The Twenty Minute Tote
Updated September 2011
We have remade these awesome, simple bags for fall! This time around, I used a gorgeous new collection of upholstery weight cotton called Outside Oslo. These bold, stylish prints are sophisticated without being serious and come in a rich palette of colors perfect for fall. I added some sturdy contrasting cotton webbing handles for a pop of color, and I love the way they came out! The new materials are as follows:
To make one tote bag:
- 1/2- yard of Outside Oslo Fabric. I used (clockwise from top left): Dawn Frond, Dawn Sticks, Dusk Wildflower, and Dawn Picket
- 2 yards of 1-inch cotton webbing to compliment your fabric. I used (clockwise from top left): Taupe, Turquoise, Turquoise, and Yellow.
- Cotton thread to match your fabric
- Cotton thread to contrast with the inside of the bag
Updated February 2011
These totes really do come together in 20 minutes a piece which makes them a great, quick, way to add a little Springtime color and excitement into the dull end of Winter months. To make one tote bag:
- 1/2-yard of Kokka Apples. I used Pink Mini Apples, Orange Mini Apples, Blue Mini Apples, and Green Large Apples
- 2 yards of 1-inch cotton webbing to compliment your fabric. I used Natural, Yellow, Turquoise, and Green
- Cotton thread to match your fabric
- Cotton thread to contrast with the inside of the bag
UPDATE: NOW IN GARMENT-DYED TOWELING
AUGUST 2022
Our Garment-Dyed Toweling Totes put a spin on our classic Twenty Minute Tote pattern! Garment-Dyed Toweling simplifies the tote-making process with its double-fold hems along both selvages, and its distinctive stripes lend some flair. You only need a yard of toweling for each tote, or you can pick up one of our four-color Garment-Dyed Toweling Bundles to make a full set. Happy sewing!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Molly Schnick. Click here to see even more of Molly’s work!
The Original
The fabric in these how to shots is from Echino and is now out of print but you can see more from the same designer, Etsuko Furuya here.
Cutting
Cut two 16-inch tall by 14-inch wide panels from the fabric. Make sure the pattern is going the correct direction on both panels.
Cut two 22 1/2-inch long pieces from the webbing.
Attaching Handles and Hemming the Top
Pin the handle pieces to the top raw edge of the right side of each panel 3-inches from the sides. The raw edges of the handles should match up with the raw edge of the top of the panel so the handles will be facing down as shown in the picture above. Make sure the handles aren’t twisted.
Using the contrasting thread sew a zig zag stitch across the top edge, sewing the handle to the top edge in the process.
This zig zag stitch should be right at the edge of the fabric as shown above.
Turn the panels so their wrong sides are facing up. Press and pin their top edges with the handles down 1 1/2-inches
Make sure to pin the handle so it’s perpendicular to the horizontal sides.
Sew this fold down with the matching thread a 1/4 inch from to top edge and then with a second seam 1/4-inch from the bottom zig zag stitch.
The handle will now be attached and the top hem sewn down on both panels. You’re now ready to sew the bag together.
Sewing the Bag Together
Pin the panels right sides together and sew along the sides and bottom 1/2-inch from the raw edges using the matching thread. Back stitch at the beginning and end of each seam.
Snip off the bottom corners.
Using the contrasting thread zig sag stitch along the raw edges of the sides and bottom of the bag.
Make sure to stitch right along the edge to contain the threads from the raw edges.
Turn the bag right sides out press the corners and you’re all done!
love your bags , have you got a pattern for over the shoulder peg bag , I’m a newbie at sewing
thank you
Diane
Hi Diane,
Thanks for writing in and for your kind words! I am not familiar with peg bags but you can find all of our sewn bag pattern here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/sew/sew-bags-pouches/ You can easily modify the length of the straps for a longer shoulder bag if you wish.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
For my tote bags (as I make many the same size) I cut out the pattern size in either card stock or cardboard that way u don’t have to measure it cuts down on time and I know they’ll be the same size x
Can you do the straps from the same fabric as the tote?
Hello Elise,
Thank you for reaching out! You could make straps out of your tote fabric, though the straps will not be as strong as if you used the Cotton Webbing. I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Marilla
I have made them using the same fabric I just cut strip as long as I like and 5 inches wide and fold it sew down each side and down the center.
I like to buy belts from thrift stores, cut them up, and use those. I always look for the longest ones I can find as it allows for more length for the straps.
Loved making those .little bags. I make all my bags for Christmas gifts
And make my own handles. I recently made twenty small bags for a
Church group sending them to foreign countries and made the handles of matching m arterial . Simple as you don’t have to find
Coodinating ribbon to compliment your fabric. Keep sewing—I am 94 and sew. Every day at the home where I live in N.H.
Your fabric.
Hi Harriet,
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us! We love hearing about crafting stories! Keep on sewing and enjoy!
Best,
Cassy
Beautiful and easy bag . I made a few for presents.
Thank you Harriet for the inspiration. Love to see!
Please add notes when patterns arent available.
