How to Stitch a Tote Bag?
Creating your own tote bag is a fun and practical sewing project, whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter. In this guide, you’ll learn how to stitch a simple, durable tote bag — perfect for everyday use or for applying custom designs through sublimation.
What You’ll Need:
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Sturdy fabric (canvas, cotton, or sublimation-ready polyester)
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Sewing machine
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Scissors or rotary cutter
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Measuring tape or ruler
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Pins or clips
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Thread (matching or contrasting)
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Iron (optional)
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Straps or webbing for handles
👉 For sublimation-friendly polyester tote bag blanks, visit sublimationblanksproduct.com — they offer wholesale, print-ready tote bags with long or short handles.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cut Your Fabric
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Cut two rectangles for the bag body (e.g., 15" x 16").
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Cut two strips for handles (about 22" x 2" each), or use pre-made webbing.
Prepare the Handles
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Fold the handle strips lengthwise, right sides facing.
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Stitch along the long edge, then turn right side out.
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Press flat and topstitch if desired.
Sew the Bag Body
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Place the two fabric rectangles right sides together.
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Stitch along the sides and bottom (leave the top open).
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Trim corners and finish raw edges if needed (zigzag or serger).
Box the Bottom (Optional)
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To create a flat base, pinch each bottom corner into a triangle.
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Measure 2" from the tip, mark, and sew across. Trim excess.
Attach the Handles
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Turn the bag right side out.
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Pin the handles to the top edge (about 3–4" from each side seam).
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Stitch securely using an “X-box” or double row of stitching.
Finish the Top Edge
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Fold the top edge of the bag inward twice (½" then 1") to hide raw edges.
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Press and topstitch all the way around to finish.
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