!

[@anniep9294]

I bought a machine on Thursday I have never threaded a machine in my life I’m very pleased to report I successfully completed my first project thanks to your video x

[@Whitney_Sews]

That is so awesome!

[@jenniferharris2066]

Success! I made matching bags for my daughter and I as a gift for her 3rd birthday. I already had the supplies from an attempted project years ago but rarely sewed because I was intimidated by the process and my machine not working correctly (my bobbin was upside down). Not anymore! I'm feeling empowered and excited to try new projects. Thank you for a wonderful tutorial!

[@beachlodgeNB]

I love how you make this tote bag. I am a beginner and you make it so easy to follow. I have made three variants already. Thank you Whitney.

[@ashcannard7932]

I am a complete sewing beginner, and I found your tutorial completely by chance. I was able to follow it successfully and made my very first tote bag! I'm so incredibly pleased with it, and I'm so proud of myself. Thank you for sharing this with the world!! 🥰

[@Whitney_Sews]

@@ashcannard7932 That's so wonderful! I'm glad my video helped you make your first bag!

[@carlyevans9886]

My husband got me a sewing machine for my birthday this year and this was the first project I made on it! I just finished it, so happy with the results. Thank you thank you!❤️

[@monroeresident5937]

Your tutorial was very helpful. I did go a little rogue and added a pocket on the front outside, and a divided pocket on the inner backside. I also already had nylon on hand for the straps so I didn't make my own. Rather, I just cut the nylon to size and stitched to the bag as instructed. My bag turned out very good and I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you.

[@elainejudd4892]

Excellent tutorial. As always! You demonstrate more in eight minutes than others do in a half hour. Thank you.

[@educatewithmissleonard]

Thank you for the tutorial and made this for my Neighbour who loved it! Also sewed his name on it too!

[@2nywa2]

This is the best tutorial for tote bags I’ve found so far. Thank you for the clear explanation!

[@Whitney_Sews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pattylevasseur2645]

hi whitney i live in maine and im BRAND NEW to sewing which was why i subbed to you. im 55 yrs old and a single home owner. i have a neighbor, whos 87 yr old mom had passed and he was hunking/ chucking whatever he could , due to he had to re do her whole apt . which was down stairs from his apt....he owns the building. anyways i volunteered to help...well thankfully she was almost totally packed up to move in with her daughter as he works nites and sleeps all day. and she was at that point..in need of assistance with stuff. anyways..as he was cleaning out her apt.he was going to send her sewing cabinet to the dump.. i asked why?? he said she told him it was broken and didnt work anymore..i jumped right on it and had him take it to my house {right across the lawn} whitney, i sewn a couple of times on my moms machine. but it wasnt my interest. so i never got into it. fast forward 4 yrs ago.the sewing machine. its a 1968/72 singer fashion mate.with cabinet laminated.and yup it was ROCK SOLID FROZEN STIFF NOTHING...WAS EVEN TRYING TO GROAN. almost 1/2 can of wd 40 later and 2 days of saturation... it RAN!!! now after this .i got a differnet job , so it sat for almost 3 yrs upstairs. still not totally maintanced..just soaked with wd40 . well since this "situation" has happened ..ive had the time to set a "work station" set up to find out all about this machine..i had NOTHING of her sewing stuff...didnt know anything about this machine. i caught a u tuber called andy tube... he guts and replaces and fixes sewing machines ;];];] he had a version of the fashionmate. but not exactly mine..basically same build... differnt place / time . so "we" andy/ i chatted back / forth for almost 3 months.went right through it and i am proud to say its humms;];];] balenced stitches .. picks right up and no hitches;];];] now this is where you come in..;];];] im hoping to get caught up with your videos;];] and learn how this thing runs..thankfully it just needed a new needle ...hers was snapped in 1/2. the bobbin thread was tangled all over the casing...needed a new bobbin winder rubber tire./ belt. and a piece of felt under the spool and just some serious grease and re lubing. so im slowly trying to start getting some sewing stuff collected threads needles etc..i am still need material as everything is still closed down except for essentail businesses.im sorrry this was so long.but wanted you to now where i was coming from;];];]i saw a glimpse of your machine and it looks vintage also ....you might find your machine in 1 of his videos also ;];];] thank you for the hard work/ time you put into helping others like me... to learn how to sew;];];] i have some serious binging to do ;];];] thanks again..

