In this post you will learn how to sew a boho tote bag .

If you’ve been dreaming of a bag that’s stylish, practical, and totally beginner-friendly, you’re in the right place. Today I’ll show you how to sew your very own boho tote bag – a comfy everyday carryall that feels as relaxed as it looks. The best part? This bag is made without a zipper, which makes it perfect for beginners who want to practice sewing without stress.

You can create this tote using recycled fabrics like canvas, denim, or even an old curtain or shirt. The roomy shape and laid-back style give it that signature boho vibe, while the simple construction keeps things fun and easy. I’ve included a step-by-step video tutorial so you can follow along in real time, plus a free PDF pattern (exclusive for my subscribers) to make cutting and sewing even simpler.

Boho Tote Bag — At-a-Glance

Quick facts for your DIY boho tote bag. Beginner-friendly, eco-conscious, and perfect for everyday use.

Skill level

Beginner friendly

Time

1–2 hours + lining/pocket

Pattern pieces

Front, back, straps, pocket (optional lining)

Fabric needed

≈ 80 × 90 cm (31.5 × 35.4 in)

Finished size

≈ 40 cm (16″) high × 35 cm (14″) wide × 10 cm (4″) deep

Best fabrics

Canvas, linen, denim, upholstery cotton

I’m thinking about designing a leather tote bag next and I’d love your input!
What style would you like to see—slouchy boho, structured everyday tote, oversized market bag, or minimal shopper?
And which format do you prefer: a pattern-drafting tutorial you can follow step by step, or a ready-to-print PDF pattern (A4/Letter)?
Tell me your picks in the comments!

Tools Needed to Sew a Boho Tote Bag

Before we dive into sewing, let’s make sure you’ve got the right tools on hand. Don’t worry—you won’t need anything fancy, just the basics that make this boho tote bag project smooth and beginner-friendly.

Tool	Why You Need It
Sewing machine	Speeds up the process and gives strong, even stitches for your tote bag.
Fabric scissors	For cutting your fabric pieces cleanly and accurately.
Pins or fabric clips	Keep layers (especially thick fabrics like denim or canvas) in place while sewing.
Measuring tape or ruler	Ensures your pieces and straps are cut to the right size.
Iron & ironing board	Pressing seams and straps flat makes your bag look neat and professional.
Seam ripper	Handy for fixing little mistakes (because they happen to all of us!).
Fabric marker or chalk	For marking seam allowances, strap placement, and pocket lines.
Blunt tool (like a chopstick)	Helps push out box corners so your tote has a crisp shape.

💡 If you’re brand new to sewing, this project is very forgiving—even if your stitches aren’t perfect, your boho tote bag will still look stylish and functional.

See All the Tools I Use

Want to know the exact sewing, drafting, and upcycling tools I use in my projects? I’ve listed them all in one place for you.

See my full tools list

Fabrics & Materials You’ll Need for Your Boho Tote Bag

One of the best things about sewing a boho tote bag is that you don’t need much fabric, and you can even use recycled materials like denim, old curtains, or leftover upholstery cotton. Below I’ll walk you through the fabric quantities, types, and the best needles to use so your sewing experience is smooth from start to finish.

Fabric Quantities (with cutting guide)

Piece	Size (cm)	Size (in)	Notes
Main fabric	≈ 80 × 90	31.5 × 35.4	Bag 70 × 40 cm + seam allowance + straps
Lining (optional)	≈ 80 × 90	31.5 × 35.4	For a neat finish
Interfacing (optional)	10 × 80	4 × 31.5	Reinforces straps

💡 Tip: If you’re a beginner, start with one layer of main fabric only (no lining or interfacing) – it will still look great but sew up faster.

Best Fabrics for a Boho Tote Bag

Fabric Type	Why It Works	Boho Style Ideas
Upholstery cotton	Thick and durable, perfect for structure	Pastel prints, geometric designs, or vintage florals
Canvas	Sturdy, holds its shape, and easy to sew	Natural beige canvas with added fringe trim
Linen	Breathable and eco-friendly	Earthy tones with hand embroidery
Denim (upcycled)	Strong, stylish, and sustainable	Patchwork or raw-edge look
Embroidered cotton	Adds texture and detail	Ethnic or folk-inspired patterns for true boho charm

Using recycled fabric makes your tote bag more sustainable and unique – no two bags will ever be the same.

Needle Choice & Sewing Tips

Needle Type	Size (Metric/US)	Best For	Notes
Universal needle	80/12	Quilting cotton, muslin lining	Great for lightweight parts of the bag
Jeans/denim needle	90/14 or 100/16	Canvas, denim, upholstery fabrics	Prevents skipped stitches on thicker fabrics
Topstitch needle	90/14	Decorative topstitching	Creates neat, visible stitches for a polished finish

👉 When cutting your pattern pieces, always mark out your straps carefully. If you’re using thicker fabrics like denim or canvas, trim bulk from the seam allowances to make your sewing machine’s job easier.

