How to make a simple tote bag in 5 steps and 15 minutes

This last weekend my youngest daughter had another birthday party to go to, so I made the birthday girl one of my 

pencil and notebook folders for a gift.

 (like these:)

I decided to make a bag to give the gift in rather than using wrapping paper.

Here's how to make your own super simple tote bag - in just 5 steps and 15 mins!

You will need:

2 pieces of fabric - one for the inside of the bag and one for the outside, plus a little for the straps.

Step 1: cut your fabric

Fold your outer fabric to the size you want for your bag and cut to size.

 I chose my size by folding the fabric around the notebook folder I wanted to put in the bag, and allowing a little space around it.

Then lay this piece on top of your inner fabric and cut another piece the same size:

And for the straps cut 2 strips 10 cm (4") wide and the length you want the straps to be. You can either measure another bag's straps - or drape a tape measure over your shoulder and measure how long you'd like each strap to be. Mine were 45 cm (17.5") long

Step 2: Stitch the main bag pieces

Fold each main bag piece in half - right sides together and stitch down the sides to form 2 pockets:

Step 3: stitch the straps

Take each strap in turn and iron in half lengthways:

Then open out and fold each half in towards the fold. Iron again:

Finally fold in half again so the raw edges are hidden and iron:

Then top-stitch (stitch close to the edge) down both sides of both straps:

Step 4: Attach the straps to the main bag:

Turn your outer fabric 'pocket' piece right sides out, then pin each strap to one side matching raw edges to raw edge and placing the straps one on either side of the bag like this:

Stitch into place:

Step 5: Stitch inner and outer fabric together

Slide the inner fabric pocket into the outer pocket like this:

Then turn the top edges in towards each other to hide the raw edges and pin the two fabrics together around the top.

Then top-stitch all the way around the top of the bag:

All done!

For the downloadable PDF version of this tutorial, click here.

You can make this bag whatever size you like and use any kind of fabric.

More eco-friendly than wrapping paper - and it's like giving an extra gift!

For more super simple tutorials that anyone can sew in just 5 steps and 15 minutes go here!

Or for over 100 more sewing tutorials for all levels of sewing ability take a look at my tutorials page.

Happy sewing!