[@josephinewaliszewski9419]

it’s so cool you have a “vintage” sewing machine 🤩 so glad you finally got it to work! seems like it took some elbow grease :)

[@deborahanderson200]

Great tutorial! I've been making bags for years and years, and this is exactly how I do it. The way you teach is so easy to follow. This tutorial will be so useful to beginners! It's sooooooo good to see you again! You hair looks great! I hope and pray that you and your family will continue to be well and safe! God bless!

[@KimDorrance-y6e]

Hi! Just made this bag! SO pleased with results! Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I also made a mini tissue pouch to match

[@unlivedlife]

Holy moly, this may be the best and easier tutorial for a tote bag I've ever seen! Everything was explained thoroughly and shown step by step. I love it! Thanks so much!

[@JemimaCassidy]

here's another version to creating a customised tote bag :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/r53HnoelZ9RlhK8

[@AlllegroPresto]

I'm new to sewing to had to watch this many times, first time I wasn't paying close attention and accidentally sewed the straps inside! Finally did it though and so happy with the final piece. Thank you for the great video!

[@McRIBxSP3C1AL]

I know this was posted from awhile ago but I accidentally did the same thing and my straps didn’t end up coming through when I pulled the bag through the opening in the inside piece but I can’t quite figure out what I did wrong?

[@princesspeachtoadstool1727]

Hi I would like to say I found your video and instructions of how to make a tote bag with a lining very helpful and easy to understand. Also when you mentioned to cut the fabric into 16×16 inch squares it helped me solve my dilemma of how to cut directional fabric whenever I want to make a bag and one side looks upside down. I plan on trying out this project soon.

[@kimberlynapier9974]

Love how clear you make these instructions. I saved some steps by putting right sides together before cutting and Not cutting into squares. Just left it in a rectangle -but i still sewed seam on the fold to reinforce bag. Quilters always making little changes lol

[@jaira3443]

I've made two tote bags already following this tutorial! It was super easy to follow along, thank you!

[@ninahayes2828]

I am new at sewing and I just made this tote and very pleased how it came out. I followed this video as I did it. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@LA44713]

Hey Whitney! I’m new to sewing and learning on my own I just made this bag and I couldn’t believe that I did it. It’s the cutest and the perfect size for a gift bag for a friend. Your videos are so easy to follow and beginner friendly. Thank you!

[@DawnOldham]

I just found you when looking for how to make a circle skirt! I love your teaching style and your fabric choices. I started sewing by making some masks for others who didn’t sew. Once I had some confidence, I thought a Circle Skirt would be a good project. I bought enough to make three little skirts for my granddaughter and two skirts that my twenty year old daughter will make for herself! Thank you for your help!

[@karennichol7455]

Thank you, I just finished the tote bag, it will be my new music bag for choir,took me about 21/2 hours to make. I Am so impressed with myself lol without your help I would have been stuck!

[@Whitney_Sews]

That's awesome! I hope you love using your bag!

[@merolynkerowa9614]

I just sewed one and I think I followed this same step. I'll make a slight adjustment on the backing. This is very simple.❤

[@Sheeba-w]

This tutorial is so easy to follow so far, I have made two tote bags and as a complete beginner tutorial was great!

[@MartiGuinta]

I just made my first tote bag using this video. It was beyond excellent. Easy to follow, great photography and explanations. Decades ago I sewed and hadn’t in a very, very long time. This project has given me confidence. Thank you, I will be looking at many more of your videos.

