Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial for Beginners

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Finished Size: The bottom finished at 11" by 4.5" and the bag finished at 15" wide on the top (measuring the top flat) by 12.5" high (with the finished boxed bottom).

[@Cindy-sb5dv]

Love the bag. What length were your straps?

[@janetbourda5256]

The best tote bag tutorial yet. The French seams really simplify it!!!

[@joyceesparza8456]

Hi my friend, I sew 10 tote bags so proud . Thank you 😊. Austin texas

[@maureenbrown5754]

I am watching from Calgary, Alberta, Canada

[@danadoiron2198]

I just love my new bag! From Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

[@FranRyder-uo7yj]

Lovely. I'm from Western Australia...Australia

[@loisdemurjian4318]

I’m on my third bag as gifts! Love this pattern. From Storrs CT

[@AlAmaranto]

Amwatching from the philippines. I enjoy watching your tutorial . Tnx

[@MareeK4346]

August 2024: I have made about 10 for friends and family, I don’t have an industrial sewing machine and I found the thickness a painful experience. Tip: To day I made another one, this time I cut the iron on fusible interfacing 1 centre-mitre less on the sides, not so thick. Made it so much easier and less stressful.

[@lynetterene]

Good thinking.... that's the way to do it

[@robgriffiths5459]

Thanks for this tutorial. I was looking for one that didn't had a seam across the bottom. Great video

[@WendysCraftDen]

Hi Tamara. I keep forgetting how todo this so this tutorial will be going on my Home Screen. I’m from Narberth Pems Wales. Thank you for this I will now have it to look at for as long as I sew. Hugs xxx

[@annsecrest7104]

Tamara: GREAT tutorial!! I added a zipper pocket to one side of the tote and embroidered the initial of the gift recipient to the other side. After working for 40 years in Alaska, now retired and watching from Sioux Falls, South Dakota

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

That is wonderful! I am so glad you enjoyed making this tote bag your own. What a change in locations after so long! I hope you are enjoying being in South Dakota now :)

[@jacquiejudd3083]

I’m from AZ, but living in Utah… I have made several of your one piece rag quilts! Now, I can’t wait to sew some tote bags for Christmas.

[@dottiemathews6853]

FABULOUS VIDEO TAMARA DAHLING! I HAD TO LOOK AT IT TWICE TO REALLY GET THE CONCEPT OF PUTTING THIS BEAUTIFUL BAG TOGETHER (ANOTHER REVEAL TO LET ME KNOW THERE IS NO ONE WAY TO CREATE A TOTE BAG!) AND I LOVE IT! (ESPECIALLY THE FRENCH SEAMS!) I AM FROM ATLANTA GA! I WILL BE DOING THIS BAG. I AM A CREATIVE DESIGNER OF CANVAS TOTE BAGS AND ACESSORIES (CHASSIEDOT CREATIONS, LLC. )

[@HelenCunningham-l2f]

I have watched your tutorials many times. Your style of teaching is easy to follow. I have been away from sewing for years and now that I am retired I have relearned so many sewing tips and short cuts for making pillows, hand bags, bindings etc. I am from Mt. Laurel, NJ and so glad you have these on line videos.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Thanks for watching my tutorials and for leaving such a lovely comment! It's awesome to hear that my teaching style is easy to follow and that you've been able to relearn sewing tips. Happy sewing!

[@maryannnewsham7714]

The French seems really make this bag shine. Watching this tutorial from cold Michigan.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Thank you Maryann! I too am in the cold at the moment. But I am hoping a warm spring reaches alberta soon!

[@PunkrockNoir-ss2pq]

This was my first sewing project ever today, came out great, thanks

[@gladysmendez2151]

Love your tutorial. I am a beginner and I want to sew as many totes that I can because I am 93 years old and won't be around much longer and I do love to sew. Thank you Tamara. 💝💝

[@jillangelo6039]

How wonderful you’re adventurous! I would like you for a neighbor to sew with. Don’t worry about your age; you’re probably too young to be that old. Stay well and Gods blessings to you.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

I am impressed that you are sewing at 93 Gladys!!!! That's amazing!!! My grandmother had your similar spunk, she had arthritis in her hands and kept on doing her card making. She just said it took her a bit longer than it used to. But why stop!?!

[@cathyellington7599]

Love this tutorial. I have made it twice. Changed some things. Added some pockets on inside. This bag is so nice and love the pattern you designed. You are a great teacher.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Thank you Cathy! I am glad to hear that you are enjoying making this bag and love the addition of pockets!

[@venesem]

I am from Jamaica. Ilove this tutorial just made the bag. Thank you.

