Free Sew Easy Big Tote Bag Sewing Pattern (With Zipper)

If you want a large, sturdy tote bag with a professional finish and secure zipper closure, this guide walks you through the entire process—from materials to final touches.

The finished bag measures approximately:

• 14 inches tall
• 19 inches wide
• 4 inches deep

Materials You’ll Need

Prepare all supplies before starting:

Fabric & Structure

• 1 yard main fabric (bag exterior + lining)
• 1/2 yard fabric (straps)
• 1/2 yard foam stabilizer (minimum 40″ wide; e.g., Soft and Stable)
• 1/2–1 yard fusible interfacing (for straps)

Zipper & Notions

• 48″–50″ handbag zipper (size 4.5 YKK recommended)
• OR Zipper by the Yard + 1 pull
• Small fabric piece (2.5″ x 4″) for zipper tab
• Thread, pins, clips, scissors

Tip: If using directional fabric, remember one side will end up upside down inside the bag

Step 1: Cut & Prepare Your Pieces

Follow the original tote pattern for cutting dimensions. Then:

1. Cut all fabric pieces.
2. Cut the foam stabilizer to match the bag body pieces.
3. Fuse stabilizer to the wrong side of the exterior fabric.
4. Apply interfacing to the strap fabric.

Step 2: Quilt or Topstitch the Bag Body

This step adds structure and a professional look.

• Quilt or topstitch your bag panels as desired.
• IMPORTANT: Sew a straight topstitch line exactly 1/2″ from the top edge.

This line will act as your zipper guide—accuracy matters.

Step 3: Prepare the Zipper

If using a standard zipper:

1. Cut off both end stoppers.
2. Remove the zipper pull.
3. Separate the zipper tape.
4. Use only one side of the zipper tape (approx. 48″–52″ long).

If using zipper-by-the-yard, simply cut your desired length and add a pull later.

Step 4: Attach the Zipper Tape

Positioning

1. Place the bag body interior side facing up.
2. Lay zipper tape along the top edge:
   • Right side of the zipper facing the bag
   • Teeth aligned with the top edge

Pinning Method

1. Add a few pins on the interior side.
2. Flip the bag so the exterior side faces up.
3. Pin along the topstitch line (this is key).
4. Ensure:
   • Zipper teeth are flush with the edge
   • Pins catch about 1/8″ into the zipper tape
5. Add vertical pins 2″ from each end (start/stop points)

Step 5: Sew the Zipper

1. Begin sewing at one 2″ marker.
2. Backstitch to secure.
3. Stitch directly on top of the existing topstitch line.
4. Stop at the opposite 2″ marker and backstitch.

This hides your zipper stitching for a clean finish.

Check that the zipper tape is fully secured between the start/stop points.

Step 6: Make the Straps

1. Fold the strap fabric lengthwise.
2. Press edges inward toward the center.
3. Fold again and press.
4. Stitch along both edges.

Attach straps according to your original tote placement.

Step 7: Sew the Bag Together

1. Fold the bag with the right sides together.
2. IMPORTANT: Keep zipper ends pinned away from seams.
3. Sew side seams and the bottom seam.
4. Box the corners to create depth (4″ base).

Step 8: Install the Zipper Pull

1. Align both zipper ends evenly.
2. Trim if needed.
3. Remove ~1/4″ of zipper teeth from each side (optional, for easier insertion).
4. Slide the zipper pull onto both sides.

Test to ensure smooth opening/closing.

Step 9: Create the Zipper End Tab

1. Take your 2.5″ x 4″ fabric piece.
2. Fold short edges inward by 1/2″ and press.
3. Fold long edges toward the center and press.
4. Fold in half → final size approx. 1.25″ x 1.5″.

Step 10: Attach the Tab

1. Insert the raw zipper end into the folded tab.
2. Clip in place.
3. Sew around all edges (about 1/8″ seam allowance).

This gives a clean, professional finish.

Final Result

You now have a:

• Spacious
• Structured
• Zipper-secured
• Professional-quality tote bag