How to Sew: The Ultimate Commuter Tote Bag by Sewspire Sewing Tutorials

[@curtriceennis2924]

WOWWW !!! You don't know how happy I am to have found this video. I've been searching for about a year now, trying to find a video showing how to make a large tote bag with fully separated compartments. All I've ever seen before this one had the compartments "loose" and "open" in the bottom of the bag. When I saw how this bag had the separate compartments, I cried a little with joy 😅 because it is mostly what I've been searching for. Only things different I need to do are adding pockets and card slots to the interior, longer handles on the front and back for the "handbag" portion, an adjustable strap for the cross - body portion, and, maybe making all three compartments have a zipper on them. Also, this pattern seems to be large enough with the bag being nine inches deep. It depends on how big my sister wants me to make it. I'm a beginner sewist, and, this pattern looks easy enough to follow for me. TYSVM for sharing this video with us. Thank you also for sharing your knowledge and techniques with us. Love your channel. 😻😉😍👍

[@frecklefacedfabrichead9959]

I have completed 4 of these. One for me and 3 as gifts. I love the size of this bag. It fits perfectly under the airplane seat and the middle pocket is perfect to secure anything you don't want to risk falling out while stowed. Thank you so much for this wonderful method. I watched along for the first bag and then wrote down the instructions so I could sew the others without having to re-watch every time. After the first bag, I began adding things like key hooks and phone pockets in the middle compartment. Thanks Again!

[@gmcultra]

Did u do any of these with 3 zippered compartments?

[@frecklefacedfabrichead9959]

@@gmcultra I have only done the version with zipper compartment in the middle. But seems (seams…lol) like it would be same process but narrower for the side zip tops

[@aliciabrooks6762]

I’m making this as a diaper bag for my coworkers wife. I love how paced and detailed you are. it makes a beginner like me feel more confident because you’re really detailing everything and it makes it really easy. Thank you !

[@meganwright2738]

Am I the only one that thinks this could also be made into a cute diaper bag? Love it!

[@Sewspire]

Absolutely adorable diaper bag (for twins) (wink, wink)!

[@corinastone1076]

That's what I'm doing!

[@berniecelee5062]

Yes! Great idea for diaper bag too! I was thinking this is what I want to commute with , cause I ❤️ LOVE Love love compartments cause I hate digging for stuff so if it’s organized by compartments ....just pure joy ! My boys hate shopping for my gifts cause they never find a bag that I love. If only they can sew then this is the perfect gift 🎁 . So I guess I make my own birthday gift😃😃😃. Great design ! Thanks 🙏🏻

[@Mrs_Crider_]

That’s what I’m thinking about

[@brendaeves3236]

This was a great video, thank you. I will be making this for my sister-in-law for Christmas. You were really clear in your instructions for a new sewer like myself.

[@keriturner9990]

I made one of these (out of quilting scraps) for a project tote. I love it SO MUCH that I'm making three more for friends who craft as Christmas presents!

[@Sewspire]

That makes me so happy to know! Thank you for sharing your talents with friends!

[@keriturner9990]

@@Sewspire Thank you for making it easy to do!

[@lgrundy6139]

You are the perfect instructor. I really enjoy your videos and projects. Thank you 😊

[@Sewspire]

Thank you!

[@lhm72052]

Well, I just finished making this bag and I just love it! This is the first time in 30+ years I've put in a zipper and it turned out very nice. Thanks so much for posting this project, I might just have to make another one for my sister!

[@lesleyw5836]

Thanks so much for this pattern and video. I am now the proud owner of the ultimate tote with cats on the outside and “Grumpy cat’ on the inside. Great work tote - thanks again. :)

[@Sewspire]

Sounds amazing!

[@carolg.6838]

THANK YOU! You have thought of everything with this bag--all the pockets, zipper, snap, and both handles. Agree with others on your excellent tutorial. Love the color combinations. Great for commuting or a mom. I remember we kids would ask Mom mostly for a tissue, but moms seem to bring everything their kids might need. And it could all fit in this bag!