[@cynthiademaio7917]

Hi: I'm Cindy from Rhode Island. A friend from my writing group recommended this video a year ago and I've been making tote bags ever since. What fun! Thanks for positing this.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

That's wonderful Cindy! I am so glad you found this tutorial helpful. Happy Sewing!

[@AishaAbbas-g8u]

I loved ur video, this is ur 1st video I have watched and subscribed right away. Would love to have a video of tote bag with outer picket. Love from oman❤❤

[@wendywicklund4764]

California. Thank you for your video. Short and to the point. Not dragging out like so many.

[@chrisstockwell1383]

hi I just found your channel. Really enjoying how you teach. I am relearning. I am 72 and from Australia. And I will be watching many more of your tutorials.

[@mechellechea-trietiak2477]

Love this... Watching from Florida

[@henryettercurtis548]

I just started making bags, I have only made two🤭However, Lord saying the same I’ll make your today. I’m in Arkansas!

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

I hope it went well! Bag making can become addicting....and more bags are always needed ;) You must have some wonderful weather in Arkansas! I am in Alberta, Canada...still cold here. Can't wait for spring!

[@vickishelton1342]

Hi from North Texas! I've made several tote bags, but this one is by far the cutest and easiest! Love the french seams! Where have these been all my life? I'll be making more of these tote bags! Thanks for an easy-to-understand tutorial.

[@kemarchese1]

This is my newest favorite bag pattern. I love my first one and intend to make many more. I had directional fabric so had to cut main and sew together at opposite ends.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

So glad to hear that! Happy sewing 🧵

[@lizwilliams6176]

I've now made two of these with a pocket on the front and I'm in love with them! Thank you for this awesome tote pattern. From Texas

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

I love the addition of a pocket on the front! A great idea!

[@jillangelo6039]

This is such a simple, beautiful and easy bag to make, and I love that your instructions are “sew” simple, and measurements are in inches…a big bonus for me and others, I’m sure. Clever girl and lovely, too. I’m in RI, smallest state in USA.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Thank you so much Jill! RI looks like a wonderful state, one day I hope to see it in person :)

[@racheljackson110]

Hello, I am from Redford Michigan. I am learning how to sew. I enjoy how easy you make it.

[@vu9963]

I am from El Salvador. I was looking for this type of sewing. Well described!! Thank you.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

So glad to hear that! Happy sewing 🧵

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

After 2 very busy sewing days, I get to watch you work with my heating pad on my shoulders and back. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead. Thank you for your talent, inspiration and posting this video!

[@GloriaHasberry]

I am from Atlanta, Georgia USA. Thanks for an excellent tutorial and beautiful tote bag.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

You are so welcome! I am glad you are exploring my channel Gloria, I hope you will find lots of inspiration to get you sewing :)

[@crazywildcat1971]

Hello from Alaska, made the bag from you pattern using my left overs.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

So glad to hear that!!!! Hope it went well 🥳

[@crazywildcat1971]

@@TamarasJoyDIY yes it did, such an easy pattern to make.

[@miriamsellers]

So excited to make this bag! Your instructions are fantastic! Thank you from Alabama

[@stephaniepetta9815]

Love this and can't wait to make it here in beautiful Florida, USA!

[@jemapark4947]

Hi Tamara, I am watching you from Baltimore, Maryland USA! Thank you.

[@BrianSimpson-h5n]

This is Gail sewing from Central PA. Love your tutorials, especially for sewing pillow covers and baby items as well as tote bags. Thanks Tamara!

[@michellemoran7615]

I love making bags! I was born in Canada, but currently live in Indiana! My Mum still lives in Vancouver BC

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Hi Michelle, Bags have become a new obsession of mine for sure. Vancouver!!! Love it. I grew up in northern BC so Vancouver was always the cool city road trip to go on. Hope you are enjoying Indiana!

[@angelinalozada189]

Thank You, watching from Puerto Rico.

[@amandabassett3952]

Thank you so much for the tutorial. Your tutorial is the easiest one that I found so far. ❤

[@wendyvick2357]

Watching from Northeast Florida 🌴🌴🌴

[@kellismith3844]

Thank you! Just what I was looking for.

[@martinebourgault2639]

Hank you for this video. I’m from the south shore of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Welcome Martine! Always nice to meet a fellow Canadian 🥳

[@svotaw511]

Super easy and am making as gifts! I've done other boxed bottom bags but this seems easier and less ork. Lol BTW. SPARTA MICHIGAN HERE!!! ❤🎉😊

[@583stz]

Thanks so much for your tutorial. I have done a similar tote with inner pockets in the past and am using it for a pattern, but your tutorial was a great review for me. I am in central California. Thanks so very much.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

I am so glad to hear that!

[@CatherineSews]

Lovely tote bag! Great idea to use a French seam on the side seams. (Re: your question: I'm watching from BC Canada).

