Tutorial: Crossbody Zipper Tote Bag

This tutorial will walk you through how to make a cute crossbody tote bag with a zipper. It’s spacious and can hold a surprising amount of stuff, despite it’s compact appearance. This is the bag I use for my everyday essentials. You can print out the free sewing pattern that I created for this below and follow along with the step-by-step instructions.

Supplies Needed:

1/2 yard off of fabric (I used quilting cotton)
1/2 yard of fabric for lining
1/4 yard of contrast fabric
Medium weight interfacing
Buckram or heavy interfacing for the base
14″ zipper

Sewing Pattern PDF

(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)

Step 1

apply interfacing

Apply medium weight interfacing to all 4 upper band pieces and one of the strap pieces. Apply buckram to one of the base pieces (you can also use a heavy weight interfacing).

Step 2

press the pleats and baste them in place along the bottom

On both bag pieces, fold the pleats toward the center and press them. Then baste the pleats to keep them in place.

Step 3

sew the upper band to the bag

Sew an upper band piece to both of the bag pieces with right sides together.

Step 4

sew the sides of the bag

With right sides together, sew the two bag pieces along the side seams.

Step 5

sew the base of the bag

with right sides together, sew the base piece with buckram to the base of the bag. Then turn the bag to the right side.

Step 6

sew the strap

With right sides together, sew the two strap pieces along the long sides. Then turn the strap right side out and press it flat.

Step 7

baste the strap to the sides of the bag

Baste the strap to the right side of the bag centered on the side seam.

Step 8

sew the zipper to one side of the zipper band

Place the zipper face down on one zipper band piece and sew it in place

Step 9

Sew the zipper to the other side of the zipper band

Repeat the process for the other side of the zipper band.

Step 10

cover the raw edges with bias tape

To cover the raw edges, fold bias tape over both sides of the zipper band. You can use commercial bias tape or make some with a matching fabric.

Step 11

sew the zipper to the remaining two upper band pieces

With right sides together sew the other two upper band pieces to the zipper band. Center the upper band on the zipper since the zipper band is shorter.