[@Sewspire]

So glad you like this design Carol! It was a lot of fun for me to design and I agree you could pack everything a mom would need in this one!

[@galememeeof6688]

I just happened to be watching your older videos yesterday (getting anxious for today) and watched your Commuter Tote Bag video. This is so awesome with even more pockets and "hardware". Who doesn't need a nice big bag with pockets! Love it. Gale

[@Sewspire]

So glad you like this new version. We wanted to add the center zip pocket and the exterior pockets are a bonus.

[@lynetterene]

Exactly!!!! Can't have too many pockets.....lol

[@allshookup8882]

What a great ULTIMATE commuter tote! I can think of many uses...day trip, pool bag, weekender, picnic essentials...love it! Thanks for adding the center zip compartment. I really like the shorter handles too. I can hardly wait to get started on making this great tote. ...Cheryl

[@Sewspire]

So glad you like it Cheryl! This bag is so much fun to sew and I agree it has many possibilities! The shorter handles are fabulous for heavy bags. ~Andrea

[@suchitrarajan4745]

You explain the process of your projects beautifully,every step is crystal clear,thank you so much

[@Sewspire]

You are welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@lizd7206]

You have taken the "complicated" out of sewing. Thank you! I can't wait to make this bag!!

[@Sewspire]

I love that! May I use that in a future slogan?

[@lizd7206]

Sewspire - Absolutely!

[@sonialorenzo9223]

I love your instructions and the pattern is good for different uses.

[@Adeliaaddy]

Wow! I can see myself using this bag thousands of time. Just love all your tutorials. Your instructions are so clear. Thank you!

[@Sewspire]

So glad you like it and there are many purposes this style could serve indeed!

[@Knitterbug]

I am so excited to make this! Really happy to find your channel, even if it is an older video!

[@tracystoutbehunin9303]

Wow. Love this bag!! So many diy bags don’t have enough pockets. Love this!

[@Sewspire]

So glad you like the design!

[@jewelstuck2773]

I completed my bag!! Giving it as a gift to my daughter! She is going to love this!! Thank you so much! It was a blast to make! :)

[@lalithasankaran7120]

You are the best in teaching others also it's beautiful bag

[@JohnMurray1977]

You always pick the best fabric choices for your projects!!!

[@Sewspire]

Thank you! I do love fabric!

[@awholelife]

Thank you - I made one this week and I love it!! I did add interfacing to everything so it is nice and sturdy as well. Great tutorial!!

[@Sewspire]

I bet that is fabulous!

[@stephdunn87]

OK I have a question. On the pockets for the outside, when you stagger the outside piece and the accent piece, how does the accent fabric connect at the bottom? Does it catch in the seam or? And do you think it would be too bulky to use foam stabilizer instead of a fusible fleece type?

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

Stephanie Dunn, I’m just seeing this but I was just thinking you probably could use the foam interfacing in body of the bag.

[@evelyntorres5049]

Love love Love this bag so great thank you for the video. I’ve made one for each of my kids teachers and they love them so great thank you once again I love you video

[@Sewspire]

Wow! Your teachers must LOVE YOU!

[@carlalessard1985]

Thanks so much for the videos, I have made 2 of your bags so far Thanks to your great instruction

[@Sewspire]

It’s my pleasure and thank you for watching!

[@carolineirwin2716]

Making my 4th one. Near done and I am loving it!!

[@heidimallett2177]

Excellent, once again! Can't wait to get some great fabric. Oops! Forgot my promise to work from my stash. But I will need twill. I love it. So many uses. Heidi

[@Sewspire]

Yep, I try that too. It never works. Have fun shopping!

[@connie8356]

Loving all the storage compartments in this bag! 👍🏻

[@Sewspire]

Me too! Lots of possibilities if you add pockets!

[@doozledog]

Hi, I have a problem! I’ve followed your tutorial to the letter, but my inside panels are so much narrower than the main bag! Should I just take in more on the side seams of the outer bag to accommodate this??

