DIY Tote Bag w/ Optional Pockets & Zipper | Paige Handmade

[@southerngirlhandmadeknit]

I did it! Thanks for this tutorial. Because I am a beginner I was confused a couple of times but figured it out and I'm so proud of myself. I wish my Mom were still here to see that I finally learned to sew. She was an amazing seamstress. I'll never be THAT good but dangit I made this bag (with all the pockets and zippers!)

[@PaigeHandmade]

Amazing! I'm so excited for you!

[@ydm4579]

How long did it take to sew

[@dorothymasterson57]

Your mom was with you in spirit with EVERY cut you made, every pin you placed, each stitch you made, and SMILED down on you with all the OOPS moments as well! I miss my mom (also an amazing seamstress and crafter) as well, and I know she is with me at every craft idea I have from start to finish! Keep the sewing hobby going!

[@user-ub9ko8wo9v]

Very helpful, stylish and practical thank you

[@hobbesession1]

Excellent tutorial, easy to understand and follow. I like that you showed some different ways of doing things (like for me, the zipper pocket).

[@annavictoriamartinez]

My daughter wanted a new ballet bag, so I made her this. It's so cute! Thank you for the tutorial.

[@designinggirl4196]

This bag turned out very nice

[@beatrizgraca3047]

I chose this as my first sewing project and even tho I sucked at cutting the fabric straight, it came out pretty good! The interfacing was not as stiff as the one on video so the bag doesn't hold the shape as well, mas overall I'm very pleased. Simple tutorial, perfect for beginners! Ps: I did sew the zipper pocket upsidedown the first time, but eventually I redid it and it came out great

[@moniquejones1752]

That key ring was everything

[@moniquejones1752]

G hands down the best tutorial on the internet 👌 🙌 👏

[@adiematz2878]

I made this bag just as she instructed except that I made it a little bit wider. It is absolutely wonderful. The tutorial is just right. Thank you very much.

[@Davytron]

Hi Paige. Thank you so much for this fun tutorial. I am a totally beginner sewer and I did find it a bit challenging trying to figure out some of the steps and which sides to face the fabric, etc. For next time, if you are trying to help beginners like me it might be beneficial to include more specific info throughout. I made a lot of mistakes but learned a ton. Thanks again.

[@michelleday8249]

Thanks for this video! I have made 5 of these already for myself and a few friends and plan to give them to everyone for Christmas! I find that if I cut out the pieces to several at a time and do all the interfacing ahead of time, when I'm ready to sew them it makes for a faster project. I just made one for my daughter-in-law and she requested it out of flannel and with a cross body strap instead of the two straps. So easy to adjust :)

[@PaigeHandmade]

That's amazing! Great job making so many.

[@Tara4961]

I did it!!! I made. It was easy and beautiful

[@nancyjones8652]

Great design and execution. Thank you for showing how to make this bag. I will make several to donate to a local charity thrift store.

[@vickylin5126]

Thank you for showing this way of making the water bottle pockets without any side gussets. It's muck easier.

[@PaigeHandmade]

You're welcome!

[@jmonken1]

Just finished making this bag! It turned out so cute. Off to make another as a gift. Thank you Paige!

[@PaigeHandmade]

I'm so glad you liked it!

[@CurseTheDarkness]

Wow. Very well done video. Love that you took the time to speed things up and include a clear narration. So many other tutorials make you watch for 40 minutes in real time which doesn't really add much even though it is less editing work for the presenter.

[@PaigeHandmade]

Thanks for noticing the effort. I want to find the appropriate balance of showing the work and keeping it interesting.

[@reneejones9662]

Love the bag. Fabric is soooooo cute too!

[@owendegroot4096]

Just finished my first bag, I will be making many more. Thank you for the instructions!

[@PaigeHandmade]

You're welcome!

[@chiyookeynes3007]

Great !

