Bag making
Sewing your own bags, from simple totes to handbags with handles and linings.
What it is
Sewing your own totes and bags.
Who it suits
Beginners ready to move past straight lines, and gift makers.
What you need
Canvas or cotton, lining, interfacing and a 90/14 needle.
A first project
A lined tote with boxed corners.
The bag making guides
Beginner's guide
Bag making: a beginner's guide
Start with a lined tote: rectangles, straight seams and boxed corners.
What you need
Techniques and stitches
How to sew boxed corners
Cut squares half the depth you want.
How to make four-fold straps
Strong straps with no raw edges.
How to sew a simple drawstring bag
Two rectangles and a channel for cord.
First project
Mistakes and fixes
Next steps
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.