[@aedrmac2181]

So far i've made 2 of this unlined tote bag already... i'm gonna make more for Christmas, but some will be the lined totes... I have you to thank for this easy tutorial! You rock!

[@nadja283]

I have made many tote bags of all shapes, sizes, and designs, yet am constantly surprised how such a simple item frequently generates awkward patterns. I resorted to making my own pattern until I found Whitney's - it's a great pattern! Easy to follow and clear to understand all steps, both in the video and print directions. It's the only one I'll use now. In fact I will likely reduce the size, add an interior pocket, and small velcro top closure for a summer purse. THANK YOU for such an easy, practical tutorial!!!!!

[@sewali8839]

Just made one for myself (without stabilizer, I’m a beginner and don’t have any yet) and this tutorial is a-mazing! I love it! The tote is perfect as a reusable bag for groceries or an iPad, notebooks, etc. Thank you for sharing this, much appreciated 💖💖

[@vivianaeastman5106]

Thank you for the easy project. I make it for a friend and she LOVED it! Great tutorial.

[@alexandrialipton1843]

Thank you! I love the lining opening at the side instead of the bottom! Much cleaner!

[@JemimaCassidy]

here's another version to creating a customised tote bag :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/r53HnoelZ9RlhK8

[@gondiblondiee8814]

thank you! just complete two tote bags for my two friends ☺️ i collected and patched remnant fabric for the exterior layer. turned out so cute and your tutorial was SUPER easy to follow!!

[@Whitney_Sews]

That's so awesome!

[@tracik8914]

Just used your video to make my first tote bag! It was so easy to follow and I love that you link your blog that lists the measurements. Can’t wait to make more totes! 😊

[@moysoyjoy]

Thank you for this tutorial! I started sewing two weeks ago, and I have been practicing everyday. This weekend, I wanted to make a tote bag-your tutorial was easy to follow 😊

[@Whitney_Sews]

Wonderful! I'm so glad you're learning to sew.

[@taylorlam969]

I also learned how to make my first bag from you and don’t plan on stopping. I love how easy it is to follow your instructions! Thank you!!!!

[@rosalievanberkel6753]

Thank you for sharing this video. For my own sewing project, I applied the ‘turning technik’ you showed with the opening on the side and it worked out very well with a nice look as end result.

[@patbowman6723]

Whitney, your always my go to girl when I need a project quickly and rather simply. . After I had a serious stroke some years ago it's nice to have some one like you to rely on. Simple understandable instructions and they always come out looking like a million bucks. Thank so very much.

[@Mathilda5xp]

Easy to sew Whitney. Thank you so much! Can't wait to teach my students with special needs how to sew this bag! Blessings Mathilda

[@vlogsbyevieee]

Thank you for this!! My Nana has been teaching me how to sew and this was a PERFECT tutorial!

[@thatgirl7909]

I hate sewing with a passion but I also love bags. I think I just found a money maker in this pandemic. Thank you!

[@Skip-Towne]

Thank you for this tutorial! I've had it bookmarked forever but I finally got around to following it today. Sewing has always seemed so intimidating, but creating this gave me a confidence boost to try other things. Thanks again.

[@krislyon1745]

Just finished making this tote bag. It was easy to do but I thought the straps were too long. I will make more but some with shorter straps. Easy too follow and clear instructions. Thanks

[@limpnewdoll7434]

Thank you for posting this! Your format was clear and easy to follow. I'm making a tote bag via a pattern that did not include a lining but I knew I wanted one. So I happy I found your video! Thank you, sincerely! ❤

[@thesewingsasquatch455]

This was the first video I watched in attempts to make a Tote. It's perfectly detailed. Easy to follow. I come back to it for reference sometimes, but it's so well explained that I remembered the steps after watching it once. THANK YOU!!!!

[@JemimaCassidy]

here's another version to creating a customised tote bag :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/r53HnoelZ9RlhK8

[@MyMumMakes]

I love that bright yellow fabric you picked. It looks great!