[@Lory_D]

Wow....almost exactly what I was looking...nice...thanks!!! Happy sewing 🧵💜💜🧵

[@nancym685]

Sew two bags for when start camping for the spring and summer hopefully we get to go. There is only 1 thing i wish would have change if i make another one is putting some interfacing on the part that the topper and zipper is sew to. It is a little floppy, That just me . But thanks so much for taking time to do the video it was very easy to follow.

[@PaigeHandmade]

Thanks for letting me know about that little change. It sounds like a good idea.

[@lilyamongbrambles4458]

This is a great bag and tutorial. Thank you so much! I can't believe I made this adorable bag! I stitched the straps a bit too narrow and so turning them right side out was quite a challenge,lol. I was so nervous turning the bag right side out at the end, hoping I did everything right, and hurray, I did it and it was so satisfying to see it finished. I've been going through a difficult time lately and so this project kept my mind off other stuff and gave me a boost of self confidence when I saw it actually turn out, yay! One thing I did differently was I used a magnetic snap instead of the zipper because I prefer those and I also folded the sides in a bit and stitched along the sides a couple of inches and hand tacked the top sides where I gathered them in because I didn't want the bag to billow out as much. I prefer a slightly narrower, more structured look, but that's just my personal preference. I'm definitely going to make another and will probably add a front pocket to that one. Thanks Paige!!

[@PaigeHandmade]

I'm really glad you made it to suit your needs and style. Great job!

[@rachelles3026]

Thank you so much for this tutorial video! I made the tote using a pretty canvas material with palm trees and for the lining a white cotton fabric with black polka dots.

[@cherylcassel5761]

I love how you attach the zipper to the lining. Its so easy!

[@PaigeHandmade]

I'm glad you think so!

[@nishamali8184]

Nice and useful tutorial... Ty😊

[@virenold]

Thank you so much for this pattern!!!

[@PaigeHandmade]

You're welcome!

[@sydneybristo22]

This was outstanding. I would love more things like this. any storage things. Esp things for beginners or advanced beginners when I get there. Ive been working on masks. I love how your videos are to the point with examples of how they are used and why and let you follow along. You bt far are my favorite sewing channel ever! I just started sewing a few days ago. only sewn once but did for multiple hours teaching myself. I cant wait to do all the things you are teaching us. I would love to make knit joggers some day. well if I can keep the cost down. I found the fabric at the store and it is so soft. I buy them and live in them lol bc I'm disabled. I pay like $16 -20 a pair but if like to make a V neck 3/4 sleeve like your scallop shirt to match. Some day I hope you might explain the uses of different fabrics and their breathability, comfort, durability and cost typically

[@sydneybristo22]

and ease of working with sewing wise. Also what is the difference in the different threads and when to use them. Something you might not know- you can dye your own cotton thread! I was looking into doing that for a friend. I love colorwork and such and I see the price for the fancy color thread at stores and jaw drop.

[@PaigeHandmade]

Thank you for the suggestions!

[@ReinventingMoi]

I made this! You made the instructions are so clear, it gave me confidence to give it a try.

[@PaigeHandmade]

Great job! You did it.

[@kathycoxson8102]

Great bag, great easy instructions, thanks

[@samanthatansley]

Amazing bag! So many techniques and thought put into every step. Love the color choice too!!

[@PaigeHandmade]

Thank you!

[@samantharaehall6140]

such a great and easy tutorial to follow!

[@PaigeHandmade]

Thank you!

[@Dee-re7il]

I love this video, it is so inspirational! I would love to make this bag, it is beautiful!

[@PaigeHandmade]

Thank you! ♥️

[@glauciacsayers3713]

I just finished my tote bag followed by your tutorial. Thanks for that. I just wish that you could do the sewing at the same time, so beginners could follow easily. The video is amazing!

[@PaigeHandmade]

Wonderful! I'm sure it looks great. --- Do you mean showing the sewing steps on the sewing machine? Thank you for your feedback.

