Cute Navy and Pink Pocket Tote Bag with Tutorial

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

The next project on my craft list is a practical one, but still cute and with a tutorial too!

I needed a new tote bag to lug around my stuff on weekends.  One that was sturdy, wouldn’t stain easily, and of course would look cute. 

So, I picked out two different fabrics and came up with this blue and pink bag.  It’s trimmed with lace and has a cute printed pocket on the outside and one on the inside as well.

To make one for yourself you will need:

• 2 contrasting fabrics, about 1 yard of each.
• Matching thread
• Basic sewing supplies
• Basic sewing knowledge
• (Optional) Interfacing, see below.
• (Optional) Sewing machine, hand sewing is possible.
• Lace or other trim, about 2 yards.
• (Optional) DVDs, Netflix, etc. because movies and sewing projects go well together.

These are the fabrics I used.  One is some navy blue poly poplin I had leftover from a dress and a costume, this is for the outside of the back.  It’s a nice color that won’t show dirt easily.

For the inside (or lining) of the bag I used more of the that cute pink flannel I used for my 2DS Case.  Told you it would pop up again.

I didn’t bother with interfacing because both of my fabrics are pretty thick, but I recommend it for thinner or easily wrinkled material.  You will want to use it on the pockets, straps, and the outer fabric.

Anyway, cut 2 squares of fabric about 20 x 20 in. (51 x 51 cm.) from each of your fabrics.  This makes a bag that’s large enough to carry my laptop, you may wish to make yours a little smaller.

Next, cut two rectangles 9 x 15 in. (23 x 38 cm.) from your inner fabric.  These will be pockets, one for the inside and one on the outside.

Proceed to hem the top edge of each pocket.  If you are going to add lace to the pocket, this is the time to do it.

Fold back the other edges of the pocket and pin to one of the squares of inner fabric before sewing down the pocket.  Repeat with the outer fabric.

After sewing on the pocket, you can sew a line down the center to divide it into two pockets.  This is purely optional, but fun.

Now it’s time to start assembling the bag.  Pin the two squares together with right sides facing, then sew the sides and bottom.  Repeat for the inner fabric as well.

Here I have my “lining” with the bottom corner turned and pinned flat.  I just sew along the pins, repeat on the other corner and…

…boom!   Flat bottomed bag!

Just need to repeat for the outer fabric part.  Of course, this is optional, but it’s a nice little detail.  If you need more help, here’s a great video tutorial for doing this.

Almost done now.  Stick your lining into the outer part with rights sides together and pin them along the top edge.  Sew around the top, but leave a hand size bit open.

When you finish sewing, turn it all “right side” out,  then carefully tuck your inner part into your brand new bag!

Well, it’s almost a bag.  Pin along the top edge again and top stitch to close the unsewn part and to make the bag neat. 

And now the body of the bag is complete.  Let’s get those straps done.

Cut two long rectangles 3 x 26 in. (7.5 x 66 cm.) for each strap.  I chose to use pink on one side and blue on the other of each strap, but do what you like.

With right sides together, pin and sew along the long side of each strap, leave the ends open. Then carefully turn them right sides out.  This might take sometime, but that’s why we watch movies while sewing.

After turning, tuck the ends in and pin along all around the straps before sewing along the edges.

Pin the straps on the bag where you want them.  Try the bag on before sewing the straps in place.

Now you can add some lace or trim along the top edge of the bag.

Confession: I added the lace too soon and it got in my way.  I also forgot to add the pocket lace before sewing the pocket on the bag, so I had to do it by hand afterwards.  :(

Anyway, now the bag is done and ready to haul all your junk, but in a cute way!

Here’s the updated list:

• 3 piece outfit
• Holder
• First aid cases
• Umbrella
• Tea set
• Tote

Four down, just two more to go.  The next one will be up fairly soon, try to guess what it will be.

Give it a try:

• Loops & Threads™ Start-to-Sew Kit
• HeatnBond Fusible Interfacing 20 in. x 1 yd. Medium Weight
• Coats & Clark Dual Polyester Thread