Heading to the beach or park always sounds like a good idea, until you’re trying to carry a water bottle or a towel that keeps slipping out of your tote bag. That’s why this DIY picnic and beach tote bag comes in handy. It’s roomy enough for all the essentials and it has a built-in towel pocket right on the outside so you can grab your towel without digging through everything else.
What You’ll Need
Main Fabric: Canvas, denim, or cotton holds up well.
Towel Pocket: Cut a piece of terry cloth or cotton big enough to hold a towel.
Materials:
- Thread
- Pins or clips
- Sewing machine with a heavy needle
- Iron
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- (Optional) Snap or Velcro for the pocket
Summer Tote Tutorial: Sew a Bag With Room for Towels
Got fabric ready? Let’s walk through how to sew your own summer tote.
Step 1: Cut Your Pieces
Start by cutting two rectangles for the front and back of the bag. Each piece should be 18 inches wide and 16 inches tall. Next, cut one rectangle for the bottom panel, measuring 18 by 8 inches. For the towel pocket, cut a piece of fabric about 16 by 12 inches.
Now cut two strips for the handles, around 24 to 28 inches long depending on how low you want the bag to hang. If you’re using webbing or denim, you can leave the edges raw. If you’re making the handles from fabric, fold the long edges in toward the center, then fold in half again. Press the folded strips flat and topstitch both sides to finish the straps.
Step 2: Make and Attach the Towel Pocket
Take the towel pocket piece and hem the top edge. Fold it down by half an inch, press it flat, and stitch straight across.
Once the edge is finished, center the pocket on the front panel of the bag and pin it in place. Sew down the left and right sides, then stitch across the bottom edge. Backstitch at the top corners to keep the pocket secure when it’s in use. If you want extra organization, sew a vertical line down the middle of the pocket to split it into two.
Step 3: Assemble the Bag
With right sides facing, pin the front, back, and bottom panels together. Start by attaching the bottom panel to the front and back pieces along the long edges. Then sew the side seams to shape the body of the bag.
To help the bag stand up on its own, box the corners. Flatten each bottom corner until the side seam lines up with the bottom seam to form a triangle. Measure 3 inches from the tip, draw a straight line, and sew across it. Trim off the extra fabric, then repeat on the other corner.
Step 4: Add the Handles and Finish the Top
Grab the fabric straps and pin them to the top of the bag. Place each strap about 4 inches in from the side seams. Check that they’re not twisted before sewing them down. Reinforce each strap end with a stitched box or X pattern so they hold up to weight.
If you’re using a lining, place it inside the outer bag with right sides facing. Pin around the top edge and sew all the way around, but leave a small gap so you can turn the bag right side out.
Once it’s turned, press the top edge flat and topstitch all the way around to close the gap and finish the top seam. If you’re skipping the lining, just fold the top edge down twice, press, and stitch to clean it up.
One Bag, So Many Summer Plans
That’s it! You now have a sturdy summer tote ready for your next beach getaway. What fabric would you use for yours? Tropical print? Gingham? Denim and terry combo? Whatever your style, this project keeps your summer better organized and a little more stylish.
FAQs
- What kind of fabric works best for this summer tote?
Canvas, denim, or any medium-to-heavy cotton works well. - Do I need a lining?
No, but it adds structure and helps the bag last longer. - Can beginners sew this tote?
Yes! The steps are simple and beginner-friendly. - How big is the finished bag?
Roughly 18 inches wide, 16 inches tall, and 8 inches deep. - What’s the towel pocket made from?
You can use terry cloth, cotton, or part of a matching towel. - Can I skip the towel pocket?
Yes—just leave that step out if you want a plain tote. - Do I need a zipper or snap?
No closures are required, but you can add one if you like. - Can I wash the finished bag?
Yes, just wash it gently and let it air dry. - How long does this project take?
Most people can finish it in one afternoon. - Can I make it bigger or smaller?
Definitely—just adjust your cut measurements to fit your needs.
