Simple Tote Bag

My friend Lauren shared this pattern for sewing a tote bag with me while back. This was my first sewing project ever. I was very happy that it actually turned out to be something usable!

With a few adjustments in the measurements, you can customize the size to be anything from small to extra large. I made mine to be what I would categorize as medium. I have used it as everything from a purse, to a travel bag for magazines and reading materials, to a pool bag (although mine is not large enough for a towel), to my "teacher bag" for carrying papers home from school in it.

My bag has been through the wash several times.

If you are interested in sewing a tote bag, I think this is a great pattern to use as a starting point. From my own experience, I would recommend that you first sew a practice tote bag with cheap scraps so you don't mess up expensive material. Or maybe you won't accidentally sew one layer inside-out and have to rip it apart like me :)

With all the resuable grocery bags gaining popularity, why not be extra green and reuse some old fabric to make your own? You can use the pattern above and just make it extra-large, especially across the bottom.

Or if you don't feel like going to that much effort, just recycle an old t-shirt by doing this! It was my intended Earth Day project, and I just got around to it a week ago and made two bags. It is seriously the easiest sewing project EVER. Just sew one line, and who cares if it isn't perfectly straight?

One more place to look for free and easy tote bag patterns is the Joann's website. I like these market bags that I found there. The directions aren't that specific, so some experience may be needed.

Visit Tammy's Recipes for more tips!