Sew your own Reusable TOTE Designer BAG | Fashion tutorial

FREE REUSABLE BAG PATTERN TEMPLATE
Designer Tote Knot Design

I have been eyeing these designer leather knot totes for a little while now, let's just say I am obsessed and must have one! But $500 on a bag is not going to happen, but sewing a budget-friendly one, HELL YEAH!

Below is an easy sewing tutorial for beginners with 2 free Patterns in 2 different sizes, average everyday use and a large size for those who are a little extra (carry a lot of crap around). The A3 size is a great size for Uni, College or High School students who have to carry around large portfolios for art, design, fashion or architecture.
In this tutorial we used leather, but you can use faux vegan leather, plastic, vinyl, thick felt or any fabric that will not fray on the edges. This template will also work for normal cotton fabric, the tutorial, however, is not for a lined cotton design.

This design can be used for a traditional tote bag or a fashion Japanese Knot Bag.

Reusable Tote bags these days can be practical, stylish and a fashion statement. No more ugly Totes to pop to the shops with.

DIY TUTORIAL SEWING DETAILS
Sewing skills - Beginner
Approx time - 30 mins for a beginner

SUPPLIES TO MAKE YOUR DESIGNER-INSPIRED TOTE

Leather, Faux Leather/Vinyl or plastic. The leather I used was a soft thin sewable leather that was gifted from a friend.
Sewing machine
Scissors
Pegs or clips
Printer/paper
Free Pattern (for personal use only)

STEP 1

Print your free pattern

Your bag template is located at the bottom of the page, right-click to save before printing. There is an A4 & A3 size pattern. If you would like a dramatic knot design, add 2 inches to the top one ONE handle.

STEP 2

Tape the edges of the pattern together. The smaller A4 size tote has 2 sheets to print, and the A3 large tote has 3 sheets.

STEP 3

Cut the paper pattern out with scissors & attach the pattern to a folder piece of fabric with clips or pegs. Do not use pins as this will put holes in your leather or plastic. Make sure your fold is on the folded marked side of your pattern.

STEP 4

Cut out the bag pattern, leaving no seam allowance. You do not need an allowance as the pattern has been made to cater for this. You need 2 panels for the bag construction.

STEP 5

Take the paper pattern off the leather and chip the 2 panels together inside out.

STEP 6

Sew down both sides of the bag panels. As close to the edge as possible. Use a large straight stitch with a heavy-duty needle. DO NOT use a small tiny stitch.

I recommend doing a test line on your machine and fabric/leather before you sew the panels together. Use a small offcut.

STEP 7

- Sew the bottom of the bag & the handles. Always use a backstitch at the beginning and end of your line.

STEP 8

- On each base corner of the bag, pinch each corner into a triangle and peg.

STEP 9

- Sew both corners

STEP 10

- Turn the bag to the correct way out

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments.

TIPS & TRICKS ON SEWING LEATHER, PLASTIC or VINYL

Use a shape heavy-duty needle
Sew slowly, holding the fabric at the front and back firmly so it does not slide
Use soft thin leather on the sewing machine
When using plastic or some types of vinyl, to stop the machine foot sticking, use silicone spray for smooth sewing and gliding.