A Bag Full of Stories
I still have the first tote bag I ever made. The stitching was a little wobbly. But I carried it with so much pride.
Making something with your hands is a special feeling. It is not just a bag. It is a little piece of you, ready for adventure. What is the favorite thing you have ever made yourself?
Let’s Get Our Hands Ready
First, we need to cut our pieces. You will need two big rectangles for the bag. Then cut two long, skinny pieces for the straps.
Linen is a wonderful fabric for this. It is strong and gets softer over time. This matters because a good tote should be a friend for years.
Making the Strong Straps
Let’s make a strap. Fold one long piece in half, pretty sides together. Sew a long line down the side. Now comes the fun part.
Use a safety pin to turn that tube right side out. It is like magic. I still laugh at how tricky this felt the first time. Press it flat with an iron. Then sew two lines down the sides to make it extra strong.
Building the Bag’s Body
Now, take your two big panels. Put their pretty sides together. Sew up both long sides and one short side. Leave the top open.
This next step keeps everything from fraying. You can use a special machine or a zigzag stitch. It is like giving your bag a strong foundation. Turn it right side out. Doesn’t it already look like a bag?
Attaching It All Together
Fold the top edge down once and press. Fold it down again to hide the rough edge. This makes a nice, clean top.
Tuck the raw ends of your straps under that fold. Pin them down really well. This part is important. A good pin job means no surprises when you sew. Do you prefer pins or little clips for holding fabric?
The Final, Strong Stitches
Sew all around the top of the bag. This will lock the hem and the straps in place. For super strong straps, pull them up and sew another line.
This extra stitch makes sure your straps can hold heavy library books. Giving your work a final press makes it look so professional. You made this. What will you carry in your new tote first?
Why This All Matters
Fun fact: Linen comes from the flax plant. It is one of the oldest fabrics in the world.
Making things teaches us patience. It shows us that good things take time. This matters more than ever in our busy world.
Every time you use this bag, you will remember what you can do. You created something useful and beautiful. That is a feeling no store-bought item can ever give you.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Linen fabric | 1 yard | |
| Coordinating thread | 1 spool |
Sew Your Own Linen Tote
Hello, my dear! Let’s make something lovely today. We are sewing a simple linen tote bag. It’s perfect for carrying books or vegetables from the garden. I made my first one over forty years ago. I still use it for picking tomatoes.
This bag is a wonderful first sewing project. We will take it one step at a time. I will be right here with you. Doesn’t it feel good to create something with your own two hands? Let’s get our fabric and thread ready.
Step 1: First, we need to cut our pieces. You will need two big rectangles for the bag. They should be 16 by 18 inches. Then cut two long strips for the straps. Make them 4 by 28 inches. I always use my favorite scissors for this.
Step 2: Now, let’s make a strap. Fold one long strip in half. The pretty side of the fabric should be inside. Sew all along that long open edge. Leave both ends open. My first strap was a little wobbly. I still laugh at that.
Step 3: This part is like magic. Attach a safety pin to one end of your tube. Push it through to turn the strap right side out. It can be a little tricky at first. Then press it flat with an iron. (A hard-learned tip: A chopstick helps poke the corners out perfectly.)
Step 4: Do you see how nice that looks? Now, sew two lines along the strap’s length. This is called topstitching. It makes everything look neat and strong. Repeat all these steps for your second strap. You are doing so well!
Step 5: Time to make the bag’s body. Put your two big panels together. The right sides should be touching. Sew up the two long sides and one short side. Leave the top open. This will be the mouth of your bag. Can you guess which side we leave open? Share below!
Step 6: Turn the bag right side out. It’s starting to look like something! For the top, fold the fabric down one inch. Press it. Then fold it down another half inch and press again. This makes a tidy hem. It hides all the messy edges.
Step 7: Tuck the raw ends of your straps inside the hem. Place them a few inches from the sides. Pin everything in place. This is like giving your bag its arms. Sew all around the top of the bag. This will lock those straps in.
Step 8: For a final touch, pull the straps up. Sew another line of stitches right under the top edge. This makes the bag extra strong for carrying heavy things. Give your beautiful new tote a final press with the iron. You made this! I am so proud of you.
