DIY Linen Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial

A Bag of Your Very Own

Hello, my dear. Come sit with me for a bit. Today, we are not baking. We are sewing. I want to show you how to make a simple tote bag. It is perfect for carrying your library books or a few vegetables from the garden. It feels so good to make something with your own two hands.

My first sewing project was an apron. It was a little crooked. I still laugh at that. But I used it for years. Making things teaches us patience. It shows us that we can create what we need. What is one thing you would love to carry in a bag you made yourself?

Gathering Your Goodies

You do not need much for this project. Just one yard of linen fabric and some thread that matches. Linen is a wonderful fabric. It comes from the flax plant. It gets softer every time you wash it.

*Fun fact*: Linen is one of the oldest fabrics in the world. People were making it thousands of years ago. I love using natural things. They have a history. Do you have a favorite piece of clothing that feels better the more you wear it?

Making Strong Handles

Let’s start with the straps. These are the handles you will hold. Cut two long pieces of fabric. Fold one in half the long way, like a hot dog bun. Sew along the long edge. Now comes the fun part.

You attach a safety pin to one end. You use it to pull the fabric through the tube. It turns the strap right side out. It’s like magic. Then you press it with an iron. This step matters. It makes your work look neat and professional.

Sewing the Simple Bag

Now for the bag’s body. Place your two big pieces of fabric together. Their pretty sides should be touching. Sew up both long sides and one short side. Leave the top open. This is where you will put your things.

Turn the bag right side out. Doesn’t it start to look real now? The next part is making a nice hem at the top. You fold the fabric over twice and press it. This hides the raw edge. A clean finish makes your heart happy.

Putting It All Together

We are almost done. Tuck the raw ends of your straps inside the hem. Pin them down well. This is important so your straps do not come loose. Then, sew all the way around the top to close the hem.

Give the bag one last press with your iron. And there you have it. A beautiful, sturdy bag you made yourself. This bag matters because you put your time and care into it. It is not just a thing. It is a story. What color of fabric would you choose for your very first bag?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Linen Fabric	1 yard	Gets softer with every wash.
Main Bag Panels	2 pieces, 16″ x 18″ each	The body of the tote bag.
Strap Pieces	2 pieces, 4″ x 28″ each	Will be folded and sewn to create the handles.
Matching Thread	1 spool	Choose a color that complements your fabric.

My Favorite Tote Bag to Sew

I love making these simple tote bags. They are perfect for carrying groceries or library books. My granddaughter uses hers for everything. It always makes me smile to see her with it.

Let’s get our fabric ready. Linen is wonderful because it gets softer over time. I still have my first linen bag from years ago. It feels like an old friend now.

Step 1: First, we will make the straps. Fold one long piece in half, with the pretty sides touching. Sew all the way down that long edge. This part is like making a little tunnel.

Step 2: Now for the magic trick. Attach a safety pin to one end of your strap. Use it to pull the fabric through the tunnel. Doesn’t that feel clever? Now press it flat with an iron. (My hard-learned tip: go slowly when turning the strap. Rushing can make the fabric bunch up.)

Step 3: Let’s create the bag’s body. Put your two big pieces together, pretty sides facing in. Sew around three sides, but leave the top open. Then turn the whole thing right side out. It’s starting to look like a real bag!

Step 4: We need a nice neat top. Fold the open edge down by one inch and press it. Then fold it down another half inch and press again. This hides the raw edge nicely. I love the smell of a warm iron on linen.

Step 5: Time to add the straps. Tuck the raw ends inside the folded hem. Place them a few inches from the sides. Pin them really well so they don’t wiggle. Where do you think is the best spot for the handles? Share below!

Step 6: Finally, sew along the top hem to close it. Make sure you sew over the straps a few times to make them strong. Give your beautiful bag one last press with the iron. You made that!

Cook Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 1 tote bag
Category: Sewing, Craft

Make It Your Own

This simple bag is like a blank canvas. You can make it special for any season or person. I love adding little personal touches. It makes the bag a real gift from the heart.

The Garden Helper: Use a fun floral print. Add a small pocket on the outside for seed packets or gardening gloves.

The Beach Buddy: Try a cheerful blue and white striped fabric. You could even sew on a pretty seashell or two for decoration.

The Book Lover’s Bag: Pick a fabric with a classic pattern or bookish print. Make the straps a tiny bit wider for extra comfort.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

How to Use Your New Tote

This bag is not just for the farmer’s market. It is so useful for so many things. I take mine with me everywhere I go. It is much nicer than a plastic bag.

Fill it with a cozy blanket and a book for a picnic. It is the perfect size for a trip to the library. You could even use it to carry your knitting project. I think handmade things make the best gifts.

For a fun day out, pair it with a cold glass of homemade lemonade. Or for a cozy evening, perhaps a warm cup of tea. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Tote Bag Looking Lovely

Taking good care of your bag is important. I always wash my linen bags in cool water. Then I let them air dry. This keeps the fabric strong and soft.

You can make a few bags at once. It is a wonderful batch-cooking project for a rainy afternoon. I once made five for holiday gifts. My family still uses them years later.

Having a handmade bag ready to go is so helpful. It means you are never without a good bag. This saves money and helps our planet. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Easy Fixes for Common Sewing Snags

Sometimes the strap is tricky to turn right side out. If the fabric bunches, just take a deep breath. Gently wiggle the safety pin through. I remember when I rushed this part and got so frustrated.

Another common issue is wobbly stitching. This often happens if you sew too fast. Guiding the fabric slowly gives you a straighter line. This matters because a neat stitch makes your bag look professional.

Your straps might not be even when you pin them. Always measure from the side seam. This ensures your bag will hang straight and feel balanced. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Sewing Questions Answered

Q: Can I use a different fabric? A: Yes! Cotton or canvas work beautifully. Just avoid fabric that is too stretchy.

Q: Can I make this bag ahead of time? A: Absolutely. I often sew the pieces one day and assemble the next.

Q: What if I don’t have a serger? A: A simple zigzag stitch on your regular machine works just fine.

Q: Can I make a bigger bag? A: Of course. Just add a few inches to your main fabric pieces.

Q: Is topstitching necessary? A: It gives a nice finished look and extra strength. I always recommend it. Which tip will you try first?

Share Your Beautiful Creation

I hope you love sewing this simple tote bag. It brings me so much joy to share this with you. Seeing what you create is my favorite part.

I would be thrilled to see your finished project. Please share a picture of your handmade bag with me. You can tag my blog on Pinterest so I can see it.

Happy sewing!

—Fiona Brooks.