[@rituchauhan3880]

How much corner cut measurements please

[@KJSew]

@@rituchauhan3880 hi, believe she said 3.5”

[@fabioferreiragomes]

.......ESPETACULAR.....MAGNÍFICA.......INCRÍVEL........

[@elladavid4761]

i love love love this tutorial!!!!! Wish that you had a pdf pattern. i would love to get one. thnx!!

[@PaigeHandmade]

I don't have a pdf for this but you can draw one using the measurements. Just pause the video on each slide with measurements. 💕

[@elladavid4761]

@@PaigeHandmade wonderful idea. I'll surely tag you on IG when I create it ❤ Sending love all the way from st.lucia in the Cadibbean!!!!

[@EsmeraldaVital]

I love it so much!!!!🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗, great tutorial 👌

[@livinglifegracefullee]

I need to make this ASAP!😍

[@PaigeHandmade]

Do it! 💕

[@widewindow6919]

Very good tutorial. I made one bag..turned out a great bag.

[@PaigeHandmade]

Wonderful!

[@myandymae]

Love this bag!!! 🥰

[@sherylluongo4420]

I haven’t used a sewing machine in 40 years but I found this awesome material that would have been perfect for a tote bag. This tutorial was very easy to follow and the bag came out great. I wish I could figure out how to post a picture of it

[@PaigeHandmade]

I'm so glad the bag turned out well. Excellent work!

[@sherylluongo4420]

@@PaigeHandmade I wish I could send you a picture of in

[@PaigeHandmade]

You can on either Instagram or on my Paige Handmade Facebook group. The links are on the top of my KZbin channel page.

[@dawnnc27]

Man I really need this bag. I’m going to try making it. I’m a newbie though. Hopefully I can do it lol

[@PaigeHandmade]

Take your time. You can do it!

[@dawnnc27]

@@PaigeHandmade is there a trick to turning the handles i side out ? A tool I’m not aware of?

[@PaigeHandmade]

It takes patience, muscle, and maybe a wooden dowel to help.

[@KateInTheCity]

Very cute bag :)

[@bharatiparanjpe4789]

Beautiful demonstration....looks easy...I will try...what is the final measurement of the bag?

[@chantald1498]

Very Nice bag. What kind of fabrid did you use for the outside shell?

[@PaigeHandmade]

Home decor fabric. You could use outdoor fabric, canvas, etc. Heavyweight fabric works well for this bag.

[@cristinaloredanatincu2117]

You are amazing, very useful and explicit tutorials thank you for this.

[@PaigeHandmade]

You are very welcome! Thank you for the compliment!

[@pamthetraveler7224]

I adore this bag and have made 3 already. Is there a hashtag I can use to give you credit? I have made a few dozen tote bags and like something from each but I have always had to do hacks to make it what I wanted. Like adding the side pocket for a water bottle, or how to make the recessed zipper match outside fabric at top instead of lining. So this combines all of the things I usually want when making a tote. I extend the recessed zipper panel to go from side to side, otherwise this is perfect. And your way of teaching (no obnoxious music while you are talking) is amazing. I would like to credit your tutorial so please let me know if there is a shortcut hashtag. Otherwise I will use your name and point to this tutorial. I hope you keep making tutorials, I love your way of teaching. You don't start by apologizing for your hair or other silly things people do, you get right to the point. Thank you!!!!

[@PaigeHandmade]

This comment is so nice. When I was planning the bag I took time to think of all the things I really wanted and use. I like options too. I am glad they appealed to you too. I have several tutorials planned and on my calendar coming up. For a hashtag you can use #paigehandmade and tag my account. I don't have hashtags for specific items at this point, but I do bookmark every project someone shares with me so I can look back at all the variety. It's so fun.