Sustainable Sewing: Eco-Friendly Boho Tote Bag

If you love sewing and care about the planet, this project is the perfect match. A DIY boho tote bag can be made entirely from recycled or upcycled fabrics — think old jeans, curtains, or sturdy bedsheets. Using what you already have not only saves money, but also keeps textiles out of landfills.

Denim makes your tote bag durable and stylish, while repurposed linen or cotton gives it a light, earthy feel. Every upcycled fabric choice adds character, making your bag sustainable and unique at the same time.

Free Boho Tote Bag Sewing Pattern – Just for You!

I’ve created a simple, comfy, and beginner-friendly boho tote bag sewing pattern that’s completely free for my subscribers! It’s at the end of the post.

How to Sew a Boho Tote Bag – Step by Step

This easy boho tote bag tutorial is perfect for beginners because there’s no zipper and only a few pieces to cut. Follow along with your free PDF pattern, or use the cutting measurements listed below.

Cutting the Pattern Pieces for Your Boho Tote Bag

Follow the free PDF pattern or cut rectangles to size:

• Bag front: cut 1 piece
• Bag back: cut 1 piece
• Lining front: cut 1 piece
• Lining back: cut 1 piece
• Straps: cut 2 pieces, each 70 cm (27 ½ in) long × 8 cm (3 in) wide
• Pocket: rectangle sized 20 × 25 cm (8 × 10 in), adjust to preference

👉 Always add seam allowances (1 cm / ⅜ in is standard).

Preparing and Sewing the Pocket

• Cut the pocket rectangle.
• Fold right sides together.

• Stitch around, leaving a 5 cm (2 in) turning gap.

• Trim corners, turn right side out, and press flat.

• Place pocket on the right side of the lining, at least 5 cm (2 in) below the top edge.
• Stitch around all four sides, closing the turning gap.
• Divide the pocket with one vertical line of stitching.

💡 Tip: A double pocket works beautifully for organizing phone, notebook, or sunglasses inside your boho tote bag.

Constructing the Outer Bag

• Place the outer bag front and back right sides together.
• Pin along both sides and the bottom edge.
• Stitch with a 1 cm (⅜ in) seam allowance.
• Press seams open.

Stitching the Sides and Bottom in One Go

This method gives your boho tote bag extra strength:

• Place the two outer bag pieces right sides together.
• Starting at the top edge of one side seam, stitch all the way down.
• When you reach the cut-out corner:
  • Keep the needle down in the fabric.
  • Pivot 90° at the corner edge.
  • Continue stitching across the bottom seam until you reach the next cut-out.
  • Again, keep the needle down, pivot 90°, and sew up the second side seam.

This way, the side seams and bottom seam are stitched in one continuous line.

Forming the Box Corners

This step creates the roomy shape of your boho tote bag.

• Take one cut-out square and gently open it up.
• Pull apart the side seam and bottom seam until they line up in the middle.

• Press the seams flat and pin/clip to hold in place.

Stitching the Corners

• Sew straight across the raw edge with a 1 cm (⅜ in) seam allowance.
• Backstitch at the beginning and end for strength.
• Repeat for the other corner.

👉 Your tote bag now has even, box-shaped corners that add depth and space.

Sewing the Outer Bag

Now that the lining is ready, it’s time to construct the outer bag shell. The steps are almost identical, except this time you don’t leave a turning gap.

1. Place Pieces Right Sides Together – Take the outer bag front and back and place them right sides facing.
2. Pin the Edges – Pin or clip along the two side seams and bottom edge (leave the top open).
3. Stitch the Seams – Sew down one side, across the bottom, and up the other side using a 1 cm (⅜ in) seam allowance.
   • If using heavier fabrics like canvas or upholstery cotton, consider sewing twice or zigzagging raw edges for durability.
4. Prepare the Box Corners – Cut out two 5 × 5 cm (2 × 2 in) squares at the bottom corners (if not already done).
   • Open up each cut-out, pull seams apart, and align them.
   • Flatten seam allowances open.
5. Stitch the Corners – Sew across each corner with 1 cm (⅜ in) seam allowance. Backstitch for strength.

Making the Straps

• Fold each strap piece lengthwise, right sides together.
• Stitch along the long edge with a 1 cm (⅜ in) seam allowance.
• Turn right side out (use a safety pin or loop turner).
• Press flat.
• Topstitch along both long edges for strength.

Joining the Outer Bag and Lining

• Pin the Bag Shells Together – Place the outer bag inside the lining, right sides facing. Align seams and raw edges at the top. Pin around.

• Insert the Straps – Slide straps between the outer bag and lining. Position at the center of each side. Align raw ends with the top edge and pin.