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Thanks Catherine! I really love French seams. They are so easy and make things so pretty. BC! That's where I grew up, Northern BC. I will always love BC. It is so beautiful!

[@roxannehernandez9396]

Sewing from Texas! ☺Easy tutorial - thank you for posting!

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

And thank you for watching it Roxanne 💜 I have been to Texas one time and LOVED it!

[@maryannnewsham7714]

I have watched this tutorial at least three times and I want to make it. Well the time is come I have procrastinated long enough and I have a fundraiser tonight that I have promised a tote bag to so this is the one that I am going to make. I don't have any strapping to match the fabric I'm going to use so I am going to make my own handles. I am still watching from cold cold Michigan. I can't wait to make this.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

I hope it went well for you Maryann! I love making my own handles too. Hope it's warmed up in Michigan for you, and happy sewing!

[@sharonlalli1414]

Can't wait to make this. Perfect size. Like the longer straps. From PA USA.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Glad to hear it Sharon. I really enjoyed making this one and those straps were a real stickler for me lol! I have never been to Pennsylvania. But one day I hope to make it that way. I have visited the great lakes (lake Erie) but from the north end (Ontario) and loved it!

[@elenikalyvioti4521]

Hello! I am watching from Athens, Greece!

[@carylhalfwassen8555]

Use gross grain ribbon inside the fabric strips to make sturdy handles.

[@shirrellstone1330]

Watching from West Green, Georgia. I was looking for a tote bag to make for a Christmas present. This looks super simple so I'll try this, putting a Dresden plate on each side, with the girl's name on the inside circle of the Dresden to personalize the tote. I've never heard of French seams, but they make it so much easier. Thanks for doing this video.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Wow Shirrell! That sounds like a great idea!!!!

[@lynetterene]

I was apparently subscribed to your channel before.....lol. I was looking for another tote bag to sew and found this one. I have sewn a lot of totebags, but wanted something fast, but a little different......I think this is it......thanks for sharing ~10.1.24~NY

[@fredawade9115]

If you are using Nikon web straps don't iron directly or they may melt. I enjoyed your tutorial. I have made tons of totes, but like this method very much and you did a good job of explaining French seams. Thank you.

[@foveauxbear]

Great video, especially achieving a boxed bottom---very well explain. Boxed or flat bottom commences at 10.00 mark ... from Sydney, NSW, Australia.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anitahoss9222]

This is an excellent tutorial!! Thank you from Texas.

[@kathyjoseph4529]

Hello from Nebraska. Best tutorial yet to date❤

[@rj91255]

It was fun to make, very easy to follow your directions, and it only took me a couple of hours to make. I’m from West Michigan. Thank you!

[@prudenciapena5147]

Thank you Tamara, excellent tote bag tutorial, I am from New York.🌹👍

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Oh!!! Another place I would love to one day see!!!

[@sharonnapier9507]

From Tennessee, great tutorial, very clear on directions.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Glad it was helpful Sharon! Happy sewing 🧵

[@barbara6509]

love this video! May have to cut it down a bit for a smaller tote. I live near the Smokey Mountains in East Tennessee. Thanks for the video!

[@claireseymour4902]

Hello from Wales😊. This is a lovely tutorial, thank you.

[@Melsfreetime-hi5ej]

I've made 2 of these now and they really are FUN! Thanks for the tutorial!

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Glad you like them!

[@kerryclark7170]

Watching from Sydney Australia.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Welcome Kerry! I would love to see Australia one day! It looks like a beautiful place.....I am just scared of all the wildlife I hear about. But both my brothers have gone and they say it is a wonderful place. I am in Alberta Canada :)

[@Nasreenmoolji]

I’m from Princeton Texas. Love your tutorial. Love your bag ❤

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Thank you so much! And happy sewing in Texas!!!!

[@cherylbryson8005]

Sewing from Stafford, TX. I loved the tutorial!

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Thank you Cheryl! I love Texas!!! But haven’t made it to Stafford as of yet.

[@TamaraJohnston-e9f]

Watching from Eastern Oregon. Love this tutorial!!

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Thanks so much Tamara!

[@cherylthomas7552]

Fab tutorial easy quick and confident with good tips thank you. Cheryl Thomas from west wales uk

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Thank you Cheryl! It's crazy how youtube makes the world feel a little closer together. From western Canada!

[@monafazzina5697]

Thanks for a great video! Any suggestions for adding pockets inside and/or outside?

[@charlenesoares1367]

Sewing in Louisiana! Thanks for your great videos. Keep them coming please.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Thank you Charlene! I am encouraged by your words. And Louisiana! What a great place to live. My husband keeps telling me we need to go there.

