Modern Chicken Pattern Tote Bag
Tote bags are the absolute best for craft fairs, farmers markets and your weekly grocery shopping. Another great thing about them is the fact that they are a great beginner sewing project! You can make a tote bag as simple or as complected as you want.
What level are you at?
When it comes to sewing even a first timer can create a beautiful handmade product. I remember my first project was a simple coin purse. I loved using it to keep extra change and tickets when I would go to fairs and festivals. Or maybe you used to sew and are thinking about getting back into it? My first project after 10 years away from sewing was a simple tote that I sewed a small zipper pocket inside for my wallet and keys. Not many people need coin purses anymore (thank you debit cards) but tote bags are amazing for so many things including custom gifts.
Modern Chicken Pattern via Jo-Lou Design on Spoonflower
In this Blog post I am linking you to three different sew tote patterns based on how difficult they are. From beginner to pro there is a tote bag pattern that will be fun for you.
For a Beginner
I love this pattern design from insewingtimes. It is easy and looks so cute! This tote is perfect as a reusable grocery bag. It has a lining and folds flat so it wont take up a lot of room. If you like keeping your reusable bags in your car so that you’re never without them this tote would work great. It can be made in 10 minutes and is a great beginner sewing project.
In the end your tote should be 26cm W x 21cm H x 6cm D (10 1/4’ x 8 1/4’ x 4’) To begin you will need one fabric for the outside and one fabric as your liner as well as a 2cm wide webbing strap. Insewingtimes has the full break down as well as a video walking you through the entire process.
Click for full pattern
My Intermediates
Now for a tote with some pockets! Gingercake made an easy to follow how to that only needs half a yard of fabric! Its a quick and easy pattern that is a great start to making pockets on your tote. They even share their favorite stabilizer and an easy downloadable to help you while you’re making.
For your lining you can have some fun and add an inner design in a more durable fabric like Spoonflowers Linen Cotton Canvas or Light Weight Cotton Twill. This tote pattern also comes with a video for all the more visual learners like myself
Click for the Pattern
More Difficult Tote
I dont know if the word tote bag really does this one justice. This one could be an awesome diaper bag, purse, or even a school bag. This bag is divided in the middle by a zippered pocket and gives the bag a unique shape I love! If the middle zippered pouch isn’t enough storage this tote also has multiple open pockets on the side. You will need enough fabric for your outer layer, inner layer, bias strap as well as one 8 inch (20cm) zipper.
You can watch their video that shows you step by step how to make it or read and look at the still photos as a reference while you’re making your tote. Sewing Times has a great video tutorial as well as a blog post about making this tote bag.
Click for the Pattern
Let me know if you create one of these totes in the comments! The ‘Modern Chicken’ fabric is available in over 25 fabrics on Spoonflower. Shop over 200 patterns inspired by nature and my travels.