How to Make a Simple Beach Tote

It is beach and pool time so I thought I would put together this simple beach tote to haul all of your stuff in. It can be made in about an hour by any beginner sewist. Choose some fun fabric to really make this tote beachy. This tote has a few outside pockets to really make4 it useful. This is a fun and functional handbag project and if you would like more handbag making projects head over to my handbag page for more tutorials.

I chose a fun Hawaiian print for my bag that I purchased as a remnant at JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores and a green Kona cotton for the lining. Of course you could head to fabric.com or onlinefabricstore.net to get the perfect fabric for your simple beach tote. You could even choose a water proof or outdoor fabric for your bag. This post contains affiliate links that if you click on them and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

What you will Need: How to Make a Simple Beach Tote

• 1 yd outer fabric
• 1 yd lining fabric
• Standard sewing supplies

Step 1: Cut your Fabrics

From the outer and lining fabrics cut two pieces that measure 20″ W x 18″ H. Also cut outer and lining pieces that measure 20″ W x 11 1/2″ H for the outer pockets. Cut two outer pieces that measure 4″ x 22″ for the handles.

Step 2: Create the Pockets

Place the outer and lining pieces that measure 20″ x 11 1/2″ right sides together and stitch along the top using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Turn right sides out and press. Topstitch along the seam.

Step 3: Add the Pockets

Place the fabrics you just stitched with the lining side face down onto the right side of the outer fabric. Stitch down the center of the pocket piece to secure it to both outer pieces.

Step 4: Cut out the Corners

Cut out 4″ squares from the bottom corners of both there outer pieces including the pockets and the lining pieces as well.

Step 5: Stitch the Outer Beach Tote

Stitch along the sides and the bottom using a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Step 6: Box the Corners

To box the corners place the side seam and the bottom seam together and stitch along the line that the joint creates using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Turn the bag right sides out.

Step 7: Create the Lining

Create the lining in the same way you created the outer bag but without the pockets. Leave an opening in the bottom for turning.

Step 8: Create the Handles

Fold the long sides of the handle pieces into the center and press. Fold in half to enclose the raw edges and press again. Stitch on both sides to secure.

Step 9: Add the Handles to the Beach Tote

Measure 5″ from each side seam and place the ends of the handles. stitch the handles using a 1/8″ seam allowance to secure.

Step 10: Add the Lining to the Beach Tote

Place the outer bag into the lining bag so that they are right sides together. Make sure that the handles are between the layers. Stitch all the way around the top of the bag.

Step 11: Turn Right Sides Out

Reach into the lining through the opening and pull the outer bag through the opening until the bag is right sides out. Once the bag os right sides out Close the opening using your machine or ladder stitch.

Step 12: Topstitch the Beach Tote

Push the lining into the outer bag and press. Topstitch all the way around the top of the bag. you have now finished your beach tote.

I hope you enjoyed this Simple Beach Tote project. If you would like more sewing and crafting tutorials subscribe to our newsletter and receive your free eBook of 15 handbag patterns and tutorials taken from the blog.

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