[@kathiesilva3546]

Wonderful tote and tutorial❣️ Thank you from La Habra CA.

[@selbychristian]

You are wonderful teacher - this is my second video and bag successful. I used a heavier interfacing which made it harder to sew but stands up and very sturdy. I am in Arizona. Thank you for your enthusiastic and great teaching!

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

I am so glad to hear that Charlotte! I have been in my sewing room most of today. It’s so nice to hear that others enjoy sewing too. And your compliment makes me so happy!!!! It is my goal to teach people in the simplest way without wasting their time. Happy sewing!!

[@lindakemmet5875]

Thank you...from North Dakota.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Welcome Linda!

[@karendevivo5536]

Hi, I am from Saint Cloud, Florida. I enjoyed your video. Thank you

[@maggiehickey6657]

Hello from England UK. Thank you for a great tutorial. 😊

[@BarbRyder]

Hello , I have made 4 bags already with your easy to follow video. I made a couple a little bigger and shortened the strap a couple inches. Variety is good. 🪡🧵Thank you from Wisconsin. Also I would love it if you added a egg gathering apron video to your collection. 🥚🥚🥚🥚🐔

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

I am so excited to hear that you have made so many! That's awesome! And an egg gathering apron is a great idea....I will have to give that some thought.

[@stellathissen7764]

Watching from the Netherlands, thanks for the tutorial. I want to make it.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

The Netherlands!?!?! That’s amazing!!!! I love it there! My grandparents immigrated from Friesland to Canada💜 so I like to think I have some Dutch roots. I hope you enjoy sewing this bag up 🥳

[@katherinerichardson1767]

Texas---lovely bag and great instructions

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Katherine, I love Texas! I have only been once and of course I hit up the Magnolia Silos, but for the rest I saw mainly Austin. It was such a wonderful place.

[@anneakinyi4078]

Watching from Kenya, ilove your work mam

[@annamacpherson5971]

love your tutorials. busy making one. from CANADA

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

So glad to hear that Anna!!!! Hope you are warmer then I am. Things have gotten cold here in Canada 🇨🇦 🥶

[@marthajulian7064]

Beautiful! This is my new Go-To tote bag tutorial. You sew beautifully. Thank you for sharing your expertise. Thanks from the High Desert of Southern California :)

[@cherylammeter3449]

Hello from Colorado! I love how easy you make the French seams!

[@barbarawiedrich9699]

Thank you for sharing, this was an awesome tutorial. Will be looking at the rest that you have. From Wisconsin.

[@yvonnesommerville3996]

Can't wait to make it. I'm from Perth Western Australia.

[@LeeVanderham]

Have now finished 5 bags with your pattern and direction. hard to turn, however I love it!! From Ontario Canada. Also loved your pillow case tutorial. Thanks

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

I am so glad to hear that!!!

[@debbiehochachka6139]

Great tutorial, watching from Canada 🇨🇦

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Thank you fellow Canadian!

[@SandyDeese]

I’m in Fresno, CA and I love this video! Easy Peezy nice and easy! :)

[@pattysimi5061]

Watching from New Mexico

[@JacquelineCartwright-kr4wz]

Watching from Caerphilly South Wales U.K excellent tutorial clear instructions thank you

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Thanks for watching!

[@elestehorn4290]

Hi...watching here from Algarve, Portugal, the southern region of Portugal.

[@SharonBell6123]

Cleveland, Ohio 🙋🏻‍♀️ I love you videos!

[@barbaraphoenix8763]

uk im takern my to spain for my beachbag lol love it thank you xx

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Welcome Barbara! I love hearing that you will use it as a beach bag! And enjoy Spain!!!!!!!

[@kathyg5122]

Waukesha, Wisconsin... Great tutorial. Just what I was looking for.

[@mitabanerji8250]

I am new member. Very nice tutorial. 👍👍

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Welcome Mita! And thanks you ☺️ I hope you enjoy sewing it.

[@sorayacarlinsky9383]

Hi sweetie. I'm Watching from South Africa. Thank you for ur tutorial ❤

[@candilastname7429]

I just made this bag for my MIL..her birthday is coming up. Thank you for this easy to follow tutorial! ❤

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

So glad to hear that Candi! I am sure your mother in law will love it!

[@inthekitchen8842]

Great pattern! ❤

[@pamelaallan1735]

Looking forward to making this tote for my granddaughter :) watching from Alberta

[@mechitadavis2439]

Blessed good morning dear ❤. Thank you very much for your tutorials 🥰. I'm watching you all the way in the Caribbean from the beautiful island chain of St Vincent and the Grenadines 🥰💐. Do keep up the wonderful work and keep inspiring us. Have a very blessed safe day 🙏😊