Absolutely! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide for sewing a DIY tote bag with a front pocket, perfect for beginners or intermediate sewists. This sewing tutorial includes fabric recommendations, measurements, cutting instructions, and clear directions for assembly. It’s a comprehensive guide that you can follow to create a durable and stylish tote bag from scratch.

🧵 How to Sew a DIY Tote Bag with Front Pocket (Easy Sewing Tutorial + Pattern)

Creating your own tote bag is a satisfying and practical sewing project. Tote bags are incredibly versatile – perfect for groceries, books, beach gear, or everyday essentials. Adding a front pocket boosts functionality and gives your tote a polished, store-bought look.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to sew your own DIY tote bag with a front pocket, even if you’re relatively new to sewing!

✂️ Supplies and Materials

Before starting, gather the following supplies:

🧵 Materials Needed:

Main fabric (cotton canvas, denim, twill, or upholstery fabric) – ½ yard (for outer bag)
Lining fabric (quilting cotton or similar) – ½ yard
Contrasting fabric for front pocket – ¼ yard
Fusible interfacing (optional, for added structure) – ½ yard
Webbing or fabric for straps – two pieces, each 22″-24″ long (or make your own straps)
Matching thread
Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
Pins or clips
Ruler or measuring tape
Iron
Sewing machine

🧰 Finished Bag Dimensions:

Width: 14 inches (35.5 cm)
Height: 15 inches (38 cm)
Strap drop: ~10 inches (25.5 cm)
Front pocket: 8″ wide x 9″ tall (20 x 23 cm)

You can adjust the size to fit your needs, but this is a classic medium-size tote.

📐 Cutting Instructions

Here’s how to cut your fabric pieces:

From the main fabric (outer bag):

(2) rectangles – 15″ wide x 16″ tall (front and back)

From the lining fabric:

(2) rectangles – 15″ wide x 16″ tall (front and back lining)

From the contrasting/pocket fabric:

(1) rectangle – 9″ wide x 10″ tall (for front pocket)

For the straps:

(2) strips – 22″ to 24″ long and 1.5″ to 2″ wide (or use ready-made webbing)

Optional: Fusible interfacing

Cut interfacing the same size as the main fabric pieces and the pocket (if you want added sturdiness)

🪡 Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions

✅ Step 1: Prepare the Pocket

Fold the pocket fabric in half (right sides together), so the folded piece is now 9″ wide x 5″ tall.
Sew around the sides and bottom with a ¼” seam allowance, leaving a 2” gap at the bottom for turning.
Clip corners, turn right side out, and press flat.
Topstitch the top folded edge (the open side) about ⅛” from the edge to give it a finished look.
Position the pocket on one of the outer bag pieces (centered horizontally, about 4” down from the top).
Pin or clip the pocket in place.
Sew around the sides and bottom of the pocket, backstitching at the top corners to reinforce. Leave the top open.

✅ TIP: If you want to add extra compartments, sew a vertical line down the pocket to divide it.

✅ Step 2: Attach Interfacing (Optional)

If using fusible interfacing:

Iron interfacing to the wrong side of the outer bag pieces and pocket before assembling.
This helps the bag keep its shape and adds durability.

✅ Step 3: Sew the Outer Bag

Place the two outer fabric pieces right sides together.
Sew along the sides and bottom using a ½” seam allowance.
Optional: To create a flat bottom, box the corners:
- With the bag still inside out, pinch each bottom corner into a triangle so that the side and bottom seams align.
- Measure 2” from the point, draw a line across, and sew along the line.
- Trim the triangle off, leaving a ¼” seam allowance.

✅ Step 4: Sew the Lining

Place the two lining fabric pieces right sides together.
Sew down the sides and bottom, BUT leave a 3-4 inch gap at the bottom – this will be used to turn the bag right side out later.
Box the corners the same way as the outer bag.

✅ Step 5: Assemble the Bag

Turn the outer bag right side out.
Leave the lining inside out.
Insert the outer bag into the lining, so the right sides are touching.
Align the side seams and top edges.
Pin or clip all around the top edge.
Sew all the way around the top with a ½” seam allowance.

✅ Step 6: Turn the Bag Right Side Out

Gently pull the outer bag through the gap in the lining.
Push the lining down into the bag and press the top edge.
Topstitch around the top edge (optional but recommended) about ⅛” from the edge for a clean finish and durability.

✅ Step 7: Attach the Straps

You have two options:

Use pre-made cotton webbing for straps.
Make your own fabric straps by folding long strips like bias tape and sewing them shut.

Measure and mark 3.5” in from each side seam along the top edge of the bag.
Place the ends of the straps at these marks, with about 1” of the strap inside the bag edge.
Make sure the straps aren’t twisted.
Sew a square or “X-box” at each end of the strap to secure it firmly.
Repeat for the second strap on the other side.

🧼 Final Touches

Press the bag thoroughly with an iron for a clean, finished look.
Close the gap in the lining by hand or with a machine stitch.
Optional: Add a magnetic snap or button closure if desired.

🎉 Done! You’ve Made a DIY Tote Bag with Front Pocket!

Congratulations! You now have a fully functional, handmade tote bag that’s:

Durable
Reusable
Customizable
And super handy for everyday use!

🪡 Ideas for Customizing Your Tote Bag

Add inner pockets for phones or keys
Use printed or patterned fabric for a unique look
Add embroidery or iron-on patches
Make a reversible tote bag
Use leather or faux leather for a more refined style

🧵 Final Thoughts

Sewing your own tote bag is not only eco-friendly but also a great way to practice basic sewing skills like straight stitching, topstitching, and creating boxed corners. The addition of the front pocket adds a touch of professionalism and functionality.

This pattern is beginner-friendly, and once you’ve made one, you’ll want to make more for gifts, shopping, or everyday use!

Video Tutorial