Step 1 - Decide Your Size

We made our tiny tote pretty tiny - just big enough to hold keys, a cell phone, and some lip gloss. Follow our size, or modify it to hold your own "basics". For the body of the bag, decide on the width and add an inch for seam allowances; double the height and add 3" for the two folded top edges. For the handles, multiply the desired height of the bag by two, add enough inches for your desired strap length, include a few more inches for seams, and cut two strips of fabric of total length.

Step 2 - Cut Your Fabric

Mark the pieces for the body and the straps on the wrong side of the fabrics. Cut one piece of fabric for the body of the bag and two strips of fabric of total length.

Step 3 - Make the Straps

Stitch the ends together to create one large loop. Fold and press the entire strip down the middle lengthwise, and then open and press under the sides by 1/2". Close middle fold and edgestitch along both sides.

Step 4 - Attach the Straps

Fold your bag fabric lengthwise in thirds, making two light creases for handle placement. With the handle seams at the halfway point on the bag (where the bag bottom will be), pin the handles along the creases. Stitch both sides of the strap to the bag, stopping 2" from the edges and bartacking.

Step 5 - Stitch the Sides

Fold the fabric panel in half with right sides together, lining up the top edges of the bag. Stitch the sides together and trim off excess seam allowance. Finish the raw edges as desired.

Step 6 - Stitch the Top

With the bag still wrong side out, press under the top raw edge 1/2". Press the edge under again 1" and edgestitch the bottom fold.

Step 7 - Finish the Straps

Turn the bag right side out and finish edgestitiching the straps to the top of the bag. Reinforce with a box stitch, if desired.