[@Whitney_Sews]

Thank you! 😊

[@tamiyoung9215]

You described each step so well. Thank you! Makes for an easier project when instructions are so clear. Can't wait to make it!

[@AussieMumVLOGS]

Do you know what fabric it is?

[@nettle68]

Absolutely brilliant tutorial. I'm an absolute beginner and found you so easy to follow. Thank you 😊

[@pixistick3899]

Thanks Whitney! I am new to sewing and your video was pretty easy to follow. I admit I had my straps come out on the wrong side, but I stripped the stitching and figured out where I went wrong. It came out really cute and now I’m addicted. Even added a pocket for my cell phone. ❤Tysm!

[@baileykonop]

Ahhh I’m going to follow this tutorial to make a tote for my mom and mother in law for mother’s day coming up - thank you! ❤️

[@chrisb5391]

It's good to see you again. I hope you and your family are doing well. Thank you for this easy to make tote bag. I like your teaching method.

[@elizabethrodriguez6737]

this is amazing and helpful. hopefully I will be doing this project soon. I bought myself a sewing machine. I am actually excited to use it. just need to do some more shopping for the materials and items to make this beautiful tote bag. I will rewatch it when I began making it. thank you Whitney for this amazing tutorial.

[@Whitney_Sews]

You're welcome! Let me ok now how your bag turns out.

[@sallybrauss9379]

Really great tutorial! I am an accomplishment seamstress, but find that SO many tutorials are not described clearly and concisely and this is exactly what I was looking for! Liked and subscribed!

[@Whitney_Sews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gracewhatsherface73]

Great video. I have never sewed anything until tonight. Super easy instructions. Thank you.

[@Kikithefreaky]

I never thought I'd be able to make this in my wildest dreams, I made a My Litte Pony one. Thank you so much Whitney xxx

[@LovelyKyla24]

Best tutorial ever! Easy, crisp, and well instructed. Thank you!

[@toms2715]

This is the best tutorial for a tote bag I have ever seen. You make it so easy to understand! You have a gift! Thank you so much xx

[@carmenvasquez9609]

Thank you just finished my second one. That I made as birthday gifts.

[@JemimaCassidy]

here's another version to creating a customised tote bag :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/r53HnoelZ9RlhK8

[@cgarvey7737]

Thank you, used your tutorial to help my 9 year old who wants to learn how to sew, to make a tote bag. It was lovely and simple to follow. She made a lovely bag to give to her friend 😊

[@ivory8492]

aw thats so cute

[@donnajoseph2004]

WOW...been teaching myself to sew and was looking for an easy way to make a tote bag with a lining. Just finished one, following your directions, and I am so thrilled! Next I will try to add pockets and will follow your videos. Looked at tons of other tutorials. You are the best! Thanks so much. Will be following you.

[@Whitney_Sews]

I'm so glad you made a bag and love it!!

[@marywoolley5300]

Thank you for this tutorial. It will be a perfect project to share with my granddaughter who is only just starting to sew.

[@zaishai346]

Not knowing that this is how bags are created I was surprised 🥰 I couldn't stop asking myself how can This be But Now I'm very happy after Seeing this video Thank you so much For sharing with Us❤

[@chloeann8496]

Thank you for this tutorial! I made my son a tote bag last week using your instructions - love the way you explain each step and demonstrate things. Very easy to follow as a beginner 🙌🙌

[@MrsPumpkinCat]

OMGosh I’ve been searching videos for an hour looking for an easy and thoroughly explained tote bag video. Thank you for this video, this looks like something I can do, and thanks for the explaining while you’re doing it.

[@AshBeeCreativity]

Thank you kindly for the tutorial X my son and I made 4 of these tonight for his teachers X

[@hennesey5928]

I’ve been working on making a tote bag and the have been stuck on the corners. The way to explained how to do that was well very helpful 🙌

[@joshuaellis9060]

just made one of these with some left over fabric I had lying around !!! super fun thank you so much !! 😆

[@jenferguson1506]

I just completed my first bag!!! Thank you for the step by step instructions.

