If you are thinking of starting to sew and not sure where to begin, may we recommend a tote bag as the ideal beginner project. Easy to make and incredibly useful, a tote bag is the ideal way to commence your sewing journey. At Fabrics Galore we will point you in the direction of great patterns (some of them are free!) and how to choose the perfect fabric for your tote bag.
Do I Need a Pattern for a Tote Bag?
You don’t always need a pattern to make a tote bag but if this is your first sewing project, we recommend using a pattern which will show you the step-by-step process. There are several YouTube tutorials you can watch but the Fabrics Galore Team have found some free patterns which you might like.
Free Patterns for Tote Bags
The Spirea Tote by Mood Fabrics
Spirea Tote Free Sewing Pattern
Mood Fabrics has a free download for their Spirea Tote Sewing Pattern and shows the 11 steps to making this attractive V- shaped tote bag. Made in a sturdy cotton canvas with a sateen lining, they suggest making it for a Mother’s Day gift. At Fabrics Galore we have a fantastic selection of cotton canvas fabrics and some cotton sateen curtain linings you could try out.
We think it would look great in our cotton canvas Palms print which comes in 2 colour ways, either Green and Cream or Navy and Lilac.
Bow Tote by Sewing and the City
Sewing & The City Free Bow Tote Pattern
This is a beginner friendly free pattern for making a medium sized tote bag with a lovely, tied bow for the handle. It looks chic, with its long straps that tie into a bow and it’s roomy enough to carry everything you need with an inside zip pocket for valuables.
At Fabrics Galore, we have a wide range of plains perfect for the bow to stand out.
Costa Tote by Helen’s Closet Patterns
The Costa Tote Free Pattern by Helen's Closet
This is a great free pattern for a lined everyday bag which is fully reversible and useful for shopping, books and the beach. It also has 2 alternative versions with an option for a symmetrical pocket with dividers to create a total of 4 external pockets, handy to keep shopping items separate. If you are an absolute beginner, you could make the simple no-pocket version of the Costa tote and upgrade to making the pocket version once you build your sewing confidence.
More Tote Bag Patterns for Beginner Sewists
Bobbins and Buttons Griffin Tote Bag
The Griffin Tote Bag is a sturdy, fully lined bag which is smart enough for meetings and shopping. With webbing straps and the option of a front pocket, you could make it in a cotton drill, denim or any medium to heavy weight woven fabric. Choose contrasting webbing to increase its style credentials.
The Tote Bag by Sew Over it
Described as the ultimate first sewing project, The Tote Bag is a PDF pattern you can print or download. You only need 60cm of fabric and Sew Over It suggests a medium weight fabric such as cotton canvas. At Fabrics Galore we are eyeing up our cotton canvas stripes for some serious bold bag vibes.
Matchy Matchy Stash Pocket Tote
Matchy Matchy Sewing Club’s Stash Pocket Tote is a fan favourite as you can use up pieces of scrap fabric for a patchwork style or make it in a single fabric. It’s fully lined with an outside pocket and shoulder straps. Reviewers mentioned that it’s smaller than expected so you may want to size up the pattern.
Tote Bags by Fabrics Galore
At Fabrics Galore we take a lot of sample tote bags to the shows as they are a great way of showing off our fabrics.
Tapestry Panel Tote Bags
Our tapestry panels are already perfectly sized for bags (and cushions). You will just need a contrasting reverse fabric and a lining.
"Commander Woof" Tapestry Panel Bag
Use Heavy Weight Furnishing Cottons for Tote Bags
Our furnishing cottons are a heavyweight cotton which is ideal for bag making. Our cotton panama fabric collection is particularly well-suited to tote bags, and we have a large range of plain colours as well as some fun prints, which you can see in the Fabrics Galore show samples below.
Tote Bag Sample in Happy Plaice Cotton Panama
Bag webbings for Straps
You can either use the same fabric as your tote bag for the handles or consider using bag strapping or webbing which is stronger and brings an additional design element to your makes.
Fabrics Galore Customer Tote Bag Makes
Canvas Material for Tote Bags
Cotton Canvas is an excellent material for tote bags as it is hard-wearing and sturdy. It provides an element of water resistance due to the tight weave although you would need to treat it with wax or oil for it to be fully waterproof.
Are you Ready to Sew your Own Tote Bag?
Making your own tote bag is such a rewarding way to start your sewing journey, and you don’t have to do it alone. At Fabrics Galore, we love helping beginner sewists discover the joy of making something beautiful and practical with their own hands. If a tote bag doesn't grab you, check out our blog on Beginner Friendly Sewing Patterns for more inspiration.
Our friendly team is always here, either at our fabric shop in London or on the end of the phone, to chat fabrics, share advice, and encourage you every step of the way. So, pick your favourite material for your tote bag, thread up your machine, and join our community of makers who are stitching their way to a lifelong love of sewing.
