How To Sew Your Own Patchwork Tote Bag (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

In this simple and easy sewing tutorial, I’ll show you how to make this pretty patchwork tote bag using patterned fabric and corduroy fabric.

This tote bag is perfect if you’d like to create a new and interesting tote bag which you can use for your book runs or grocery runs.

Sewing this tote bag is relatively simple. We’ll first begin by sewing the two patterned fabric squares together, and then we’ll join the front corduroy piece to the patchwork piece. 

Also, I’d like to mention that this tote bag is fully lined. So you won’t see the joined seams on the inside, and I’ll show you a quick and easy method to sew the lining and outer pieces together!

For this bag, you don’t have to use corduroy as the main fabric. You can use cotton, linen, or whichever fabric you have on hand.

Just go with something you think will look good.

You can also experiment with colors and add a label to the front of the bag for further customization.

As for the strap, the length is completely optional. I prefer a shorter strap since I like to hold the bag in my hands instead of having it on my shoulder. So, choose a length that will suit your needs!

If you’re ready to get started, here are the basic supplies and measurements:

Finished Size: 34 cm x 29 cm /13.39″ x 11.42″

DIY Patchwork Tote Bag

Supplies

• Sewing Machine
• Basic Sewing Supplies Kit

• Front Fabric (Patterned) – 20 cm x 18 cm / 7.87″ × 7.09″ (2 Pieces)
• Front Corduroy Fabric Panel – 37 cm x 16 cm / 14.57″ × 6.30″ (1 Piece)
• Back Corduroy Fabric – 37 cm x 32 cm / 14.57″ × 12.60″ (1 Piece)
• Lining – 37 cm x 32 cm / 14.57″ × 12.60″ (2 Pieces)
• Straps – 50 cm (or desired length) x 7 cm / 19.69″ × 2.76″ (2 Pieces)

If you want a high-quality, AD-FREE printable version of this sewing guide with step-by-step instructions included under each picture, you can find the printable PDF guide over here!

Video Tutorial

Instructions

01 – 02. I began sewing this tote bag by placing two patterned fabric pieces together with the right sides facing in.

03 – 04. Sew the pieces together using a 1 cm seam allowance and then open up the joined piece.

Iron or press the seam flat. Once completed, we will now attach the patchwork piece to the front corduroy panel.

05 – 06. Place the corduroy piece at the base of the patchwork piece with the right sides facing in.

07 – 09. Sew these two pieces together using a 1 cm seam allowance.

10. After sewing, open the joined piece. Your front section is complete. We can now move on to creating the bag straps.

11. Start by folding one side of the strap piece towards the center.

12. Fold the opposite side down toward the center.

13. Fold the fabric once more.

14. Pin the fold, and then repeat this process for the rest of the strip.

15 – 16. Sew the strip. Repeat this process for the next strip, and you will end up with a total of two straps.

17. To attach the strips to your front piece, take your front piece and measure 8 cm (3.15”) from the midpoint on each side, then mark these points with a fabric pen.

18. Position the strap piece at the marked points and sew it in place.

19. Lay one of the lining pieces on top of the front piece, with the right sides facing each other. Sew along the top edge of the fabric.

20. Use a 1 cm seam allowance.

21. Here’s what the piece looks like once sewn. Next, grab the back panel piece.

22. Sew the handles onto the back piece, following the instructions outlined in steps 12 and 13.

23. Position the lining piece on top of the back piece (right sides facing each other) and sew them together.

24. Once your front and back pieces are stitched together, open the piece.

25 – 26. Place the front and back pieces together and the lining pieces.

27. Ensure that the seams match up and that the right sides of the fabric are facing inward.

28 – 29. Stitch the piece with a 1 cm seam allowance, but leave a small opening on one side of the lining for turning right side out.

30. After sewing, trim the corners and tidy the seam.

31. Open the unstitched section.

32. Pull the right side of the fabric through the opening.

33. The entire bag should be facing the right side now.

34. Use a pen or your hand to open out each corner.

35. Fold the raw edges of the opening in.

36 – 37. Pin the fold and then head to the sewing machine to stitch the opening.

38. Take the lining and insert it into the bag. Give the tote bag a quick press with the iron to smooth out any creases.

39 – 40. To complete your patchwork tote bag, simply add a topstitch to the top of the bag, and you’re done!

Here’s what the back of the tote bag looks like:

This is a great way to sew a tote bag that’s different from the standard ones.

These tote bags come together quite easily, and it’s easy to sew, as you can see.

I loved how it turned out, and I do see myself sewing many more of these patchwork tote bags.

I also love how lightweight this tote bag is. However, if you’d like the bag to be slightly more structured and weighted, try adding some fabric batting or an interfacing to the back of the front pieces before attaching the lining. This will definitely help!

I think it’s safe to say that sewing tote bags might be my favorite obsession at the moment. 

I’m currently planning and designing new tote bags to sew, and I can’t wait to share them with you.

Are you planning on sewing this tote bag? I sure hope so! 

If you have any questions or helpful tips, share them below!

I hope to see you at the next tutorial!

Here are a few more step-by-step sewing tutorials you might be interested in:

DIY Unlined Tote Bag Tutorial: Simple and Beginner-Friendly

How To Sew A Crossbody Bag (Detailed Sewing Guide)