Sewing TV: 🧵 DIY “Totally Sealed Entrance Tote Bag”

Sure! Here’s a detailed guide on how to make a DIY “Totally Sealed Entrance Tote Bag”, which is a reusable bag designed to keep its contents secure from dust, water, and outside air — perfect for groceries, gym clothes, or delicate items.

DIY “Totally Sealed Entrance Tote Bag”

Features:

Fully sealed zippered entrance
Optional waterproof inner lining
Reinforced handles for heavy loads
Stylish and eco-friendly

Materials Needed:

Material	Purpose
Outer Fabric (e.g. canvas, denim, or recycled fabric) – 1 yard	For the body of the bag
Inner Lining (e.g. ripstop nylon, waterproof PUL, or cotton) – 1 yard	For added protection or waterproofing
Zipper (20–24 inch, heavy-duty)	To create a completely sealed top entrance
Thread (polyester or heavy-duty)	Durable stitching
Webbing or Fabric Strips (for handles) – 2 pieces, 20–26″	Strong straps
Sewing Machine & Needles	For assembly
Pins or Clips, Measuring Tape, Scissors/Rotary Cutter	Tools

Optional:

Fabric sealant (for seams)
Velcro or magnetic closures (for added sealing)
Fusible interfacing (for structure)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

Cut the following pieces:

Outer Fabric: 2 rectangles (e.g. 16″ x 18″)
Lining Fabric: 2 rectangles (same size)
Zipper panel: 2 strips (e.g. 3″ x 18″)
Handles: 2 straps (1.5″ x 22″ or desired length)

You can adjust the dimensions based on how large you want your tote.

Step 2: Prepare the Zipper Panel

Fold the zipper panel strips in half lengthwise and press.
Place the zipper right-side-up.
Sandwich the zipper between the folded panel pieces, aligning the raw edges with the zipper tape.
Sew the zipper in place on both sides using a zipper foot.
Topstitch for a clean, professional finish.

Step 3: Assemble Outer Shell

With right sides together, pin the front and back outer panels.
Sew the sides and bottom with a ½” seam allowance.
To give the tote a flat base, box the corners:
- At each bottom corner, pinch the fabric so the side and bottom seams align.
- Measure 3” across the corner and mark a line.
- Sew across this line and trim off excess fabric.

Step 4: Assemble the Lining

Repeat the same process as above for the lining fabric. If you’re using waterproof lining, be careful not to puncture too many holes to avoid leakage.

Step 5: Add the Handles

Pin handles to the right side of the outer shell (approx. 4 inches in from each side).
Baste them in place.
Optional: Reinforce with a box and “X” stitch for added strength.

Step 6: Join Bag Shell, Zipper Panel, and Lining

With the outer bag right-side-out and the lining wrong-side-out, insert the outer bag into the lining.
Pin the zipper panel (with the zipper already attached) between the two layers.
Align the top edges and sew all around the top, attaching everything together.
Leave a small gap in the lining for turning.

Step 7: Turn & Finish

Pull the entire bag through the opening in the lining.
Push the lining into the bag.
Sew the gap in the lining closed with a small topstitch or hand-stitch.
Topstitch around the top edge for reinforcement and neatness.

Optional Sealing Enhancements

Use fabric seam sealant inside lining seams to waterproof.
Add Velcro or magnetic snaps inside the zipper panel to double-seal the opening.
Insert wire or boning into the zipper panel for a structured “snap-shut” top.

Care Instructions:

Machine washable (cold water, gentle cycle)
Air dry to maintain fabric integrity
Do not bleach or iron waterproof lining

Done! You’ve Made a “Totally Sealed Entrance Tote Bag”

This tote is stylish, highly functional, and better for the planet. You can customize it with patches, embroidery, or labels. Want to make it thermal-insulated next? I can help with that too!

Would you like printable templates or a pattern sketch to go with this?

Watch video:

Sewing TV

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🧵 DIY “Totally Sealed Entrance Tote Bag”