[@LizDavis2009]

Thank you Andrea! Great bag!! I especially love the way you do the recessed zipper, much easier than how I've done them in the past!!!

[@Sewspire]

I agree Liz! This is the easiest zipper method I know.

[@karenhubler2792]

A+ work, It is beautiful.Love your simple way of teaching.

[@Sewspire]

Thank you!

[@cherylmurray9868]

Wonderful bag! On my to do list!! Thanks for all of you great videos!!!

[@Sewspire]

So glad you like it Cheryl! I am excited for you to make one of these. As always, it is a pleasure to create great content for this beautiful community of makers! Andrea

[@bobbieparsons1917]

Awesome. Thank you soooooo much. Going to make at least two for gifts

[@Sewspire]

That is so kind of you! I am sure they will be thrilled.

[@kellibraholli7552]

My bag turned out super cute but, phew that was A LOT of material to get under the sewing machine. I really struggled with sewing the lining in to the bag. I am an experienced beginner so hopefully as I craft more bags this piece will get easier. Thank you for sharing!

[@Sewspire]

I am impressed Kelli! This is a big project! You can be very proud of your accomplishment and yes it will get easier. When I first started out I didn't think I would ever even be able to align my side seams. True story!

[@cerchocolate]

Very inspiring Andrea. Thank you for helping me to love bag sewing once more! Love from Robin Hood country in England. Clairexx

[@Sewspire]

So glad you enjoyed this tutorial! Sending love from The Plains, Virginia!

[@Janniopolis]

I am absolutely in love with my new bag!! I made this for myself and I'm now making it for friends and family! thank you so much, had so much fun with this tutorial!

[@Sewspire]

Aw, I am so happy to hear this and am excited for your friends and family to benefit from your new found love!

[@Lvirgil35]

I love this bag. I think this would make the perfect diaper bag and I am going to make this as a baby shower gift. Thanks for the video.

[@Sewspire]

I agree, this would be an awesome diaper bag!

[@54gravi]

WOW! This is the Bag for Me. Love IT!!!

[@Sewspire]

So glad you like it!

[@donnaprosser9616]

You are so very good! You make it look easy. Thank you.

[@Sewspire]

Thank you Donna!

[@TruthSeekerNC]

A great project once again! You always out do yourself. Thank you for sharing this wonderful tutorial!

[@Sewspire]

It is my pleasure Wanda. Thank you for your continued interest!

[@Sunshinetropics]

I'm about to make this for my aunty to take to chemotherapy. Thanks so much

[@Sewspire]

Sending love to your Aunty.

[@dstevenpro]

Thanks for a very nice bag video pattern,I look forward to your videos because your bags are very useful

[@Sewspire]

You are welcome. Thank you!

[@brynse]

Another really nice one Andrea. I’m working my way through your projects. Thanks for all the work you put in to them.

[@Sewspire]

Thank you! So glad you are enjoying the channel!

[@elaineyarbrough5630]

Very nice! I'm going to add mesh zippered pockets to the two end interior panels. I love this bag. :)

[@Sewspire]

That will be so fabulous!

[@SparkyOne549]

I thought of doing the same thing. Haven’t made it yet, coming up with my own ideas to add.

[@bonniehartnett535]

Thank you for the great video. Made one interfaced with fusible foam as a gift for my Mom. Came out great and makes a very large bag. Perfect weekender/travel bag or even a project bag

[@Sewspire]

Fusible foam is an awesome option for this bag. So glad you are happy with the finished product!

[@meenujain1556]

All your projects are grt and tried by me they are unremarkable

[@Sewspire]

Thank you!

[@mauvismiller7848]

You got the most interesting sew-a-longs and all so easy... I learn so much, thanks for all your posts

[@Sewspire]

Glad you like them! It's fun to create for this awesome community of makers! 👍

[@brendagriffin6437]

i love this bag and you explain it so clearly. I am going to be making diaper bags for grandkids. I think one of those center sides I might use PUL to waterproof one side? I think I can add some pockets on the inside of yellow layer by adding fusible interfacing to that center layer for pocket stability. I know this video is 5 years old....but Your thoughts?

