Classic Tote Bag

Using a rotary cutter and ruler, cut two pieces of the canvas at 13.5” x 20”. You can also use a ruler and marking pen and cut out with a pair of scissors.

Choose one of the pieces to be the front panel. Take a ruler and measure near the top to find the center of the panel. Draw a line with a ruler and marking pen vertically down the panel piece.

Using embroidery software, print off templates of the design. We recommend Wilcom's Hatch software which comes in different levels depending on what you'd like to use the software for. Hatch Organizer works well to view your designs, print dielines and templates, change design colors, and create basic design layouts. (This is an affiliate link. We may earn commission on purchases made through this link.)

Trim these to fit on the front panel, using the center line to line up the placement and spacing of all three files. Spacing can vary depending on the designs you are using, so feel free to adjust these templates until you are OK with the layout. The top of the design should be at least 1” from the top of the front panel, and the bottom of the design should be at least 1” from the bottom of the panel.

Keep in mind that the space between the straps on this style of bag may limit the size of the files that can be used. Try to stick with files that are no wider than 8.5”, otherwise you may end up covering some of the design with the straps.

Using a ruler and a marking pen, mark the placement lines for the first template. Remove the template and extend the markings to connect.

Cut a piece of medium cutaway stabilizer large enough to back the entire front panel. Hoop the canvas and the stabilizer, using the placement lines to center it in the hoop.

Load the file on the embroidery machine and attach the hoop. Align the design to be centered in the hoop using the placement lines.

Stitch out the file and complete any necessary color changes. 

Remove the hoop from the embroidery machine and unhoop the panel.

Repeat the prior process for the other two files. You may need to adjust placement as you stitch out each file. 

Use an iron and a pressing cloth to remove any hooping marks and to help it lay flat.

Trim off the excess stabilizer with a pair of scissors.

With a ruler and a rotary cutter, cut two pieces of the colored canvas at 3”x43”. These will become the straps for the classic tote. You can also use a ruler and a marking pen and cut them out with scissors.

Fold one of the straps in half the long way, and either clip or pin it together. Leave the bottoms open.

Sew the strap together using a ¼” seam allowance.

Turn the strap right side out through one of the openings. 

Press the strap flat using an iron and pressing cloth, keeping the seam on the side. 

Repeat the process to make the other strap.

Place a ruler on the front embroidered panel and measure 5-1/2” from the short side of the panel. Use a marking pen to draw a line from the top to the bottom.

Take one of the straps and place it next to the line with the bottom lined up with the bottom of the panel. The outermost edge of the strap should be on the line, while the other edge should be facing towards the short side of the panel. Clip or pin the strap in place.

Repeat this process on the other side of the panel to place the other part of the strap. Be sure you aren’t twisting the strap or flipping it incorrectly. If this happens, just remove the clip or pin, fix the problem, and put it back in place.

Using a ruler and rotary cutter, cut two pieces of the colored canvas at 5”x20”. You can also measure out and mark the pieces with a ruler and marking pen and then cut out with scissors.

Take one of the colored pieces of canvas and lay it on top of the front panel, lining up at the bottom where the straps are clipped or pinned on. Pin or clip the two pieces together, being sure not to remove the clips from the straps.

Press open the seam using an iron and a pressing cloth.

Topstitch with a matching thread along the top of the colored canvas on the bottom of the panel.

Repeat the entire assembly process with the back panel.

Take a ruler and measure 1” down from the top of the panel, marking by where the strap is getting placed. Feel free to make this line as long as needed, as long as it intersects with the vertical placement line for the strap. This will be a reference line in a later step.

Pin the strap in place, following the vertical line marked earlier. 

Top stitch the strap down using matching thread. Follow one side of the strap up from the colored canvas until you reach the 1” line marked earlier. Stitch across to the other side of the strap at that 1” mark, and follow it back down the other side of the strap back to where it connects with the colored canvas.

Repeat the pinning and sewing process to attach the other strap on the other side of the same panel.

Follow the process again to pin and sew the straps on the back panel piece.

Using the marked 1” line as reference, stitch in matching thread across the strap 2-3 times. This will be a securing stitch to make sure the handle won’t accidentally pop loose while being used. Repeat this on the rest of the straps, 4 times in total.

Fold the top 1” of the front panel down and out of the way. Top stitch the strap with matching thread starting right at or slightly above where the fabric is folded back. Do not sew it to the fabric at the top of the panel.

Top stitch along the strap to the other side. Keep the fabric folded back and then repeat this going back the opposite way on the other side of the strap.

Use the same process on the back panel piece and top stitch the other strap to match.

Lining up a ruler at the bottom corner of the front panel on the colored canvas, measure and mark a 2.5” square. Repeat this on the other 3 corners of the panels. Cut out the squares using a pair of scissors.

Measure with a ruler and use a rotary cutter to cut out two squares measuring 17.5”x20” out of the lining fabric. You can also use a ruler and a marking pen and cut them out with scissors.

Line up a ruler at the bottom corner of one of the lining pieces, then measure and mark a 2.5” square. Repeat this on the other 3 corners. Cut out the squares using a pair of scissors.

Lay one of the two exterior panel pieces on top of each other, matching up the sides and bottoms. Clip or pin the two pieces together. Be sure to not have the straps stuck or caught in any seams.

Stitch the exterior pieces together with a ½” seam allowance. Do not sew the corner squares together, it should just be the two sides and the bottom sewn together at this time.

Pinch one of the corners together, being sure to match up the side seams. Pin or clip them together. Then repeat it on the other side.

Sew the corner with a ¼” seam allowance. Repeat with the other corner to create the bottom of the bag.

Flip the bag right side out and poke out the corners.

Repeat the process to assemble the lining, but do not turn it right side out when finished.

Place the exterior piece into the lining, with right sides of the exterior facing the right sides of the lining. Be sure to tuck the straps in as well. Match up the side seams and the top, then clip or pin it together. Leave a 3-4” opening for turning out.

Lay one of the two exterior panel pieces on top of each other, matching up the sides and bottoms. Clip or pin the two pieces together. Be sure to not have the straps stuck or caught in any seams.

Stitch around the top of the interior and exterior, leaving the 3-4” opening unsewn.

Pull the bag through the opening until it is flipped right side out. Make sure that the lining is tucked inside the bag.

Press the top of the bag flat with an iron and pressing cloth. This will make it easier to top stitch and give it a more finished look.

Hand sew the opening shut using a needle and thread in a matching colored thread. 

Top stitch around the top of the bag in a matching thread color, being careful when stitching past the straps. Flip the straps away from the presser foot and go slowly, if needed, around those parts of the bag.

Fill your classic tote bag with fresh goods from a local farmer’s market, or bring it along to go apple picking at an orchard. You can also make a summery version with strawberries as well.