Absolutely! Here's a long, detailed article on how to sew a cute tote bag from an old dress, ideal for a thrift flip sewing project. This guide includes materials, pattern drafting, sewing steps, and tips to help beginners or intermediate sewists.

🧵 How to Sew a Cute Tote Bag from an Old Dress: Thrift Flip Tutorial (With Pattern)

Tote bags are stylish, reusable, and versatile — and making one from an old dress is the perfect upcycling project! Whether you're a beginner at sewing or a seasoned thrifter looking to breathe new life into forgotten garments, this tutorial walks you through the entire process of creating a charming, eco-friendly tote bag from a secondhand dress.

Let’s turn that outdated or oversized dress into something useful and totally cute — a custom tote bag that you'll be proud to carry!

✂️ Materials Needed

Before you start, gather the following materials:

✅ Main Supplies:

1 old dress (woven cotton, denim, canvas, or linen work best)
Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
Seam ripper (optional but helpful)
Measuring tape or ruler
Sewing pins or clips
Iron & ironing board
Sewing machine (can also sew by hand)
Coordinating thread

✅ Optional Extras:

Lining fabric (e.g., cotton)
Interfacing (for structure)
Pocket (can be from the dress)
Magnetic snap or button for closure
Decorative patches, trims, or embroidery

👗 Step 1: Choose the Right Dress

Look for a dress with enough fabric surface area, especially on the skirt. Ideal choices:

A-line or gathered dresses with a wide skirt
Shirt dresses
Dresses with fun patterns or textures

Avoid:

Stretchy knits (unless you're experienced)
Thin, see-through fabrics unless you plan to line it

Tip:

Check the condition of the fabric — make sure there are no rips, large stains, or worn-out sections.

🧵 Step 2: Deconstruct the Dress

Using fabric scissors or a seam ripper:

Remove any zippers, buttons, or embellishments (save them if you like!).
Cut apart the bodice from the skirt.
Iron the fabric to flatten seams and folds.

You’ll be using mainly the skirt fabric, but bodice pieces (especially back panels or sleeves) can be repurposed for straps, pockets, or lining.

🧰 Step 3: Cut Out Your Tote Bag Pieces

Standard Tote Bag Pattern:

Bag Body (x2): 15” wide x 16” tall (38cm x 40cm)
Straps (x2): 22” long x 3” wide (56cm x 8cm)
Optional Pocket (x1): 6” wide x 7” tall (15cm x 18cm)
Optional Lining (x2): Same size as bag body
Optional Interfacing (x2): Same size as bag body

Feel free to adjust dimensions! Larger bags are great for the farmer’s market or beach, while smaller ones are good for everyday use.

✂️ Step 4: Add Interfacing (Optional)

If your dress fabric is thin or soft, iron fusible interfacing to the wrong side of your main body fabric. This adds structure and durability to your tote.

🧷 Step 5: Add a Pocket (Optional)

Fold pocket piece in half, right sides together.
Sew around the edge, leaving a small gap.
Turn it right side out, press flat.
Topstitch the pocket onto the front panel of the bag where desired.

You can also reuse a pocket from the original dress (like a chest pocket) and sew it directly onto your tote.

🪡 Step 6: Sew the Main Bag

If not using lining:

Place the two body pieces right sides together.
Pin or clip the sides and bottom.
Sew using a ½” seam allowance.
Finish the raw edges with a zigzag stitch or pinking shears to prevent fraying.
Turn right side out and press.

For a cleaner finish with lining:

Repeat the above steps for both the main fabric and the lining fabric, but leave a 3” gap in the bottom of the lining for turning later.

📦 Step 7: Box the Corners (Optional but Recommended)

To give the tote more depth:

Pinch the bottom corners so that the side seam and bottom seam align (you’ll create a triangle).
Measure 2” from the point and draw a horizontal line.
Sew across that line and trim off the excess corner.
Repeat on both bottom corners.

Do this for both outer and lining pieces.

🎒 Step 8: Create and Attach the Straps

Fold the strap piece in half lengthwise, right sides together.
Sew along the long edge with ¼” seam allowance.
Turn right side out (use a safety pin or loop turner).
Press flat and topstitch both long sides.

Attach to Bag:

Pin one end of each strap 3” in from each side seam, aligning with the top edge of the bag body (right side).
Baste in place with a straight stitch.

🪡 Step 9: Assemble with Lining

With right sides facing, place the outer bag inside the lining (lining is outside out, bag is inside out).
Make sure straps are tucked inside and not caught in the seam.
Pin around the top edge.
Sew all the way around the top with a ½” seam allowance.

🌀 Step 10: Turn and Finish

Pull the bag through the gap in the lining.
Stitch the gap closed (by hand or machine).
Push the lining into the bag and press the top edge neatly.
Topstitch around the top edge to give it a polished finish and secure the lining.

🧷 Optional Closures or Decorations

Magnetic Snap or Button: Install a snap or sew on a button and loop for closure.
Patches or Embroidery: Add fun designs, sayings, or motifs.
Ruffles or Lace: Use leftover dress trim to decorate the edges.

🌍 Why This Thrift Flip is Awesome

✅ Eco-friendly and sustainable
✅ One-of-a-kind creation
✅ Great gift idea
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Perfect for beginners and upcyclers

🧵 Final Thoughts

Sewing a tote bag from an old dress is not just a clever way to recycle — it’s a chance to create something uniquely yours. The best part? You can tweak this project to suit your style — go minimalist, retro, boho, or bold!

Once you’ve mastered this pattern, try experimenting:

Add zippers or compartments
Make mini totes or oversized beach bags
Use multiple thrifted fabrics for a patchwork look

So next time you're thrifting or cleaning out your closet, look at those dresses with new eyes — you might just see your next favorite tote bag waiting to be made!

Video Tutorial

Sewing TV

Pages

Ads

How to Sew a Cute Tote Bag from an Old Dress | Sewing Tutorial Pattern👜👜💖💖