Squared-Off, Stand-Up Tote Tutorial

I like when tote bags stand up on their own (instead of flopping over onto their sides). Here’s a brief how-to on making a square bottom, or gusseted bag using the Upcycled Tote Bag Tutorials I’ve previously posted.

To make the bag, you’ll have to refer to my two tutorials for an upcycled tote bag: Part 1 and Part 2.

I made the pieces for this bag slightly larger—about 12.5” x 13”.

Follow the instructions for the bag but don’t attach the lining to the exterior until you complete these next steps:

(The following instructions are detailed in the above collage.)

Prior to assembling the bag, take the lining and fold it so that the bottom seam and side seam are right on top of each other. You should have a triangle of fabric. Measure down 2” from there and draw a line with chalk or a fabric marker. Sew completely through that line to both ends of the triangle. (See the top picture for reference.)

You will snip this corner off, but prior to that, make sure that the seams match up. (Middle picture in the above collage-you should have a “+” sign with the seams.) 

If not, remove the stitching and try again.

The bottom picture in the collage shows how each piece (the lining and exterior) will stand alone.

And if you want a tote bag but don’t feel like making your own, stop by my Etsy shop. This one is for sale! Never mind, it was sold at a craft show! I'll have a similar one listed in the Etsy shop soon.