You are currently viewing DIY Zipper Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial | Beginner-Friendly

DIY Zipper Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial | Beginner-Friendly

When you need one bag to carry you through the day, this tote covers commuting, classes, meetings, errands, and weekends with ease. The secure zip closure keeps your essentials safe on crowded trains and busy streets. Its generous capacity holds a 17-inch laptop, charger, notebook, and a water bottle—so you’re prepared for whatever’s on your schedule. The clean, rectangular profile protects documents from bending and pairs effortlessly with casual or smart outfits. Use it as a work bag, a study/library companion, a meeting-ready carryall, a market/picnic tote, or even an in-cabin personal item when you travel. Built to be used again and again, it helps cut down on disposable bags while letting you express your style with colors and prints you actually love.

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The finished measurements of this bag are approximately 13″(33㎝) W × 11⅞″(30㎝) H × 3¼″(8㎝) D.

You may watch the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel.

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Seam allowances are 3/8″ unless otherwise specified.

Let's get started!!

To make this you will need:

◆ Main Panel
① 17¾″ × 30½″ (45㎝ × 77㎝) Outer layer
① 17¾″ × 26½″ (45㎝ × 67㎝) Lining
① 17″ × 27⅝″ (43㎝ × 70㎝) Fusible fleece
◆ Zipper panel
② 13″ × 2¼″ (33㎝ × 5.5㎝) Outer layer
② 13″ × 2¼″ (33㎝ × 5.5㎝) Lining
② 12¼″ × 1⅜″ (31㎝ × 3.5㎝) Fusible fleece
◆ Inside pocket
① 8¾″ × 12⅝″ (22㎝ × 32㎝) Lining
◆ Others
② 3¼″ × 2″ (8㎝ × 5㎝) Outer layer
① 17″ (43㎝) Zipper
① 1″ (2.5㎝) Wide Webbing Strap 51⅜″ (130㎝)

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Place and sew the handles 6 inches apart. Place the inner pocket on the right side of the lining and sew. Place the zipper panel on the both sides the lining and sew.

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Place the right sides together of the outer and lining and sew with an allowance of about 3/8″, leaving an opening.

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Turn it right side out by pulling the fabric through the opening. And sew up this opening.

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Fold each side of the main panel 2″ and iron. Sew just across the straight edge.

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Open the folded sides. Fold the main panel right sides together in half, and sew both sides just across the straight edge.

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Combine the seams so that a flat base is formed. And sew 3¼″ length.

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Place the zipper panel on top the zipper and sew just across the straight edge.

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YOU ARE FINISHED!

Happy sewing!