Sew Your Summer Totebag

There are days when I find myself really missing the quiet joy of sitting down at my sewing machine - just me, some fabric, and a simple idea waiting to come to life. Now that I’m a mom of two little boys (a toddler and a newborn!), those moments are few and far between. But maybe that’s why they feel even more special now. When I do get the chance to sew, I want it to be something that’s quick, useful and fun to make.

That’s exactly what inspired this totebag project. It’s one of those simple, satisfying makes that you can finish in one evening (yes, even in under an hour!), and actually use every day -whether it’s for beach trips, errands or just carrying your everyday essentials.

What I love most about this bag is that it doesn’t require a pattern and you can make it in any size you like. It’s beginner-friendly, but still leaves room for lots of customization if you’re feeling creative.

To make it even easier for you, I’ve put together a step-by-step video tutorial and a FREE printable sewing guide with all the measurements, tips, and extra little details I couldn’t fit into the post. If you’ve been looking for a quick, feel-good sewing project to ease back into making, I think this one might be just the thing.

I hope you’ll enjoy sewing your tote as much as I loved making mine (I’ll be packing snacks in mine for our first beach day this summer!).

Classic totebag that we'll be making in this tutorial

This tutorial was created in partnership with Mettler, a brand I’ve trusted for over five years for all my sewing, serging and machine embroidery projects. Their threads have always met the highest standards and I know I can rely on them for any project I'm working on.

For this totebag, I had the chance to try out Mettler’s new XTREME PRO sewing thread, and I was genuinely impressed: it’s designed for extra durability and you can really feel that added strength in the seams. If you’re working on bags, outerwear or any project that needs to stand up to wear and tear, XTREME PRO is definitely worth a try.

Now let's start sewing our totebags!

Materials

Materials for the bag

To sew totebag, you'll need:

• strong durable fabric (I'm using waterproof fabric that's suitable for upholstery. Fabric dimensions: 85cm width and 55cm length);

• fusible interfacing;

• 4 eyelets with washers;

• thick rope for the handles;

• strong sewing thread.

For thread, I'm using new Mettler XTREME PRO thread. XTREME PRO thread has exceptional tear and abrasion resistance, which guarantees maximum resilience and durability, even on intensive use. Thanks to its innovative PFC-free water-repellent finish, XTREME PRO is ideal thread for outdoor and upholstery projects.

Mettler XTREME PRO is the ideal sewing thread for demanding outdoor and upholstery applications.

XTREME PRO is also UV and seawater resistant and PFC-free water-repellent.

Assembly

STEP 1: Cut 2 straps of fusible interfacing, each 2cm width and length same as your fabric length. Apply interfacing on the wrong side of the fabric of both fabric short edges. This step will stabilize and strengthen top of the bag, where we will later install the eyelets of handles.

STEP 2: Fold fabric in half, right sides together.

At both sides of the fabric, at the fold line, mark rectangulars that's 4cm height and 5cm width. These rectagulars will help shape the bottom of the bag into a 3d form.

Cut out both rectangulars.

STEP 3: Pin both sides of the bag, which we are going to sew on the sewing machine.

To sew the bag, I'm using Mettler XTREME PRO sewing thread. This thread is very durable and thicker than regular thread, so it's recommended to increase stitch length (I use 4mm stitch length) and increase thread tension to balance the seam; also use a size 100 needle with a larger eye.

When sewing with strong thread like Mettler XTREME PRO, increase stitch length and thread tension for best results

To keep thread from unraveling from the spool, use a thread net.

Use thread net to keep thread from unravelling off the spool

Once machine is threaded, let's sew pinned sides with a straight stitch, sewing 1cm from the edge.

Now push seam allowance to one side and topstitch a few millimeters from the fold, so make seam stronger, more durable and waterproof.

Finished side seam look from bag outside

STEP 4: Take each corner, fold it so that the side seam goes right at the middle like this and pin.

On sewing machine, sew pinned seam 1cm from the edge using straight stitch.

Then, sew a second seam, 1-2mm from the first one, to make the bottom of the bag stronger.

Finished corner seam from bag inside

STEP 5: Fold 2cm of the top of the bag towards inside and sew around, sewing 1-2mm from the edge.

Fold top of the bag one more time towards inside and sew around again, this time sewing right on top of the first seam.

This is how the bag looks sewn.

STEP 6: Mark centers between the seams at the top and make 8cm markings away from the center at both sides - these will be eyelet placements.

Using your preferred tool, install eyelets at both front and back of the bag. The eyelets should be placed on the folded edge to ensure durability.

STEP 7: Pull 2 ropes through the eyelets and tying knots, to create strong, durable handles. Your totebag is completed!

Finished totebag

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I hope you'll enjoy creating this totebag as much as I did! For more details and tips on sewing this totebag, make sure to check out my FREE Totebag sewing instructions guide!

Thank you for reading and wishing you a creative day ahead,

Julie

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