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Trader Joe’s Mini Tote Bag Tutorial
Hi everyone! Today, I’m excited to show you how to make your very own mini tote bag, inspired by the popular Trader Joe’s mini tote. These little bags are just so cute and functional—I couldn’t resist creating my own version!
After getting my hands on one, I measured, took notes, and reverse-engineered it to figure out exactly how it was made. My version mostly follows the original design, but I made a couple of tweaks: the front pocket is double-sided for extra sturdiness, and I used cotton webbing for the straps instead of canvas.
For this project, I chose a fun Hawaiian print for the body, sturdy canvas for the bottom, and cotton webbing for the handles. This tote is the perfect size for running errands, carrying snacks, or even as a cute kids’ tote. I can’t wait to show you how to make it!
Supplies You’ll Need
For this project, you’ll need:
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Main fabric (cotton, twill, canvas, or denim) for:
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(2) main body pieces: 9.5" tall x 14.75" wide
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(2) pocket pieces: 6.75" tall x 6" wide
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Canvas fabric for the bottom panel: (1) piece, 12" tall x 14.75" wide
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Cotton webbing for the straps (2 pieces, 34" long each) — I bought mine on Amazon, you can find it in my Amazon storefront (the link is at the end of this list).
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Heavy-duty sewing needles (for sewing through canvas or denim)
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Standard thread for your main fabric and heavy duty thread for the canvas fabric. You can also use topstitching thread for the straps.
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Sewing clips and pins
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Iron and ironing board
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Sewing machine
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Serger (or ¼" or ½" inch double-fold bias tape to finish raw seams)
🛑 Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Step 1: Make the Pocket
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Take the two pocket pieces and place them right sides together.
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Sew around three sides with a ¼" seam allowance, leaving the bottom edge open. This will allow us to turn the pocket right side out. The bottom opening will be enclosed in the seams between the main body and the bottom of the tote when we sew the pieces together.
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Clip the corners, turn the pocket right side out, and press flat.
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Topstitch along the top edge of the pocket for a neat finish.
Tip: The original Trader Joe’s tote uses a single folded layer for the pocket. If you want a simpler version, you can do that too.
Step 2: Attach the Pocket
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Find the center of your pocket and the center of one main body piece. Mark the centers using a sewing clip or a sewing pin.
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Line up the centers (of the pocket and the main body) and align the unfinished pocket bottom with the bottom of the main piece.
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Pin or clip the pocket in place and sew down the sides only, sew past the top of the pocket and backstitching at the top corners for strength.
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Leave the bottom edge open—it will get enclosed when you attach the body to the bottom panel.
Step 3: Finish the Top Edge
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Fold the top edge of the main piece down ½", press, then fold down another ½" and press again. Repeat this step for the other main piece.
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Pin or clip the pressed top edge. Sew 1/8" inch away from the (bottom of the) folded edge to finish the top edge of the bag.
Step 4: Add the Straps
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Measure about 3.75" inches in from (unfinished) edge of the main piece and pin the straps starting at the hem line on the main piece. Make sure the straps are not twisted or turned.
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On the side with the pocket, make sure the straps overlap the pocket edge by at least ¼ inch.
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Set your sewing machine to a slightly longer stitch length (around 3.0 mm). The longer stitch length will help prevent the webbing from puckering or distorting.
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Sew the straps in a rectangle shape:
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Start at the bottom of the strap
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Sew up one side, across the top edge (going over the top hem stitch line), then down the other side
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Keep stitching about 1/8” from the webbing edge and make sure straps are flat and untwisted
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Step 5: Assemble the Body and Bottom
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Pin the main body pieces to the long edges of the canvas bottom panel, right sides together.
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Sew with a ¼" seam allowance to create one continuous piece including the two body panels and the bottom.
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Finish seams:
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Serger: serge the edges, tucking the tails into the side seam for a clean look
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No serger: enclose raw edges with ¼”–½” double-fold bias tape
- Optional: Press the seam down toward the canvas and topstitch 1/8” from the seam on the canvas part of the bag to sew down the seam allowance. Repeat this step for the other side.
Step 6: Sew the Side Seams
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With the bottom and sides attached, match the side seams where the bottom begins and align the finished top edges.
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Pin in place and sew both sides with a ¼” seam allowance.
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Finish raw edges as above:
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Serger: tuck the tails into the seam
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Bias tape: cover the raw edges for a polished finish
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Step 7: Shape the Bag (Boxed Corners)
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Turn the bag inside out so the wrong side is facing out.
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Fold the bottom panel up to form a triangle at each corner.
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Measure 2.5" inches from the corner to the top of the triangle and use your tailors chalk or a washable/disappearing fabric marker to draw a straight line (to mark the bottom of the triangle). Use this line to sew a straight line across.
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Repeat for the other corner to create boxed corners, giving your tote its structured shape.
And You’re Done!
Congratulations! You’ve made your own Trader Joe’s-inspired mini tote bag. I love how versatile and cute this bag is, and I hope you enjoy using it as much as I do.
If you try this project, let me know in the comments, and if you post a photo, be sure to tag me @diywithashley—I’d love to see your creation!
If you enjoyed this tutorial and want to support my work (or grab some exclusive extras), check out my Ko-fi store: https://ko-fi.com/diywithashley.
🎥 Watch the step-by-step video tutorial: https://youtu.be/gVuxucl0-P0
Thanks for sewing with me today. Don’t forget to subscribe for more fun DIY sewing projects. See you next time!
