5 Lovely DIY Tote Bags Carry Everything in Style
Don’t Settle for Generic Totes – Sew Up Something Special!
Tote bags seem like necessities, with so many things to haul when you’re out and about. While you may have one favorite workhorse bag, it’s sometimes inconvenient to make room in it. Having several in varying sizes means you’ll always have a bag handy when you’re in a hurry. And, when you sew your own bag, you can make it uniquely yours!
These tote bag patterns offer stylish choices for carrying things where they need to go. Dig into your fabric stash and make one or more in fabrics you love.
A beginning quilter or sewer should have no problem finishing these bags. While some look complex, they’re all quite simple to sew together.
Follow the fabric selection guidelines, or get creative and add pieced or appliqued sections to personalize your tote. Make one, or make several. You can never have too many tote bags!
Pick-A-Pocket Purse
Whether you use it as a small tote or a purse, this simple-to-make bag has six pockets for organizing everything you need to carry with you. The pockets are formed when the straps are sewn on, making construction easy. Found on allpeoplequilt.com from designer Monica Solorio-Snow of Happy Zombie.
Finished size: 8″ x 10″ x 4″
Or click here for the PDF pattern download.
Black, White & Currant Quilted Tote Bag
This tote bag by Color Principle found at Henry Glass Fabrics can be cute or sophisticated, depending on the fabrics you choose. We especially like the curved fold-over flap that secures the bag’s contents, as well as the matching curved pocket. It’s generous size means you’ll have plenty of room for just about anything.
Finished size: 20″ x 15″ x 5″
Image courtesy of azwendyg on QuiltingBoard.com.
Rose Fabric Bag
This stunning bag by Linda G. is carefully designed to organize all the necessities.
Easy to make, roomy and fashionable, this tote features a large inner zipper pocket which provides adequate room for a cell phone, lipstick, or what have you. There is a magnetic closure as well as an inside ring tab to secure your keys. To add stability and structure, this bag also has a removable insert for the bottom . The outer tote’s quilted finish adds detail and a soft but durable construction.
Finished size: 16″ x 17″
Note: The pattern is no longer available.
Phoebe Bag
We love the floral blue and white fabric that Novice Beginnings used for her version of this classic bag. She added an inside zipper pocket to the pattern by Artsy-Crafty Babe Rebeka Lambert. The fabrics used in the tutorial are lovely too, and show just how versatile this bag’s look can be.
Finished size: 14” x 12” x 3”
Ambrosia Bag
This lovely bag by Amanda Murphy has several nice touches that set it apart from others. We love the fabric choices and especially like the pleating detail.
