This project is quick and easy, a simple tote bag that is a great project for new sewers. It is also really nice for gifts!
This bag is back to basics with a simple lining and fabric handle.
This project doesn’t take long to make and can be easily adjusted for other sizes.
The corners of the bag are boxed to provide space at the bottom, but it can also be made flat.
This project is super simple and is a 1/10 in difficulty.
DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS:
QUICK OVERVIEW:
learncreatesew 
Hi there! Thanks for the detailed video. Would like to know the actual dimension of the finished tote bag, as I am trying to figure out if it can fit A4 notebook?
So sorry for the delay! The bag is approximately 10.5 inches square when finished if you make the flat version and do not box the corners. If you do box the corners the top edge opening is still about 10.5 inches across, but it will only be 9.5 inches tall and the base will be about 8.5 inches across and 2 inches deep.
That said, if you are interested, you can adjust the size of the bag by changing the size of your starting rectangle. The above dimensions were created using a 12 (Width) x 22 (L/H) inch rectangle of fabric. If you wanted to make the bag taller you could change the height measurement. To change the height add 2 inches to the rectangle for every 1 inch you want to add in height to the bag. So, if you wanted the bag to be 12.5 inches tall, 2 inches taller than mine, add 4 inches to the rectangle making the length/height 28 inches). If you would like to adjust the width of the bag add 1 inch to the rectangle for every 1 inch you want to add in width to the bag. So if you want the bag to be 11.5 inches across the top, 1 inch wider than mine, add 1 inch to the width making it 13 inches wide.
Hope this helps! Happy Sewing!
The size of the notch for the boxed corner — is that a matter of personal preference, or should it correspond to the size of the bag? If I enlarge the bag so it’s (for example) 18″ high and 19″ wide, what sized notch should I cut out for the boxed corner?
Thanks for your question! That is a personal preference. The bigger the notch, the deeper and shorter the bag. The size of the boxed corner can really be whatever size you like. However, a larger bag will require a larger notch to stand on its own. If you are not sure what size is best, start small and test it out. You can always cut it larger later if you need to. Happy Sewing!
What kind of cloth did you use to make this tote bag?
Thanks for your question! I used cotton fabric for the bag. I purchased both the main fabric and lining from JoAnn Fabrics. The main fabric was from their Quilters Showcase collection, amd the lining a Symphony Broadcloth.
Thanks so much for this great tutorial! I just bought a sewing machine and I’m getting back into some simple projects to get me restarted. I made this bag and I added in three inch side panels and longer straps. It came out great, and it’s reversible. Now my daughter wants me to teach her how to sew. Thanks again, and I really love this site. 🥰
Thanks so much for sharing! Happy Sewing 🙂
Are there written directions for the super simple tote bag?
Thank you for your question! Unfortunately, I do not have written instructions for the tote bag. Only the video. Sorry for the inconvenience!