[@paulaneary7877]

WOOWHOO! Wanted to let you know I made THREE of your cross body bags with zippers, and sold them all to my mom, so I made grocery money partly bc of your FABULOUS channel, so big HUGS and THANKS! Also love making totes, especially since where I live people are not using plastic bags and you see totes at the store a lot. I like making things people can actually use. P.S. You look really adorable in this video.

[@Cabinlady4]

Just found this even though I’m already subscribed, and this is the BEST tutorial. Ever!

[@Whitney_Sews]

I'm so glad you found it and like the tutorial!

[@manuelitaruiz9783]

Thank you so much for this lovely bag. I love the way you explain it so easy , am learning to see small and easy crafts so will give it a try. My husband is in need of a medium bag and I watch two of your tutorials and I loved it thank you

[@sehtzek]

Thank you for the how to video. I've been looking for some simple patterns to use on leather. It was a little bulky at the seams and where the handles attach but I still think it turned out great as a first project even with the challenges of the leather.

[@lucyscott736]

New subscriber because of this tote bag. Can’t wait to make it. Thanks for the beginner tutorial.

[@untitledlsr]

AMAZING!! Pulling an all-nighter and I just made one in just a few hours!!

[@Southparkaddict720]

I've made 2 tote bags with this tutorial - thank you for making this!

[@terressamoore2587]

this is the first tote I have made and your instructions were wonderful! TY and I will be making many more.

[@giovannasheward3634]

Hi Whitney, many thanks for the very easy to follow tutorial. I made my first Tote bag with Calico for my teen daughter and she painted it with flowers, but I didn't realize they were upside down, 😅Anyway, she loves her bag very much because it looks unique and perfect. It has the vibes! ! 🙏🙏🙏

[@BryannaBucholtz]

I’ve watched so many tote bag tutorials and this was the most helpful one by far! Thank you :)

[@Whitney_Sews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chiquitinablue2762]

So easy! I have made some before with other tutorials but yours is the best of them!! Thank you!!

[@terikee1]

Your tutorial was so easy to follow now I cannot stop making tote bags! Thank you!

[@monicalawhorn2485]

Simple yet so lovely. I can't wait to make a bunch for my crochet projects and few for my nieces and daughters to play with. At the moment I only have light cotton so this project will have to wait until our budget allows for some fabric ordering.

[@pamketron]

Hi Whitney - Good to see you! I love making tote bags this way. Quick, easy and functional. Need to make a few of these soon. Hope everyone is doing good. Hugs!💜

[@MariumAyesha]

@pam ketron Do you know BTS?

[@hannahzambito]

Thank you so much for this amazing tutorial! I successfully made my first tote bag, it was so beginner friendly.

[@evenafterall3524]

The end project look really pretty!!

[@opheliadilrukshi6375]

Thanks dear.. I wil try this definitely . It wil b my own first tote bag.. keep sewing .God blessings from Sri Lanka

[@Mayan0908]

I made my first tote bag thanks to you! Thank you very much.

[@millaks1459]

I just sewed this and it's a little ruff looking but it's the first big thing I'm sewing and my third ever sewed thing so I'm pretty proud

[@Whitney_Sews]

That's awesome! Great job making your first big project!

[@SuperDevoria]

Wendy, I love, love your videos. This bag is an easy-make for a beginner like myself. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@noemir8262]

Cool! How about a tutorial about how to add a lining, with pocket, to a store bought or gifted tote bag. You know the kind that are given to you at an event to help you hold stuff but are unlined.

[@agnes9773]

Great tut! Ive tried many tutorials but this one was easy and you described it in a very good and calm way! Thanks!

[@CookingwithCatLover0330]

I made myself two of these last year. Making a springy one now. Thanks so much!

[@thatgirldana]

Love this pattern I added a snap to close the bag and pockets inside the bag also❤❤❤❤❤❤