Did you know that the tote bags frenzy dates to the 1940s? It wasn’t until the 20th century that these bags started getting noticed for their simplistic design and convenience. At this time, they started getting popular under the name “totes.”

Over the years, the bag endured a lot of style changes. People have tried various DIY tips and techniques to create personalized versions of totes. From keychains and badges to patches and patterns – these everyday bags have withstood it all.

Each of these crafts contributes to adding a unique and personalized touch to your totes. Still, the tote bag with pockets pattern is one interesting craft that’s quickly made its way to the top of the list of favorites for both teens and adults.

Tote Bags – the Holy Grail of Every Crafter

tote bag

If you happen to be a fan of trying different DIY projects, then you’d know that these bags are the holy grail of every crafter. These bags are stylish, versatile, and easy to carry. Tote bags give crafters a lot of room to practice different DIY crafts on them.

One such trending craft that has quickly gained popularity is the textured and patterned pockets. Are you an aspiring crafter looking to learn how to make tote bags with pocket patterns? Below is a step-by-step guide to help you get started!

Tools of trade

Step-by-step Instructions to Make Your Own Tote Bag With Pockets Pattern

making tote bag with pocket

Once you’ve collected all the things required to make your own tote bag with pocket patterns, you must follow the instructions below in the same order.

If you’re not familiar with using a sewing machine, try stitching a few lines on a spare piece of fabric. This will help you get acquainted with using the machine. Thankfully, there are a lot of great tutorials on YouTube to help you get your feet wet.

Step 1: Cutting the fabric

One of the first things you’ll need to do before making your own tote bag with a pocket is to choose your outer fabric. It’s best to stick with cotton fabric, but you can always play around with the print and colors.

The list of possibilities is endless. You can design the whole thing in a single print or create a patchwork tote. If you’re comfortable with the process, you might try mixing, matching, and coordinating your fabrics on different parts of your bag.

After choosing the fabric:

  1. Wash it with warm water and allow it to dry completely.
  2. Spread the fabric on a flat surface and mark the measurements mentioned below. You may use marking chalk and a tape measure for it.
  3. Pick up the shears and cut the fabric as explained below:

Tip: Use the iron to flatten out the fabric and remove all the creases before measuring and cutting. This helps get an accurate measure.

Step 2: Stitching the straps

Step 3: Assembling the pockets and the lining

Step 4: Layering the pieces and putting the bag together

Step 5: Taking care of the finishing stitches

Add an Interior Slip Pocket to Your Tote Bag

While it’s true that a tote bag looks chic, having an exotic interior slip pocket in tote bags is equally trendy. This is easy to do with a tote bag with pockets pattern.

Keeping the trend aside, stitching an interior pocket to your simple tote with exterior pockets offers many other benefits. So, if you plan to add an internal slip pocket to your tote bag, simply follow the instructions mentioned below.

You can choose how big or small you want the interior pocket to be. It’s probably best to stick to a 6-inch by 7-inch standard-sized pocket. Regardless of the pocket size you choose, remember to add half an inch to all sides for seam allowances. After you have finalized the size, don’t forget to select the fabric and the pocket print.

In Conclusion

Pockets are indeed an essential part of almost any bag, even totes. After all, their functionality and ease of use depend upon how well thought out the pockets are.

Don’t hesitate to start designing a tote for your next DIY project. Remember that a tote bag with pockets pattern looks stylish and passes the functionality test.