How to Make a Tote Bag from Toweling Fabric

By Sew to Speak Staff

The holidays are here, and with them comes the delightful challenge of finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list. A handmade gift carries a special warmth and thoughtfulness that can’t be bought in a store. If you're looking for a project that is quick, practical, and endlessly customizable, look no further. Learning how to make a tote bag from toweling fabric is the perfect solution for a heartfelt, useful present.

Toweling fabric, with its charming woven patterns and absorbent texture, isn't just for the kitchen. Its durability and pre-finished edges make it an ideal material for a sturdy and stylish tote. This project is perfect for beginners and offers a wonderful canvas for creative expression for more experienced makers.

This guide will walk you through the simple steps of how to make a tote bag using toweling. We will also explore fun ways to personalize it for a unique holiday gift.

Materials You’ll Need

Gathering your supplies is the first step. For this project, you can find everything you need right here (via our online store) at Sew to Speak.

1 yard of toweling fabric with finished edges - the sample uses toweling that is about 17” wide
1-2 yards of cotton or nylon webbing. An optional alternative to making fabric handles for your tote bag. The sample has long straps and uses 2 yards, but you can use less if you want shorter straps or if you just want handles. The sample shows 1.25” wide webbing.
1 spool of all-purpose thread that coordinates with your fabric colors.
Basic Sewing Tools:

Sewing machine
Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter and mat
Measuring tape or ruler
Straight pins or sewing clips
Iron and ironing board

How to Make a Tote Bag: Step-by-Step Instructions

This simple, unlined tote is a fun and easy project for makers of all skill levels. For beginners, it’s a great starting point. The instructions create a generously sized bag (about 12” wide at the base x 13” tall x 4” deep), but you can easily adjust the dimensions to your liking.

Marking Your Fabric

Step 1: Fold your fabric in half right sides together (RST), matching your raw ends and sides.

Step 2: Make a mark across your fabric 2” from the bottom folded edge on both the front and back. Place a pin on the right and left sides to mark the bottom edge

For steps one and two you'll want to fold your fabric in half, right sides together, and then pin them down.

Remember, right sides together! Or as we say, RST. Using pins to mark your fabric keeps your sides and edges secure.

Step 3: Fold the bottom edge of your fabric up as shown in photo A, below. The lines from Step 2 should be at the top and bottom of the fold, with the marked bottom in the middle.

Next, fold it back down, as shown in photo B. Both lines marked in step 2 should be at the bottom, with the pinned edge tucked up and in between.

Pin both sides in place.

For step three, fold your fabric up and then back down again so it overlaps.

The bottom of your bag should be marked in the middle for the first fold, and then just at the top after the second fold.

Sewing the Bag Body

Step 4: Sew along both sides with a ½” seam allowance; you should be sewing just inside the folded edges.

Use your marks to keep your stitches in the perfect spot, just inside the edges.

Step 5: Press open your seams.

Step 6: Fold down the top edge of your tote 1” towards the wrong side of the fabric, and press.

For Step 6, make sure you're sewing on the wrong side of the fabric, or in the case of toweling fabric, the more faded side.

Make sure you fold the top edge down towards the wrong side of the fabric.

Step 7: Repeat Step 6 and fold around the entire top edge one more inch, pinning around the top edge.

Sewing the Bag Straps

Step 8: Cut your straps to the length that works best for you. We used 36” for each strap.

Step 9: Insert the short, raw edge of your strap under the top folded edge.

The outside of the strap should be 4” from the side seam - repeat for the other end of the strap, making sure your strap is not twisted.

Pin or clip straps in place.

For Step 9, test out your strap lengths before cutting them. Then pin in place.

Get a feel for how long you want your straps to be before cutting the fabric or webbing you’ve chosen.

Step 10: Turn your tote over and repeat Step 9 for the other strap.

Finishing Your Tote Bag

Step 11: Sew around the top edge of your bag using a scant 1” seam allowance so you are sewing just inside the folded edge.

Step 12: Fold your straps up so they are coming straight out of the top of the bag, and clip them in place.

For Step 12, using clips helps line up your straps easily and keeps them in place while sewing.

Now that your straps are secure, you’re ready to make the final stitches to complete your tote bag.

Step 13: Top stitch around the entire top edge of your tote at about ⅛” seam allowance. You will sew over each strap end to keep them in place.

Step 14: Turn your bag right side out and enjoy!

Customizing Your Tote for the Holidays

The beauty of a handmade gift lies in its personal touches. This simple tote bag is the perfect blank slate for creativity.

Add Trims and Pom-Poms: Sew a festive pom-pom trim or a delicate crochet-edge bias tape along the top edge of the bag for a pop of color and texture.
Embroider a Monogram: Hand-embroidering an initial on the front of the bag makes for a truly personal and elegant gift.
Add an Internal Pocket: Before sewing the side seams, stitch a simple patch pocket to the inside of the bag body to hold keys or a phone.
Use Holiday-Themed Fabric: Choose a toweling fabric with festive colors or patterns to make the gift season-specific.
Create a Gift Set: Pair the tote with matching handmade kitchen towels or a set of cloth napkins, all made from the same beautiful toweling fabric.

Create Your Handmade Gifts with Sew to Speak

Learning how to make a tote bag from toweling is a rewarding project that combines simplicity, functionality, and style. In just an afternoon, you can create a whole collection of beautiful, durable bags ready for holiday gifting. Imagine the joy on a loved one's face when they receive a gift made especially for them!

Ready to start your next project? Stop by Sew to Speak’s Columbus, Ohio, store on High St., or browse our online store to find a wonderful selection of toweling fabrics, cotton webbing, and all the notions you need to bring your handmade gift ideas to life. We can’t wait to see what you create!

About the Author

At Sew to Speak, we are all about collaboration, and this blog post is no different! These words are a group effort with thoughtful input from our team.

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