[@lucijarque]

Hi! Thank you for the video , it is a really nice bag. Could you tell me the dimensions of the tote bag finished please? Thank you 😊

[@lynnejohnson6982]

I wish you had given the written dimensions I found it very difficult going back and forth th get them all . Otherwise great bag

[@RafaellaGuevar1]

Thank you for the video! Could anyone give me the final measurements of the bag? I want to make a beach bag, and make sure it is big enough..

[@nancystock6555]

With that fabric for the lining it's hard to distinguish between right and wrong sides!

[@docileferreira7626]

Amazing, i am gonna try this, can u let me know from where can i get such eye catching fabrics ? 😍

[@PaigeHandmade]

Sure thing! Joann Fabric store. Check through the home decor fabrics.

[@docileferreira7626]

@@PaigeHandmade thanks much 😍😍

[@laurengondek6400]

I love this! I need to alter measurements a bit for my application so wondering what seam allowance you used for this? Thanks!

[@PaigeHandmade]

I believe 1/2" in most cases.

[@laurengondek6400]

@@PaigeHandmade That's what I assumed but wanted to be sure :) thank you so much!

[@maryellencote3608]

When you cut out the 3 1/2 square out on bottom is it on the 22” side or 16” Thank you

[@PaigeHandmade]

The longer side is the bottom. Cut the squares out on the bottom edge.

[@skratz-s5t]

Love the video. I have made a couple already. I was wondering about the care and cleaning for it. Since we used Buckram we can't throw it in the wash. What is the best way to clean it if it gets dirty?

[@PaigeHandmade]

You can spot clean it. I've already thrown my bag into the wash. It lost it's stiffness obviously, but it doesn't bother me. I'm not a starching person, but I don't see why you couldn't wash it and starch it afterwards. Or even coat it with wax and melt the wax into canvas to create a waxed canvas bag. So many possibilities!

[@skratz-s5t]

@@PaigeHandmade Thanks!! Greatly appreciated the information!

[@skratz-s5t]

Hey Paige. I have another question for you. I have had a few requests to make a handbag size of this tote. I was wondering if you have measurements or any suggestions for the pieces. Thanks.

[@PaigeHandmade]

I don't have measurements for a smaller size. I would just decrease the main pieces and draw them on paper to see how they look before cutting the fabric.

[@bridgingfundamentalshomesc2026]

Thanks so much. I have young daughters and I'd like to do some sewing with them but I know very little. Do you make videos to show young kids how to sew?

[@PaigeHandmade]

You're welcome! I have young daughters too. My oldest is 6. Her lastest sewing project is stitching 3 by 3 inch squares together by hand with a backstitch. I draw a line so her stitches are straight. Slowly we will put together a dolly quilt. If your girls are confident using a machine, you could try my seamless Scrunchie tutorial. That is a simple and fast project.

[@sylviabrown6127]

Nice

[@praiseworship8158]

It’s so nice! How can I make it with rope handles instead? I want to make one for my granddaughter

[@PaigeHandmade]

You could put four big grommets in, thread two ropes through the grommets on either side and tie the ends into a knot.

[@praiseworship8158]

@@PaigeHandmade thanks so much. Will send pictures when I make it.

[@user-if7ox8fu2b]

Would you know how much fabric and lining you would need to complete this bag? Making for a friend and want to make sure I tell her the right amount thanks

[@jennifermary2350]

She didn’t answer your question?! I want to know the same thing though she does give you measurements of individual pieces of course but would be nice to know the total!

[@saskiah1565]

How much fabric would I need to mug for each print In total Absolutely beautiful pattern Thank you 🤗

[@PaigeHandmade]

One yard of each will give you enough for the bag and pockets plus a bit of extra scraps. Pay attention to directional prints and the fabric widths that has an effect on yardage.

[@saskiah1565]

Thank you

[@ediedoodle]

i love your lining fabric what blend is it?

[@PaigeHandmade]

I think it was a cotton linen blend. Crisp and light.

[@kelsieseow6481]

Hey love this bag!!! Made it quite a few times. Wondering if any special thread is needed or is regular cotton thread fine. The type you use to sew clothes? Sorry new to this, thanks again!

