How to Sew a Personalized Small Tote Bag with Embroidery
How to Sew a Personalized Small Tote Bag with Embroidery
I still remember the first tote bag I made. I embroidered a clumsy little sunflower on it and carried it everywhere like it was a designer piece. There's something special about using something you made with your own two hands—and embroidery adds that extra sparkle of personality. Ready to create yours? Let’s dive into this fun, rewarding project!
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 (plus an embroidery machine or hand embroidery supplies)
- Basic sewing supplies: sewing machine, scissors, pins, iron, thread
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Outer Fabric
- Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of the outer fabric to add structure.
- Mark and embroider your chosen design, centering it properly and using stabilizer underneath to keep your stitches neat.
- Once embroidery is complete, remove excess stabilizer and press the fabric.
2. Prepare and Attach the Handles
- Cut two handle pieces, 14 x 4in (35.5 x 10cm) each.
- Fold and press: long edges to the center, then fold in half lengthwise again. Press flat.
- Topstitch along both sides for a professional finish.
- Sew handles 3in (7.5cm) from each side on the short edges of the outer fabric, right sides together.
3. Assemble the Outer and Lining Fabrics
- Sew the short ends of the outer and lining fabrics together, right sides facing.
- Fold the piece so outer meets outer, lining meets lining, aligning seams carefully.
- Press flat and pin the edges.
4. Create the Base and Finalize the Bag
- Mark and fold 2in (5cm) up at the base of both outer and lining fabrics.
- Pin and sew both long sides of the bag, leaving a 3in (7.5cm) gap in the lining for turning.
- Box the corners if desired for a roomier bag shape.
- Turn right-side out through the gap, close the opening with a neat seam, and push the lining inside the bag.
- Topstitch around the upper edge for a crisp finish.
Tips for Personalization
- Pick embroidery thread colors that pop against your fabric choice.
- Try simple designs like initials or small flowers if you’re a beginner.
- Mix and match fabrics for handles to create fun contrasts.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing more satisfying than carrying a bag you stitched and personalized yourself. Whether for gifting or everyday use, your embroidered tote bag will be a little work of heart. Happy sewing! 🧵✨
