DIY - the XXL tote bag

New season, new bag! This one is large and very practical to slip in all your groceries, purchases or...  fabrics ;-) Here is how to sew this XXL tote bag :

Material to sew your XXL totebag

• 2 fabric cloths of 50x50cm for the exterior of the bag (visible side) / 1 fabric cloth of 11x40cm for the bottom and 2 fabric cloths  of 15x45 for the sides. Also plan 1 fabric cloth  of 35x35cm for the front pocket 

• 2 fabric cloths of 50x50cm for the interior (the lining). And the same: 1 fabric cloth of 35x35cm for the front pocket 

I chose a cotton upholstery fabric which is stronger if I want to carry heavier things. This is the exclusive collection By Léa 

• 1,30m piping cord for the edge of the bagc

• 1m strap or like me you can sew the handles yourself with the same fabric

• the pattern download it here

Step 1: prepare the pieces of the bag

Print the template, trace and cut out the pieces of your tote bag. Here is a diagram of the measurements of the pieces: 

Step 2: piping cord

Lay and sew the piping at the edge of the 2 sides for the exterior of the bag. 

Step 3: the pocket

Arrange the two fabric cloths for the pocket right sides together and sew around the edges, leave an opening of 10cm.

Turn it over and close the bottom of the pocket with a blind stitch.

Place the pocket on one of the sides and sew the edge, don't sew the top part. The front of your future tote bag is ready.

Step 4: the bottom of the bag and the handles

Continue assembling the bag by sewing the bottom and sides.

Let's make the handles: I prepared them myself with fabric scraps. You can also choose a ready-to-use strap. I have two pieces of 50cm. It's up to you to adapt the length according to how you will carry your bag.

Pin each handle in "U" shape on each side, leaving 13cm of space for your comfort.

Step 5: Assemble the sides of the tote bag

Pin (or pinch) the sides of the bag right sides together and sew around the edge. Do the same for the lining, leave an opening of 10cm.

Tuck the lining inside the bag and assemble the two by sewing them together.

Turn everything over through the opening left in the lining and sew around the edge to reinforce everything.

If you wish you can fold and sew the handles like this:

Congratulations... Your XXL tote bag is ready !

See you soon,

L.