[@joannecolajo]

Wow, you came into my feed this morning. I wish I found you sooner. His is definitely the best bag I have seen. I am going to try this very very soon. Thanks for sharing this bag and giving us the instructions and pattern. So generous. I subscribed and liked this video.

[@Sewspire]

Thank you Joanne and welcome to Sewspire! We have a wonderfully supportive and creative community here and I think you will enjoy your time with us very much!

[@martic4032]

This will be my Sunday project!

[@Sewspire]

Have fun with this one! It's a great "big" bag!

[@mary-lynnmcconnell5656]

Can’t wait to make one.

[@Sewspire]

So excited for you to have this bag Mary-Lynn!

[@shandaturman9974]

I love love love the commuter bag

[@Sewspire]

So glad you like it!

[@cheseiah]

I am in love with this bag! At first I thought this would be impossible for me to sew since im a total beginner. But upon watching your tutorial, it's easy! However, what would be the measurements or how would I downsized it to 10inc length?

[@hanlinc1]

Bless you Anedrea, you did it again, another AMAZING TUTORIAL love the bag! I read, all the comments before asking my question: Could you give guide lines on the best way to downside for a smaller bag/any bag? Often I have tried to make a bag smaller and I end up making a mess. I absolutely love the three panels you added to this tote but would be too heavy for me to carry. I used your Cross Body Bag Pattern for several birthday and graduation gifts(I quilted the flaps & some the whole bag) also I made smaller ones for little girl birthday gifts. So quick and easy, thank you! A purse size would be great in the Ultimate Commuter Tote Pattern, hint, hint! Keeping us SEW n Spired! ;)

[@Sewspire]

Hello Cathy! For this one you will need to experiment with the measurements and I highly recommend making a pattern prototype first. I would begin by subtracting 2" from each side and 1" from the top and bottom. I hope that helps you and others who want something smaller. I will add the purse size commuter tote to the tutorial line up for September. Have a beautiful day! Andrea

[@hanlinc1]

Thank you, I will try that and look forward to September! Have a BLESSED day Andrea ;)

[@SparkyOne549]

What a great bag! I will make one. But I want a stiffer zippered pocket to protect my iPad on the inside. So I will have to think about it more. Maybe I can line the outer with fusible fleece and make one pocket close to the outside fully lined with fusible fleece. I don’t like the idea of using batting, cotton batting would shrink a bit in the wash, polyester will be ok, as long as you don’t dry it hot.

[@VSue76]

Great🌸it is so good to have big Totes for shopping

[@Sewspire]

Oh yes! I have another great big tote for you to make in the next video.

[@donnacook2531]

I love it! Cannot wait to get started!

[@Sewspire]

I am excited for you!

[@sm1lerno1]

Love it as I do all of your tutorials

[@Sewspire]

Thank you!

[@jusu-craftangel]

Thank you, amazing projects, easy to follow and your voice is so relaxing! Love, love, love x

[@suzykalai]

Hello Andrea... Thank you for all the wonderful videos. You have such amazing talent. God bless you. You are so sweet to share your ideas with us. I was wondering if you could come up with a nice big size diaper bag with a changing mat attached. I am planning to make one but could not find any patterns for this style. Thank you again for all your awesome videos 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@Sewspire]

Thank you Suzy! You are so kind! I will add the concept to my future list. In the meantime, you could buy my Ultimate Diaper Bag Tutorial in PDF instant download: www.andreachapmandesigns.com/listing/127250941/pdf-tutorial-watermelon-wishes-ziptop and slip the changing pad in between the exterior straps. As an added bonus, I have a free tutorial for the diaper clutch and changing pad too: sewspire.com/2016/09/how-to-sew-a-diaper-clutch-and-minky-dot-changing-pad/

[@lgrundy6139]

I am psyching myself out on starting this one. I have a directional outter fabric and need to do 2 pieces instead of one 😂 why am I waiting!!!!

[@jamiebianco]

Great bag! Excited to try this one 🤗

[@Sewspire]

So glad! Let us know how it works out for you!

