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?

[@tatjanacikac]

Croatia.I already made my first table runner following your instructions.❤

[@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

[@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

[@AlAmaranto]

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

[@robgriffiths5459]

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

[@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. )

[@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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@PunkrockNoir-ss2pq]

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

[@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.

[@kemielebute-idris8846]

Thank you for sharing how to make this beautiful Tote Bag. Your explanation is well explained and quite straightforward. Thank you from UK...😊

[@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!

[@wendywicklund4764]

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

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@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❤❤

[@loisdemurjian4318]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@danadoiron2198]

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

[@venesem]

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

[@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!

[@miriamsellers]

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

[@robertr6675]

Simple and easy to understand you! Thank you.

[@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!

[@amandabassett3952]

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

[@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 🧵

[@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!!

[@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!!!!

[@racheljackson110]

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

[@stephaniepetta9815]

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

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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!

[@mechellechea-trietiak2477]

Love this... Watching from Florida

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@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!

[@carylhalfwassen8555]

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

[@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!?!

[@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

[@Melsfreetime-hi5ej]

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

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Glad you like them!

[@cherylammeter3449]

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

[@jemapark4947]

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

[@anitahoss9222]

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

[@kellismith3844]

Thank you! Just what I was looking for.

[@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!!! ❤🎉😊

[@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!

[@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.

[@kathyjoseph4529]

Hello from Nebraska. Best tutorial yet to date❤

[@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.

[@angelinalozada189]

Thank You, watching from Puerto Rico.

[@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 🥳

[@barbarawiedrich9699]

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

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@maureenbrown5754]

I am watching from Calgary, Alberta, Canada

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

YAY!!! Maureen, That's where I am located too :) Happy Sewing and Merry Christmas.

[@joaggus4736]

Watching from the UK. Love watching your tutorials, always so easy to follow and very informative x

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Welcome Jo! Thank you for your kind words, they really encourage me to keep on making these tutorials. One day I hope to visit the UK. It looks so picturesque! My Grandparents immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands and I have been back to see where they grew up. But I never got as far as the UK on that trip. It's on my bucket list!

[@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!

[@SandyDeese]

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

[@FranRyder-uo7yj]

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

[@sharonnapier9507]

From Tennessee, great tutorial, very clear on directions.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Glad it was helpful Sharon! Happy sewing 🧵

[@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.

[@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!

[@JennyElder-l8z]

Great tutorial on making a flat bottom, making one for a friend, so it was really helpful. Will be watching more of your videos. Thanks from Steeple Morden in the UK.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

So glad to hear that! Happy sewing 🧵 from Canada 🇨🇦

[@user-lu1yx4gr4i]

Love this! My daughter is starting preschool next week and I want to be able to make her a few different totes so we can switch them out when different holidays come up! I am watching this video from Arizona!

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Oh that sounds like so much fun!!!! And Arizona sounds lovely 😊

[@leevanderham7030]

Just finished this tote step by step very good tutorial Tamara Thanks love it!!

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

So glad to hear it!

[@yvonnesommerville3996]

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

[@elenikalyvioti4521]

Hello! I am watching from Athens, Greece!

[@elestehorn4290]

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

[@karendevivo5536]

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

[@mitabanerji8250]

I am new member. Very nice tutorial. 👍👍

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

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

[@pamelaallan1735]

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

[@loriritzenthaler9211]

A friend sent me this video after she made this bag. I loved it and wanted to make it. I'm watching from Ohio. I will be subscribing because I enjoyed your video.

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Thank you Lori! I hope you enjoy sewing up this bag. 🥳

[@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 🥳

[@maggiehickey6657]

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

[@TamaraJohnston-e9f]

Watching from Eastern Oregon. Love this tutorial!!

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Thanks so much Tamara!

[@Louiseclaire64]

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

[@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!

[@PrairieTownHouse]

Thank you! You explained it so well!

[@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 🙏😊

[@georgenedickey8433]

Love your bag! From Southern California!

[@karenericson658]

Can't wait to try this...very clear instructions I'm in Ottawa Illinois

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

I am glad to hear that Karen! I hope the project goes well for you. You threw me with the Ottawa Illinois! I hadn't realized there was an Ottawa in the states. I had to google it :) Looks like a great place to live!

[@karenericson658]

Hope u continue to do more videos u make it easy to understand and enjoyable to attempt 😊

[@wendyvick2357]

Watching from Northeast Florida 🌴🌴🌴

[@marlenemolnar8278]

Tamara: I am watching your video and love the tote bag, especially because it has a boxed bottom. I live in Geelong, Victoria, Australia

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

I am so glad to hear that Marlene. It's amazing how KZbin can connect us all, from Canada to Australia!

[@inthekitchen8842]

Great pattern! ❤

[@kathyg5122]

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

[@dominiquekey2662]

Indiana, thanks for your tutorial looking forward to making this tote!

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

You are so welcome Dominique, Happy Sewing!

[@prudenciapena5147]

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

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

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

[@janetbaccus9358]

Awesome tutorial!! Easy to follow.

[@JacquelineCartwright-kr4wz]

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

[@TamarasJoyDIY]

Thanks for watching!