Fold Over Tote Bag Tutorial & Pattern

This is one of my favorite bags to date - I use it so much more than I thought I would! I'm working on a pattern for a more fully featured bag, but I'm absolutely thrilled to share this tutorial for an easy unlined version.

I needed a large, very large tote that could hold at least 25 picture books from the library to the car. But I also wanted something that would be compact enough that it wouldn't get in the way during story time, puppet shows and the busy library play area.

Since it's unlined, this back is a quick sew, especially if you've made a simple tote before. I have to warn you - the bag is huge! It's perfect for those of us who have to carry a lot, but you can easily adjust the bag by starting with a smaller rectangle if you want a smaller tote.

Materials:

2 large swivel hooks
2 large d-rings
2 rectangles 24"x21" (body of the tote)
2 rectangles 4 inches by 26" (shoulder handles)
1 4"x45 inch strip (cross body strap)
2 4" x 3" inch rectangles (d-ring tabs)

Let's Sew:

First take your two large rectangles and cut 2 inch squares from the bottom to give the bag some depth. Then sew the sides and bottom of the bag.

Now sew up those corners by matching the side and bottom seam.

Turn your bag out and press. Mark how far you want the bag to fold over. I liked about 10 inches from the top. Notice how the folded over portion looks a little to wide? We are going to fix that next.

Using your D-rings, create 2 tabs as shown.

Now we are going to shape the top of the bag. Starting at the marked point, use your ruler to cut a wedge from the marked point as shown. This time, make sure to sew in your D-ring tabs into the seam as close to the marked point as possible. Press well.

The bag is all done, it's just a matter of making the handles!

Fold each rectangle piece in half (hot dog style), and then fold the raw edges in to meet at the center line. Fold in half and press well as shown. Topstitch the short handles to the inside of the tote. Thread the long handles through the large swivel clips. Try the cross body handle on for size and trim if necessary. Stitch as shown after folding the raw edges under.