[@PaigeHandmade]

I typically use polyester thread because it is strong and won't break or wear as easily as cotton.

[@kelsieseow6481]

@@PaigeHandmade thanks ! Will try to source some where I’m located (jamaica)

[@kelsieseow6481]

@@PaigeHandmade actually is there any on amazon that you’d recommend? I may just order it

[@PaigeHandmade]

I use Gutermann thread most of the time.

[@Lory_D]

Hi!!!! I have a question... I'm making this bag (yessss!!!!) but I have a doubt... The inside pockets (the ones that are open botton pockets for the watter bottle) I'm a newbie...sorry... Doubt.... do you top stitch the 4 sides of the pieces first and then stitched each piece to the liner?? Please advice...thanks!!!

[@PaigeHandmade]

Top stitch the top and bottom of the "pocket" piece then fold and stitch the sides to the bag lining. You can do this anyway you want though.

[@Lory_D]

@@PaigeHandmade Great...thanks for your input!!!!!

[@kaitlynbonkoski2266]

Do I need the interfacing? Because my material is pretty thick... I’m just wondering if I need to go out and buy some for this project to be successful...

[@PaigeHandmade]

You can make it without interfacing the fabric sides and strap. That will make it softer, but that's okay. I would still recommend using interfacing on the welt zipper of the inside pocket. You can skip the pocket of you don't have any.

[@ydm4579]

Nice tutorial, can I use duck cotton fabric

[@PaigeHandmade]

Yes, you can.

[@ydm4579]

Thank you madam

[@denisepatterson1296]

Can I make this bag without any of the zippers?

[@PaigeHandmade]

Yes, of course. Skip the zippers and leave it with an open top.

[@gailmcnair8393]

i need some help please i think i have attached the top zipper and lining top incorrectly because when I pull my bag through the zipper is on the inside. Can you show some additional pictures of that step? thanks

[@nancystock6555]

Yes, me too!

[@nancystock6555]

I had the same problem. Guess no answer

[@PaigeHandmade]

I can't give any additional pictures as the bag is already made. I try to show the steps as clear as I can in the tutorials. I've run into challenging instructions as I have learned to sew and definitely had moments where I sewed something the opposite direction. I understand the frustration. I've had to use my seam ripper countless times and redo a seam to get it right. Every time that happened it taught me so much about sewing. I wish you the best in your bag making and all I can really offer through a comment is this... Place washi tape or a little dot sticker on the "right sides" of your fabric. The right side of the lining is where the zipper should be, so pin everything in place before stitching to make sure it is where it should be. If something goes wrong you can always take out the stitches and try again. I know it's a pain, but even the best sewers have to rip out stitches. Good luck! 💕

[@sallybest4135]

Do you have the instructions written out anywhere? 😁

[@PaigeHandmade]

Just the video for this project.

[@rituchauhan3880]

Can you please tell me corner cut measurements please Because after a long time this bag is my favorite

[@PaigeHandmade]

3.5 inches.

[@rituchauhan3880]

@@PaigeHandmade Thank you so much 🙏😊

[@jodiquattro746]

What’s the finished size.

[@PaigeHandmade]

Great question! 11" tall, 14" wide, 7" deep. Those are the measurements straight off my finished bag.

[@nadineogoodrich4436]

Tutorial was clear in the instructions, but, a little fast. It may be difficult for beginners. I really like the way this bag goes together.

[@PaigeHandmade]

Thanks for letting me know. Glad you like the bag.

[@nancystock6555]

I think I've been punked

[@leslieladyhawke]

Are there written instructions for this bag?

[@PaigeHandmade]

No, just the video. Pause for measurements.

[@mercygill5150]

Nice Work. However, when making a tutorial, using print for demonstration is distracting 😅

[@jennifermary2350]

Not distracting the fabric is gorgeous and makes the bag very attractive