[@nancylovebucket2467]

You're a great teacher! Thank you.

[@IlFantamondodiPatty]

Wauuuu...andrea... It is fantastic!!!! I love this kind of bag. Thank you very much.😘

[@Sewspire]

So glad you like it! It was a blast to design and I am really excited to load mine up and take it on a trip!

[@Danielle33384]

I absolutely love your channel!! Thank you so much for sharing your great ideas!

[@Sewspire]

You are so sweet to say so Danielle!

[@izabeau1953]

Love your bag that you made....so inspiring......❤️🌹❤️🌹

[@Sewspire]

Thank you!

[@julz63]

Wow, another awesome tutorial 👍🏽👍🏽 Thanks for so much inspiration Andrea ❤️

[@Sewspire]

So glad you like it Julie!

[@jyotiyelamali8078]

im inspiring ur projects mam thanku for ur tutorials n stich ur patterns mam. thanks mam.

[@Sewspire]

Thank you!

[@ruthcline5465]

Great bag!!

[@traceyseymour7700]

hi Andrea, this would make a great nappy/diaper bag, my next project.....thank you

[@Sewspire]

I agree! This would be an amazing diaper bag!

[@arlenemurphy804]

Great instruction, Andrea. Think I will give this a try...

[@Sewspire]

Thanks awesome! Let us know how it turns out!

[@dianadellacioppa2257]

This is amazing!!!!! I can't wait to make it!!! Thank you so much!!! You're the top!!!!😍

[@Sewspire]

Thank you Diana!

[@beccaking6827]

Thank you so much for this video! I made it today and I love it so much!

[@mels9696]

Thank you so much . That is what I want to do. Great tutorial

[@Sewspire]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wandasmart8941]

I love your tutorials so much. . . thank you. I am going to be a great grandmother in May and I am going to make this as a diaper bag. I'll be adding extra pockets inside and making the long strap adjustable. I was thinking I'd like to use foam interfacing to give it more stability but I don't know if my machine can sew through the bulk. . . ? My fabrics are the gray with large white dots for the exterior and yellow with large white dots for the zipper interior pocket and the side pockets are yellow with small white dots and gray with small white dots. . . then I also have some gray with white zigzag lines for the smaller interior pockets. (My granddaughter loves polka dots, so I think she'll like this bag. . . lol)

[@Sewspire]

Oh this will make an amazing diaper bag! The fabric combo sounds so fun. Let us know how it comes together Wanda!

[@monikahaider-bolten829]

Hallo Andrea! Such a beautiful bag! I´m going to find some nice fabrics here in germany to make one! Thanks for your wonderful pattern and idea! - Monika -

[@Sewspire]

Thank you Monika! I am excited for you to have this bag!

[@debbielittle6956]

Thank you Andrea, I love your videos, you are a great instructor. I am going to make this bag - could I make all three panels with zippers? Instead of two with snaps?

[@Sewspire]

You sure can!

[@mysticdraggy5239]

I have not sewed so much in a long time as I have this week since discovering your channel! :D :D I looked through and was trying to see which Duck Fabric you recommend. There's different weights, so wondering which you have used in your bags? Thank you!! ♥

[@lolaloera6510]

Very nice Andrea but are you going to restock your shop i love your video. 😃😁

[@Sewspire]

Restock my Etsy shop?

[@simonecarvallhoartes2614]

Belíssima bag👍

[@dianahenderson6049]

I can’t wait to make this bag 😍😍😍

[@arhalia]

Que hermosa bolsa, me encantan tus tutoriales, un saludo y felicidades por tu canal

[@sharahzhefanya5851]

Great bag❤

[@Sewspire]

Thank you!

[@bobbiready4649]

Love your work and patterns! This one really caught my eye. I need a new carry on bag and this looks perfect. I want to try to install a zipper to top of bag for going through TSA. Maybe recessing the inside panels will help with that?

[@Sewspire]

That will work; but, I also think you can use the same zipper instal method and just attach the zipper panels to the exterior edges, no problem. Let us know how it comes together!

