Are you in need of a versatile and functional bag that can carry all your essentials while keeping them organized? Look no further than a tote bag with an inside pocket! With this simple tutorial, you can learn how to make a tote bag with an inside pocket, perfect for daily use or as a thoughtful handmade gift. So, grab your materials, and let’s get started on creating a stylish and practical tote bag that you’ll love to use again and again.
Materials Needed
Before you get started, you’ll need a few materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- The fabric of your choice
- Lining fabric
- Interfacing
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Pins
- Iron
Step 1: Cutting the Fabric
The first step in making a tote bag is to cut the fabric. You’ll need two pieces of fabric for the main body of the bag, two pieces of lining fabric, and one piece of interfacing. The dimensions of the fabric will depend on the size of the bag you want to make. Once you have your pieces cut out, iron the interfacing onto the backside of one of the main fabric pieces.
Step 2: Sewing the Main Body of the Bag
Place the two main fabric pieces right sides together and sew along the sides and bottom of the bag, leaving the top open. Repeat with the lining fabric. Turn the main fabric right side out, and leave the lining inside out.
Step 3: Adding the Inside Pocket
To add the inside pocket, cut a rectangular piece of fabric and fold it in half, right sides together. Sew the sides and bottom, leaving a small opening for turning the pocket right side out. Once you’ve turned the pocket right side out, iron it flat.
Next, position the pocket onto the lining fabric, making sure it’s centered and level. Pin the sides and bottom of the pocket to the lining fabric, and sew along the sides and bottom, securing the pocket in place.
Step 4: Attaching the Lining
With the pocket attached to the lining, place the lining inside the main fabric, with the right sides together. Pin the top edges of the lining and the main fabric together, and sew around the top edge of the bag, leaving a small opening to turn the bag right side out.
Step 5: Finishing the Tote Bag
Turn the bag right side out through the opening, and then sew the opening closed. Press the top edge of the bag to create a crisp edge, and you’re done! Your tote bag with an inside pocket is now ready to use.
ALSO READ: How to Make a Tote Bag With an Outside Pocket
Tips for Making a Tote Bag with an Inside Pocket
Here are some tips to keep in mind as you make your tote bag with an inside pocket:
- Choose a sturdy fabric for your tote bag, such as canvas or denim. This will ensure your bag is durable and can hold heavy items.
- When positioning the pocket onto the lining fabric, ensure it’s centered and level. You can use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure accuracy.
- Don’t forget to leave a small opening when sewing the top edge of the bag. This will allow you to turn the bag right side out.
- Use a coordinating thread color to give your bag a polished finish.
- Consider adding additional pockets to your tote bag if you need more organization.
Conclusion
Making a tote bag with an inside pocket is an excellent way to customize your bag and make it more functional. You can create a tote bag that meets your needs with a few materials and some basic sewing skills.
Follow our simple steps and tips on how to make a tote bag with an inside pocket, and you’ll have a stylish and practical bag that you’ll be proud to carry everywhere you go.