Make Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 1 lovely tote
Category: Sewing, Crafts
Make It Your Own
The best part is adding your own special touch. A plain bag is like a blank canvas. You can make it as fun or as fancy as you like. Here are a few ideas I have tried over the years. My granddaughter loves the painted one.
Stamped & Painted: Use fabric paint and a potato stamp. Create your own pattern. It’s so much fun.
Embroidered Corner: Sew a little flower or your initial on one corner. It adds a sweet, personal detail.
Color Blocked: Use two different colored fabrics for the front and back. It looks very modern and clever.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
How to Use Your New Tote
This little bag is so useful. I take mine everywhere. It is perfect for a trip to the farmer’s market. You can fill it with fresh ears of corn and green beans. The linen is strong and can handle the weight.
It is also wonderful as a library bag. It keeps your books together and safe. For a fancy feel, tie a ribbon on one of the straps. You could even tuck a small wildflower in the knot. It’s the little things that bring joy.
After a long day of crafting, you deserve a nice drink. I would pair this project with a sweet iced tea. Or a crisp glass of lemonade. Both are so refreshing. Which would you choose tonight?
Storing Your Handmade Tote
Your new linen tote is strong and long-lasting. To keep it looking fresh, just fold it neatly. Store it in a drawer or on a shelf.
I made my first tote fifty years ago. I just tossed it in a basket. It got so wrinkled I had to iron it for a week.
Taking good care of your creations shows you care. It makes them last for many years. You can pass them down to friends one day.
How do you store your favorite handmade bags? Share your tips below!
Common Tote Troubles and Fixes
Sometimes the fabric might bunch up while sewing. This often happens with thin linen. Just go slow and guide the fabric gently.
I remember when my straps turned out twisted. I was in such a hurry. Now I always press them flat first.
Getting the straps even is another small challenge. Measure carefully from the side seams. Pin them well before you sew.
Fixing small mistakes builds your confidence. You learn that nothing is perfect on the first try. This makes the final bag more special.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Tote Questions Answered
Q: Can I use a different fabric?
A: Yes! Cotton canvas or a fun print works great. Just make sure it is not too stretchy.
Q: Can I make this bag bigger?
A: You can. Just cut bigger panels. Remember you will need more fabric for this.
Q: How do I make it stronger?
A: Sew a small box shape where the straps meet the bag. This adds a lot of strength.
Q: What can I put inside?
A: It is perfect for library books or a small picnic. It holds a surprising amount.
Q: My seams are messy. What should I do?
A: Do not worry. Just sew another line next to it. No one will ever know.
*Fun fact: Linen comes from the flax plant. It gets softer every time you wash it.*
Which tip will you try first?
Show Off Your Beautiful Creation
I hope you love making your very own tote. It is a wonderful feeling to make something useful. I still have the first one I ever sewed.
I would be so happy to see what you create. Share a picture of your finished bag with everyone. It might inspire a friend to start sewing too.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy sewing!
—Olivia Hartwell.
Sew Your Own Linen Tote
Description
Create your own stylish and reusable linen tote bag with this simple sewing tutorial.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Begin by cutting your fabric. You will need two main panels measuring 16 by 18 inches and two straps that are 4 by 28 inches.
- To create a strap, take one of the long pieces and fold it in half lengthwise, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Stitch along the long edge using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, keeping both ends open. Attach a safety pin to one end and use it to turn the strap right side out. Press the seam flat with an iron, then topstitch along both long sides. Repeat this entire process for the second strap.
- Next, take the two large panels and place them together with the right sides facing each other, ensuring the edges are aligned. Sew along both of the longer sides and one of the shorter ends, leaving the other short end open. Finish these raw edges with a serger or a zigzag stitch. Turn the bag right side out.
- To form the top hem, fold the open end inward by 1 inch and press it flat. Then, fold it over another half inch to encase the raw edge and press again. Tuck the raw ends of the straps underneath this folded hem, positioning them approximately 3.5 inches from each side seam, which will leave about 6.5 inches between them. Pin them securely in place.
- Stitch around the top of the bag to secure the hem, making sure to catch the straps in the stitching. For extra reinforcement, pull the straps upward and sew another line of topstitching about 1/4 inch from the bag’s top edge. Give the finished bag a final press with an iron.
Notes
- For added durability, consider using a heavier weight linen or doubling the fabric for the straps.
Leave a Reply