Pattern Description:
This Free No-Sew Tote Bag pattern lets you create a stylish, durable bag without stitching. Using Unique Stitch Adhesive, canvas, and faux leather handles, you’ll cut, glue, and paint your way to a custom tote.
With a flat base and chic striped design, it’s perfect for groceries, weekends, or everyday use, simple yet sophisticated.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
| Item | Details / Measurements | |
| Canvas | Two pieces cut to 18″ x 21″. | |
| Unique Stitch Adhesive | Used generously to meld fabric layers together. | |
| Faux Leather Handles | Handles should have pre-made holes (to avoid needing a leather punch). | |
| Rivet Kit | Includes rivets, anvil, and setter. Smallest rivets (~8mm) were used. | |
| Paint | Martha Stewart Satin Paint in Beetle Black (recommended because it does not require fabric medium). | |
| Awl | Used to puncture holes for rivets. | |
| Tape | 1/8″ tape (used for painting stripes). | |
| Tools | Ruler, iron, pouncer. | |
| Fabric Edge Fold | The 21″ long edge is folded over about a half inch and ironed down. | |
| Stripe Exclusion Area | Stripes were not painted on the bottom three inches of the fabric (which later becomes the bottom of the bag). | |
| Handle Placement | The handle end is placed 6 inches from the left side, and 6 inches from the right side, lining up the top hole near the top of the bag. | |
| Flat Base Measurement | When creating the triangle corners at the bottom, measure 5 inches at the base before folding and gluing. |
Instructions for Making the No-Sew Tote Bag Pattern:
Step 1: Cutting & Preparation
Start by measuring and cutting two canvas pieces to 18″ × 21″. Gather your materials: ruler, iron, adhesive, rivet kit, awl, handles, paint, pouncer, and tape. Lay down a towel to protect your work surface before you begin.
Step 2: Finish the Top Edge
To create a polished top opening, fold the 21″ edge of each canvas piece over by about ½ inch.
Press firmly with an iron to create a crisp crease. Apply Unique Stitch Adhesive beneath this fold to seal it.
Use enough glue for a strong bond, but avoid excess that seeps out the sides. Allow it to dry completely, this edge forms the top opening of your tote.
Step 3: Paint the Stripes
Once the top is finished, flip the fabric so the front (unfolded) side faces upward. Use 1/8″ tape to mark your stripe pattern.
Don’t worry about perfection, slight imperfections can add character. Use a pouncer to dab on Martha Stewart Satin Paint in Beetle Black.
Avoid painting the bottom 3″ section, as that portion becomes the base. Let the paint dry fully before moving on.
Step 4: Attach the Handles
When the paint has dried, measure 6″ from each side and mark the handle placement. Align the top hole of each faux leather handle near the top folded edge.
Use a pen to mark where the rivet holes should go. With an awl, puncture these marked spots carefully, just large enough for rivets to pass through.
Insert the rivet backs through the back side of the fabric, align them with the handle holes, and snap on the rivet caps.
Using the rivet kit’s anvil and setter, tap each rivet firmly with a hammer to secure it. Repeat this for both handles.
Step 5: Assemble the Bag
Place the two canvas pieces right sides together, aligning all edges. Apply Unique Stitch Adhesive along the two side edges and bottom edge (not the top). Press together and allow the adhesive to set until dry.
Step 6: Create the Flat Base
To give your tote a boxy, flat bottom, pinch one bottom corner so it forms a triangle. Measure 5″ across the triangle’s base.
Fold the triangle down toward the bottom and apply adhesive under the point. Repeat for the other corner.
Before the glue dries completely, turn the bag right side out. Lift each triangular fold, spread more adhesive underneath for reinforcement, and press firmly.
Hold in place for a few moments, then allow the bag to dry overnight. If any outer triangle edges appear loose, apply a bit of glue inside and press them flat for a smooth, secure base.
Finishing Touch
Once fully dry, your DIY No-Sew Tote Bag is ready to use! The structured base makes it perfect for carrying groceries, beach essentials, or weekend travel items.
The combination of hand-painted stripes, faux leather handles, and the no-sew construction gives it a custom, boutique look, no sewing machine required.
Final Tip:
Customize your tote with different paint colors, stencils, or fabric textures for a personalized touch. With this simple method, you can create multiple stylish bags in just a few hours.
