DIY Easy foldable Tote Bag Tutorial

  If you're looking for a gift project to whip-up that's equal parts handmade, eco-friendly, lasting, useful, adorable and unique, give it a try!

Fold and Go Market Bag FREE sewing pattern & tutorial

Requires one fat quarter or one 18” square. Super easy to make!

+ Prewash your fabric.
+ Use a seam allowance between 3/8 - 1/2”.
+ To mitigate fraying, sew a zigzag stitch along selvedges or clip with pinking shears.

This pattern goes together quickly & easily! Measurements are given as a range with regard to the starting size of your fabric & the size of your boxed corner.

This allows you to make a multitude of produce bags, each as big or as little as you prefer. Don’t miss an opportunity to forego a plastic bag!

 1. Cut desired size, 18” h by 18-22” w.
Trim 4” strip from top. Set aside for Handle & Looper.

 2. Fold over top edge approx. 1/2”, press.
Fold over another 1/2“, press.

 3. Fold in half as shown, right sides together. Sew down side seam.

 4. Turn fabric so the side seam sewn in step 2 now runs down the middle. Sew across bottom.

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For a flat bag, skip step 5 and proceed to page 2.
For a bag with depth, continue to step 5.
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5. Turn bag 90 degrees.
Orient as shown so bottom of bag forms a diamond.
Measure & mark as desired from corners at top & bottom of diamond (shown with red circles), between 1/2” and 1-1/2” for varying bag depths.
Sew across marks, forming closed triangles in those corners.

6. Lay bag flat so back seam is toward work table.
Position ends of handle approx. 1” from each side and raw ends are flush with turned edge at top
as shown. Pin in place. Turn bag over so back seam is facing you.
Position ends of looper approx. 1/2” from back seam and raw ends are flush with turned edge at top
as shown. Pin in place.

 7. Sew scant edge topstitch around entire bag opening, backstitching over handle & looper for
reinforcement.
Sew another row of topstitching around entire bag opening, approx. 1/4” from first row.

8. Turn bag rightside out. Voila!
To cinch bag when using, simply thread handle through looper & grab handle to hold.