[@bobbiready4649]

+Sewspire good idea! I will let you know how it goes! Thank you.

[@YannaMichaelides]

So cleverious. superb. fantastic. creative geniously!!

[@Sewspire]

Thank you Yanna!

[@joanotieno8164]

Beautiful stuff always

[@anamariamendoncalima5255]

Uau!!! Linda, prática e muito útil. Adorei! Vou tentar fazer. Parabéns pelo projeto e obrigada por compartilhar. Abraços 👏👏👏👏😍

[@natalinaalmeida8692]

Ana Maria Mendonça Lima Boa tarde. Você conseguiu a medida de fazer os cantos dos bolsos de dentro e da bolsa de fora (eu conheço com caixa de leite) poderia me passar por favor.obrigada

[@carolynb1413]

Thank you....just beautiful. When you sewed the stabilizer yo the bottom of the bag, did you just see around all 4 sides? So you would have stitches showing on the outside of bag?

[@Sewspire]

The stitching along the base adds a nice accent. You could also stitch just down the sides of the stabilizer and hide that in the seam or with the pockets.

[@carolineirwin2716]

I made this and love it!!!

[@carolineirwin2716]

Making my 3rd one today!!!

[@lilitincher4973]

You have such great projects! Thank you sew much!

[@Sewspire]

You are welcome! Thank you!

[@tamikiabrodeur965]

Another awesome tutorial thank you 🙏🏻 😊

[@Sewspire]

Glad you like it!

[@awkwardartist7628]

Oh I’m making this for sure!

[@Sewspire]

Awesome!

[@vallimayilv8980]

Very interesting....let me try this....😉

[@Sewspire]

Have fun!

[@jeanlockmiller9422]

Nice tutorial

[@danimalgrl]

At 3:46 for the repeating two more times, are you folding each on three times or folding each one of the three pouches only once?

[@Sewspire]

The interior compartments are folded in half right sides facing and the sides are stitched closed. You will need to create a total of three interior compartments.

[@virginiaalbert4889]

Could you do the zipper gusset before you sew the side seams?

[@Sewspire]

You could; but, it might shift. Use lots of pins if you go that route.

[@annepahler8726]

Magnificent! Thank you!

[@mariaanjosrosa]

Maravilhoso tutorial. Obrigada

[@Sewspire]

Thank you!

[@mariavillanueva6410]

maria dos anjos rosa batist

[@joanmacleod1362]

I just recently found your channel. I love your method of teaching- so relaxed. I read one comment where person did not have enough fabric. Now I am worried about cutting. Do you have any tips to make sure I don’t experience the same issue ?

[@Sewspire]

Hi Joan! I suggest 2 to 3 yards of 44" cotton fabric for the interior and accent 1 to 1.5 yards of 54" Twill, Duck, Canvas or Home Dec for the exterior 9" x 14" piece of Pellon 70 24" x 36" piece of quilt batting (Warm and Natural or Pellon) 2 snap sets + tool to install (small hammer and wooden cutting board is fine) 14" zipper (chunkier separating styles with metal teeth look best on bags)

[@joanmacleod1362]

@@Sewspire thank you so much for these measurements. Love your channel

[@deirdrekehoe3710]

Hi, thank you so much for this pattern! Your video is very clear and easy to follow. I'm sizing down the pattern because I'm making a handbag insert and in my test paper version I'm finding the cotton inner sections are a good bit shorter than the height of the twill outer section? Does that happen with the full size version? Would you see any issue if I were to cut them to be the same height?

[@Sewspire]

Just be sure to account for the depth you will add to the panels as the fat corners will consume some of that height. Not sure if that will be represented in your paper pattern.

[@tracyallan5909]

How do I get the measurements for the fabric required for this? Also could part of 1 side be made into a cool bag?

[@lisaberry2529]

If I were making a diaper bag, could I use cotton fabric for the whole bag? Wanting to use what I have on hand! Thank you!

[@Sewspire]

Absolutely! I like to use quilt batting with the cotton fabric ❤️