• Leave a Gap at Straps – When stitching the top edge, leave about 8 cm (3 in) unstitched at each strap placement.
• Stitch the Remaining Top Edge – Sew the rest with a 1 cm (⅜ in) seam allowance, backstitching at start and end.

Result: Outer bag and lining are connected, with straps ready for finishing.

Turning and Securing the Boho Tote Bag

• Turn the Bag Right Side Out – Pull the bag through the lining gap. Push corners out gently with a blunt tool.

Pull the Straps into Place – Make sure straps stand straight, even in length, and untwisted.

• Press the Top Edge – Roll the seam slightly toward the lining side and press flat.
• Use a warm iron to press the top edge flat, rolling the seam slightly toward the lining side. This prevents the lining from peeking out.

Joining and Finishing the Straps

• Join Outer Strap Ends – Place right sides together, stitch with 1 cm (⅜ in) seam allowance, and press open.

• Join Lining Strap Ends – Repeat with lining straps.

• Align Outer & Lining Straps – Bring straps wrong sides together, align seams, and pin.

Finishing the Top Edge

• Fold raw edges inward by 1 cm (⅜ in).
• Sandwich straps neatly between lining and outer fabric.

• Pin securely all around.

• Topstitch around the entire opening. Backstitch across straps for strength.

Closing the Lining Gap

• Turn bag inside out slightly to access the lining gap.
• Fold raw edges inward and stitch closed (hand-stitch or machine).

Final Result

Your boho tote bag is now complete!

• The straps are securely enclosed.
• The top edge is pressed and topstitched.
• The lining is neat and professional.

This roomy, stylish tote is ready to carry your essentials in true boho spirit!

Prefer Watching to Reading?

Not really into following written step-by-step guides? No worries! I’ve got you covered with a full video tutorial where I show you exactly how to sew your boho tote bag from start to finish. Watching along makes the process feel simple and relaxed, so you can stitch up your own comfy tote with confidence.

Make sure to give a thumbs up, leave a comment, and hit that subscribe button on my channel to get more sewing tutorials. Don’t forget to share your results with me on Instagram or Facebook. I’m really excited to see what you come up with!

Styling Ideas for Your Boho Tote Bag

One of the best things about sewing your own boho tote bag is that you can easily give it a personal twist. Keep it simple for everyday use, or go all-in on the boho vibe with a few creative touches:

• Fringe or tassels – sew them along the side seams or bottom edge for that free-spirited, festival look.
• Embroidery – add hand-stitched flowers, mandalas, or earthy motifs to make your tote truly one-of-a-kind.
• Patchwork details – use up fabric scraps or mix different textures (like denim + linen) for a relaxed, artsy style.

Your handmade bag will be practical, but also a statement piece that reflects your unique personality.

How to Care for Your Boho Tote Bag

Once your boho tote bag is finished, you’ll want to keep it looking fresh. Care is simple:

• Washing – Most totes can be machine-washed on a gentle, cold cycle. For delicate trims or embroidery, spot-clean instead.
• Drying – Air-dry your tote bag to prevent shrinking and protect the straps.
• Pressing – Use a warm iron to press the bag, but always place a pressing cloth on top (especially for denim or embroidered details).

With a little care, your handmade tote will stay beautiful and functional for everyday use.

Boho Tote Bag — FAQ

Is the boho tote bag beginner friendly?

Yes! The simple construction and no-zipper design make this bag ideal for new sewists. Even if your stitches aren’t perfect, the relaxed boho style hides little imperfections beautifully.

What fabric is best for a boho tote bag?

Sturdy fabrics like canvas, denim, linen, or upholstery cotton work best. You can also use recycled materials such as old jeans or curtains for a sustainable option.

Do I need a lining for my tote bag?

A lining isn’t required, but it gives your bag a neat, professional finish. It also makes the tote more durable if you plan to carry heavier items.

Can I wash my boho tote bag?

Yes, but always follow fabric care instructions. Generally, wash in cold water, air dry, and press with a warm iron. If you’ve added trims or embroidery, spot-clean where possible.

How can I customize my tote bag to make it more boho?

You can add fringe, tassels, or embroidery for a true boho vibe. Patchwork denim or raw-edge finishes also give it a unique, laid-back style.

Ready to Go with Your Handmade Boho Tote Bag!

And that’s it – your handmade boho tote bag is ready to carry all your essentials in effortless style! I love how comfy and versatile this bag feels, and the fact that you can sew it from recycled fabric makes it even more special. Whether you use sturdy canvas, soft denim, or something totally unique from your fabric stash, every bag will turn out with its own personality.

Don’t forget to grab your free PDF pattern if you haven’t already – it’ll make sewing this tote even easier. And if you’re a beginner, this project is the perfect way to build confidence at the sewing machine while creating something beautiful and practical.

What fabric would you use for your boho tote bag?

Happy sewing, and enjoy your new boho tote bag!

In this post you have learned how to sew a boho tote bag.

Free Sewing Pattern Boho Bag