Beginner · 2 hours · 8 steps
How to sew a lined tote bag
A lined tote is the ideal first project: straight seams only, no fitting, and a finished thing you actually use. The two details that separate a sturdy tote from a floppy one are interfacing and how the straps are anchored.
How it's constructed
- Shape
- Rectangle with boxed corners for a flat base
- Lining
- Full lining, joined at the top edge
- Straps
- Two folded straps topstitched with a reinforcing square
- Structure
- Fusible interfacing on the outer pieces
- Optional
- Inner patch pocket, magnetic snap
Fabrics that work
- Cotton canvas or heavy twill for the outer (240 gsm and up)
- Quilting cotton for the lining
- Denim or upholstery offcuts for a hard-wearing tote
What you'll need
- Fusible interfacing or fleece for body
- Strong all-purpose or topstitching thread
- Optional magnetic snap or bag clip
The steps, in order
- 01
Cut two outer, two lining and two strap pieces
A useful everyday size is 40 x 45 cm for the body and 8 x 60 cm for each strap. Cut interfacing to match the outer pieces.
- 02
Fuse the interfacing
Press interfacing onto the wrong side of both outer pieces. This is what stops the finished bag collapsing when it's empty.
- 03
Add an inner pocket now
Hem the top of a pocket rectangle, press the other edges under, and topstitch it onto one lining piece while everything is still flat.
- 04
Sew the outer and lining bodies
Stitch each pair right sides together along the sides and base, leaving the top open. Press the seams.
- 05
Box the corners
Flatten each bottom corner so the side seam sits on the base seam, measure 5 cm in, stitch across and trim. Do this on both outer and lining so they match.
- 06
Make the straps
Fold each strap in half lengthways, press, fold the raw edges into the centre and topstitch both long edges. Pin them to the outer bag 10 cm apart.
- 07
Join outer and lining at the top
Turn the lining wrong side out, drop the outer bag inside it right sides together with the straps sandwiched between, and stitch around the top opening — leaving a 12 cm gap.
- 08
Turn through and topstitch
Pull everything right side out through the gap, press the top edge, and topstitch all the way round. Finish with a small stitched square over each strap end.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Skipping interfacing
The tote sags into a bag-shaped rag after a week. Interfacing is the whole difference.
Attaching straps with a single line of stitching
The stress point tears out. Topstitch a square or an X over each strap end.
Boxing the corners at different depths
The lining then bunches or pulls inside the bag. Measure both the same.
Techniques used in this project
Each one is explained on its own page, step by step.
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