Hi Ann,
Thanks for writing in! Although the fabrics we used when we originally made these totes are not available, our pattern is still here! You may be looking for a template or pattern piece to print which we do not have for this pattern because it is as easy as can be – if you scroll to the “CUTTING” section of the pattern, you will see instructions and dimensions for cutting two rectangles from your chosen fabric, as well as the length of cotton webbing to cut for the handles.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I’ve made about 120 of these tote bags for a local women’s day shelter. When the ladies ask for undies, socks, or bras, the staff tuck them into my fabric tote bags. So much nicer than a used plastic grocery bag. I’ve been using my fabric stash – HURRAY! But I also found drapery panels for $2 ea at my local thrift store and they worked really well! Thank you so much for the great idea. I’ve made a couple of small changes, but your pattern rocks!
Great pattern! What is the finished size.
Thank you.
Hi Christine,
Great question! The finished measurements of this lovely little bag are 14 x 12 inches!
Best,
Cassy
Can I use linen? I have some linen fabric and I have no idea what to make with it.
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for writing in! Although there are many different weights of linen fabric, we used a heavy or upholstery weight cotton for these totes, so as long as your linen is on the heavier side, it should work great!
Best,
Julianna
Maybe double the linen as a liner possibly?
If using the same fabric as the bag to make the strap and you want a stronger strap, use interfacing inside the strap. (Iron-on preferred)
Interfacing, or flat line it to some heavier fabric, so it will act heavier. Both works… just in case you don’t have interfacing!
How important is it to use cotton thread. I like dual duty because it has poly in it and is stronger than plain cotton thread.
Love the bags! I plan on making some for friends and family.
Hi Fran,
Thanks for writing in and for the kind words! You can certainly use a polyester or polyester blend thread for these bags. Although some sewing instructors or writers recommend matching your thread content to your fabric (in other words, use cotton thread with cotton fabric), you can also choose to use a stronger thread for items that will see heavier use, such as tote bags, or when sewing heavier weight fabrics.
Best of luck and happy sewing!
Julianna
These are good, but I was Wondering how hard would it be to add a gusset on the sides?
I think this would expand their use immensely.
Hi Jo Ann,
Thanks for reaching out! Great question! Not hard at all! In fact we have a similar pattern with a boxed bottom that gives a very easy gusset for the side. The Easiest Tote in our Easy, Easier, Easiest Totes is a great option!
Best,
Cassy
My first bag turned out amazing! Thanks for the easy to follow instructions …onto my next bag!
Thanks
!
???Thks so much for sharing! I’m motivated to make quite a few of these for my shopping, instead of plastic bags! I love the material you used to make these! Also that was great giving the option of printing the pattern/or saving the pdf file!
Très jolis sacs.
Je viens de sortir la machine à coudre car je dois en réaliser vingt-trois pour les élèves de ma classe.
Je vais utiliser les anciens rideaux de la maison dont le tissu est passé d’un côté ainsi que des chutes de coton légers pour les différencier.
Merci pour les explications claires et faciles à suivre.
Bonjour
Je cherche les dimensions des petits sacs mais en cms car les mailles je comprends pas
Merci de votre aide
C’est pour offrir à la médiathèque de ma commune je souhaiterai faire qq petits sacs
Cordialement et bravo pour ce que vous réalisez
Nadou
Hello Nadou,
Thanks for reaching out! 1 inch is equivalent to 2.54 centimeters so if you multiply each number by 2.54 you will be in good shape.
I hope this helps and happy sewing!
-Marilla
WOW! So easy. I have just started using a sewing machine, in our family, generation after generation sewed by hand (beginning in the day when there was no such thing as a sewing machine), and I have mastered that quite well. But some of the newer projects and ideas, just can’t be done by hand. Although this could be, my arthritis will not allow much more hand sewing. This is the BEST tutorial with the words ACTUALLY matching the pictures that I have found so far. So many of them still lose me when they explain each step, and then show the photos. They are not real clear. Thanks so much for TRULY making it easy to follow your instructions. Have a blessed day!
I’ve taken so much from this post, thank you! Your bag turned out beautiful and I love its antique charm. The colors are subtle, yet done with so much precision and attention to details. And I’m definitely going to apply your great tips when painting my tote bag.
Hi Malissa,
Thanks for reaching out and for your kind words! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed this pattern, we would love to see your finished work so feel free to use the hashtag #purlsohobusyhands on Instagram!
Warmly,
Gianna
I’m moderating it slightly by dropping in a lining with a small interior pocket. Wish me luck!!
Hi Nicci,
Thanks for your comment! Adding a lining with an interior pocket sounds awesome, and super handy! I’m sure it’ll turn out wonderfully.
Have a great rest of your day!
All the best,
Cat
Thank you for sharing, you inspire me to get going on making my own market/grocery bags!
I’ve used this to make some Halloween trick or treat bags.
My first time using the zigzag stitch and happy with how they’ve turned out.
Thank you for making it easy to follow also I’m autistic and visual images are easier for me to understand.
I have used French seams to make the inside of the tote bag neater.