Tote Bag PDF Sewing Pattern in Three Sizes for Beginner-Friendly Sewing and Customizable Pocket Layouts

This tote bag PDF sewing pattern helps you sew a beginner-friendly tote in purse, regular or large size, with pockets you can adapt to your everyday essentials. Simple rectangular pieces keep measuring and cutting straightforward, and illustrated pocket and zipper installation steps guide the construction.

The Santorini Tote pattern from Sew Hungry Hippie includes a top zipper closure, optional interior and exterior zipper pockets, and optional slip-in pockets. Omit the zipper pockets for a simpler project or add them to create more compartments. The pattern supports several fabric types, so you can choose the look of your handmade bag.

This purchase is an instant PDF download for sewing the tote yourself. Measure and cut the rectangular pieces using the instructions, or request pattern pieces by email. Acrylic templates, the video course, printed pattern and alteration PDFs are separate resources.

Features

• Three tote sizes included in one PDF pattern
• Beginner-friendly construction with simple rectangular pieces
• Top zipper closure
• Optional interior and exterior zipper pockets
• Optional slip-in pockets
• Illustrated pocket and zipper installation steps
• Supports vinyl, cork, canvas, quilting cotton, duck cloth, upholstery fabric, faux leather and patchwork

Specifications

• Product format: Instant PDF download
• Skill level: Beginner-friendly
• Included project sizes: Purse, regular and large
• Approximate purse size: 15½ in W × 11 in H × 5 in D
• Approximate regular size: 19 in W × 13 in H × 5 in D
• Approximate large size: 21 in W × 14 in H × 6 in D
• Finished-size variation: Dimensions vary with corner construction
• Cutting method: Measure and cut simple rectangles; pattern pieces available upon email request
• Closure: Top zipper
• Pockets: Optional interior and exterior zipper pockets and slip-in pockets
• Purse and regular exterior fabric and straps: ½ yd quilting cotton, canvas, duck cloth, vinyl, upholstery fabric or faux leather; alternatively one 18 × 54 in vinyl roll
• Purse and regular lining and optional pockets: 1 yd quilting cotton
• Purse and regular main zipper: 16–22 in; cut to size according to the instructions
• Purse and regular structural support: 1 yd foam interfacing or fusible fleece; 1½ yds fusible woven interfacing
• Large exterior fabric: 1 yd fabric or one 18 × 54 in vinyl roll
• Large lining and pockets: 1½ yds
• Large main zipper: 22 in
• Large structural support: 1¼ yds foam interfacing, Decovil Light or fusible fleece; 2 yds fusible woven interfacing
• Optional zipper-pocket supplies: One to four 13 in zippers
• Included instructions: Illustrated zipper pocket, slip-in pocket and zipper installation steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a finished tote bag or a sewing pattern?

This is the Santorini Tote PDF sewing pattern for sewing your own bag. You receive a digital download rather than a finished tote or a materials kit.

Does the pattern include all three tote sizes?

Yes, the Santorini Tote pattern includes purse, regular and large sizes. Their approximate finished dimensions are 15½ × 11 × 5 inches, 19 × 13 × 5 inches and 21 × 14 × 6 inches respectively, measured width × height × depth. Corner construction affects the final dimensions.

Can a beginner use this tote pattern?

Yes, the Santorini Tote pattern is beginner-friendly and uses simple rectangular pieces. You can omit the optional zipper pockets for a simpler project, while illustrated steps explain pocket and zipper installation.

Which fabrics can I use to sew the tote?

The Santorini Tote pattern supports vinyl, cork, canvas, quilting cotton, duck cloth, upholstery fabric, faux leather and patchwork. Use the material and interfacing requirements for your chosen project size.

How much exterior fabric do the purse and regular sizes need?

The purse and regular Santorini Tote sizes call for ½ yard of quilting cotton, canvas, duck cloth, vinyl, upholstery fabric or faux leather for the exterior and straps. Alternatively, use one 18 × 54 inch vinyl roll. The lining and optional pockets require a separate 1 yard of quilting cotton.

Do I need templates to cut the pattern pieces?

No, the Santorini Tote's rectangular pieces can be measured and cut using the instructions. Pattern pieces are available upon email request; the acrylic template set is a separate resource.