Vicky Myers

How to make a large denim tote bag

Create a large denim tote bag with this free totebag pattern. The large tote bag is made with avariety of upcycled materials, with hand stitchingfor embellishment, your own padded handles plusa magnetic closure.

This large denim tote measures 20 by  18 by 3″once complete, with handles 28″ long.

If you love bag pattern check out all my  free bagpatterns and tutorials.

Are looking for further ideas for what to do withyour old jeans? Check out my 25+ craft ideas forold jeans

How to make a large denim tote bag

How to make a large denim tote bag

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES:         Bag

   12 by 21 ” (32 by 54 cm) fabric (this isfor the bottom of the bag) 4 5/8 by 21″ (9 by 54cm) 2 pieces offabric 4 1/2 by 21″ (11 by 54cm) 2 pieces offabric 6 1/4 by 21 ” (16 by 54cm) 2 pieces offabric 21 by 37 ” (54 by 94cm) Fusible �eece

         Handles

 2″ by 28″ twice for fusible �eece 2 1/2″ by 30″ four times for the fabric

         Tab Closing

 Magnetic snap 6 by 4 1/2″ (15 by 11cm) lining fabric withheavyweight interfacing 6 by 4 1/2″ (15 by 11cm) denim  withheavyweight interfacing

        Lining

 21 by 37 1/2″ (54 by 94 cm) lining fabric withheavyweight interfacing 9 by 12 1/4″ (23 by 31cm) lining fabric forpocket, one per pocket 7″ (20cm)  zip, one per pocket

How to sew up the large denim tote bag:

Outside of the bag

Layer your fabrics as per your �nished bag,creating one long rectangle, this will beapproximately 21 by 37″  (92cm by 54cm) oncecompleted. Stitch together allowing 3/8″ (1 cm)seam allowance. 

Hand stitch with running stitch 1/8" (3mm) fromthe seam.

Embellish the front of your bag by placing yourthree squares of fabric as is pleasing to you. Stitchthe squares on. Hand stitch your own design ontoyour squares. I have used simple stitches andfrench knots for the design shown.

How to make a large denim tote bag

How to make a large denim tote bag

Iron on your fusible �eece on the back of yourpieced bag fabric

Fold the bag fabric in half, lining up your fabricseams along the sides.

Stitch the side seams. If your sewing machinestruggles with the layers of fabric ensure you areusing a denim needle and a long stitch length,and if you have a quilters foot for your machinethis will help too.

Next, it is time to box the corners of the bag base.Iron the fold at the bottom of the bag, this givesyou a neat crease. Fold the side seam of the bag tothe crease.

 Mark a 3″ seam with taylors chalk. Stitch and trimthe corner o�. Do check out my post How to boxthe corners of bags, two methods for a detailedtutorial.

How to make a large denim tote bag

How to make a large denim tote bag

Repeat for the other corner. Turn the bag rightside out.

Create the �ap closure. Mark the point for themagnetic snap 1.4" (3.5 cm) from short edge andcentrally between the side edges on the lining(with heavyweight interfacing attached). Insertmagnetic snap. Since I wrote this post four yearsago I have re�ned my technique for magneticsnaps – do check out How to attach magneticsnaps.

Finish making the the �ap by placing fabrics rightsides together.

Stitch three sides. Trim seam allowance, especiallythe corners, taking care not to cut the stitches byaccident.

Turn right side out and topstitch around theedges.

How to make a large denim tote bag

How to make a large denim tote bag

Place centrally and baste into place along the topof the rear of the bag.

Mark the point for the magnetic snap on the frontof the bag, and insert.

Now let’s create your padded bag handles – if youprefer corded bag handles check out my detailedtutorial for How to make padded and cord baghandles.  Iron the fusible �eece onto the back ofyour bag handle pieces, placed centrally.

Place the bag handles right sides together.Machine stitch around, with a 1/4″ seamallowance. This is the edge of the fusible �eece.Allow a three inch turning gap along one side ofthe long edge.

Turn right sides out, turning the raw edges inpress. Ladder stitch to close the gap on the straps.

How to make a large denim tote bag

How to make a large denim tote bag

Fold the handles in half and hold with cloverclips.  Starting 2″ from the end machine stitchalong the edge, stopping two inches from the end.take the time to backstitch each end of thisstitching so you handle does not come apart overtime.

Place on the bag 3″ (8cm) down from the top and4″ (10.5 cm) in from the sides of the bag. Sew on, Isuggest sewing a rectangle and sewing across itdiagonally to add strength.

How to make a large denim tote bag

How to make a large denim tote bag

Lining – the �rst step is to adhere heavyweightinterfacing to the lining fabric. The pattern piecesallow for two zipped pockets, personally I love zippockets inside my bag, especially such a large bagas this one – perfect for car keys and phone. If youchoose to add them please follow my detailedtutorial How to put a zipper pocket in a purselining. I have placed my zip pockets for this bagcentrally 3″ (8cm) down from each short edge. 

Place the pocket lining right side facing the rightside of the bag lining. Using a quilters ruler andtailor’s chalk draw a rectangle 7 by 1/2″. Stitchalong the drawn lines.

Cut along the center of the rectangle and intoeach corner, being careful not to cut the stitches.

Pull the zip pocket lining through to the back andpress the rectangle. Place the zip behind, andhand stitch to secure before machine stitching inplace.

Turn the lining over. Fold the pocket fabric up sothe long edge t long edge, thus creating a pocket.Pin and then stitch around the edge to completethe pocket. Repeat for the second pocket.

How to make a large denim tote bag

How to make a large denim tote bag

Join the sides of the lining together, and thencreate the corners for the bag base, following theinstructions as for the main bag.

Place the lining inside the bag – right sidestogether. Stitch the top of the bag all around,except for a 4″ (10cm) gap for turning right sideout.

Turn right side out, press and then topstitch alongthis seam, taking the time to add the top stitchhelps the top of the bag really does make adi�erence to the overall �nish. One �nished bag:)

How to make a large denim tote bag