This small tote bag is the perfect companion for carrying lunch, storing sewing notions, or your favorite crafty bits and bobs. What makes it extra special is the personalized touch of embroidery on the outer fabric! Here's how to create your own embroidered tote bag step-by-step.

Materials Needed

• Outer fabric: 22 x 11in (56 x 28cm)
• Lining fabric: 22 x 19in (56 x 48.5cm)
• Medium-weight interfacing: 22 x 11in (56 x 28cm)
• Embroidery design of your choice (optional: pre-designed embroidery file and a compatible embroidery machine)
• Basic sewing supplies: sewing machine, scissors, pins, iron, and thread

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Outer Fabric

• Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the outer fabric. This will give the bag some structure but still allow it to fold flat for easy storage.

• If using embroidery, embroider your chosen design on the outer fabric before continuing to the sewing steps.
  • Mark the embroidery area: Center the design in the middle of the fabric, leaving enough space for seam allowances (½ inch or 1.25 cm around the edges).
  • Stabilize the fabric: Use tear-away or cut-away stabilizer under the fabric to ensure a smooth embroidery result.
  • Stitch the design: Use an embroidery machine or hand-embroider your pattern. Once finished, remove the stabilizer and press the fabric flat.

2. Prepare the Handles

• Cut two handle pieces from the lining fabric, each measuring 14 x 4in (35.5 x 10cm).
• Fold the long edges of each handle piece to meet at the center, then fold them in half lengthwise and press.
• Topstitch along each long side of the handle to secure.

3. Attach the Handles

• Sew the handles to each short end of the outer fabric, placing them 3in (7.5cm) from each side. Ensure the handles are not twisted and sew them within the ¼in (5mm) seam allowance.

4. Sew the Outer and Lining Fabrics Together

• Sew the short ends of the outer fabric to the short ends of the lining fabric, with right sides together.

5. Assemble the Bag

• Fold the fabric so the outer fabric meets the outer fabric and the lining meets the lining, ensuring the seams match. Pin in place.
• Press the folded ends flat. On the outer fabric, measure 2in (5cm) from the bottom and mark. Repeat on the lining fabric.

6. Create the Bottom Fold

• Fold the outer fabric bottom edge 2in (5cm) up and pin in place. Open the base of the lining so the marks are visible.
• Matching the marks on each side of the lining, fold the bottom section of the lining in on itself so the crease marks align with the bottom edge. Pin to secure.

7. Sew the Bag

• Sew along both long sides of the bag, leaving a 3in (7.5cm) turning gap in the lining fabric.

8. Square the Base

• Push out the base to create a square bottom, ensuring the edges are crisp.

9. Turn the Bag Right-Side Out

• Turn the bag right-side out through the turning gap. Push the corners out carefully and sew the gap in the lining closed.

10. Final Assembly

• Push the lining inside the bag, making sure it fits snugly. Press the top edge and topstitch around the top seam for a clean, polished look.

Tips for Personalization

• Choose a thread color for the embroidery that contrasts beautifully with your outer fabric for a bold design.
• For beginners, simpler embroidery designs such as monograms or small floral motifs are easier to manage.
• Add more customization by using patterned fabrics or contrasting handles.

Your personalized embroidered tote bag is now complete! Whether you're keeping it for yourself or giving it as a thoughtful handmade gift, it's sure to impress. Happy sewing! 🧵✨