How to Sew a Simple Quilted Pot Holder (Beginner-Friendly Scrap Busting Tutorial)

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How to Sew a Simple Quilted Pot Holder (Beginner-Friendly Tutorial Using Fabric Scraps!)

Looking for an easy and useful sewing project that helps you use up fabric scraps? Today I’m sharing a simple quilted pot holder tutorial perfect for beginners. These pot holders make wonderful holiday gifts, hostess gifts, or just a fun way to bring seasonal fabrics into your kitchen. You can also use them as mug rugs, hot pads, or mini table protectors.

In this tutorial, we’ll be using Pellon TP971F Thermolam Plus Fusible, a thick fusible fleece that adds softness and stability. If you want to make a pot holder designed for high heat, you can use Pellon 975 Insul-Fleece, but keep in mind that it contains metallic fibers—so it cannot go in the microwave. I personally chose Thermolam Plus for this project because it's safer for my own habits and still creates a sturdy, insulated result.

I’ve also created a step-by-step video tutorial on my YouTube channel, DIY with Ashley — I’ll insert the video below so you can sew along with me.

✂️ What You’ll Need (Makes 1 Pot Holder)

• (2) Cotton Fabric squares: 9" × 9"

• (2) Pieces of Pellon TP971F Thermolam Plus Fusible: 9" × 9"

• (1) Loop strip: 1.5" × 4.5"

• Disappearing fabric marker or chalk

• Iron & ironing board

• Sewing machine

• Coordinating thread

• Pins or clips

• Scissors or rotary cutter

• Corner turner 

• Walking Foot  (optional but very helpful)

All of the supplies mentioned above are available in my Amazon storefront — some of the links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

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🛑 Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

🧵 Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1 – Fuse the Thermolam Plus

• Place the fusible fleece on the wrong side of each 9x9 fabric square.

• Lightly press around the edges to baste, then fuse the rest according to Pellon’s instructions.

Step 2 – Make the Hanging Loop

• Fold your 1.5" x 4.5" strip in half lengthwise and press.

• Open it, fold each raw edge toward the center crease, press, then fold closed again.

• Topstitch ⅛ inch from each long side.

Step 3 – Layer the Pot Holder

Insert the loop:

• Find the center of one side of a fused fabric square and mark it.

• Place the loop’s raw ends on either side of the mark with the loop pointing down toward the center.

• Pin in place.

Layer the squares:

• Place the two squares right sides together and pin all around.

Step 4 – Sew the Edges

• Sew around all four sides using a ½" inch seam allowance.

• Leave a 2- 3" inch opening on one side for turning.

• Backstitch at the beginning and end.

Step 5 – Trim the Corners

• Trim the seam allowance at each corner to reduce bulk.

• Avoid cutting into your stitches.

Step 6 – Turn Right Side Out

• Turn the pot holder through the opening.

• Use a corner turner to push the corners out neatly.

Step 7 – Press

• Press the pot holder flat so the edges are crisp and the turning gap is folded in smoothly.

Step 8 – Mark the Topstitch & Quilting Lines

Use a disappearing fabric marker + ruler:

1. Draw the topstitch guideline

   • Mark a line ¼" inch from the edge all the way around the pot holder.

2. Draw the quilting lines

   • Mark quilting lines spaced about 1" inch apart across the pot holder.

(You are only drawing at this stage, not sewing yet.)

Step 9 – Sew the Topstitch

• Sew directly on the ¼" inch topstitch line around the entire pot holder.

• This closes the opening and secures the edges.

• Backstitch at the start and end.

Step 10 – Quilt the Pot Holder

• Sew along each quilting line from edge to edge.

• Backstitch at the start and end of each quilting line for durability.

Step 11 – Final Press

• Give your pot holder one last press so everything lays smooth and professional.

🎉You're Done!

And that’s it! Your quilted pot holder is finished — thick, sturdy, and beautiful. You can make several from a half yard of fabric if you like, perfect for gifting or decorating your kitchen.

📺 Watch the Full Video Tutorial

💬 Let’s Stay Connected!

I’d love to see what you create! Share your quilted pot holders on social media and tag me @DIYwithAshley — I can’t wait to see your projects!

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DIY Reversible Placemats: Easy Step-by-Step Sewing Guide

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Sew Your Own Reversible Placemats 

Easy Beginner Sewing Tutorial

I can’t believe I hadn’t shared this tutorial on my blog! This tutorial is actually one of my most popular videos on YouTube, and I wanted to make sure it’s here too. In this post, you’ll learn how to sew beautiful, custom reversible placemats step by step. These easy DIY placemats are perfect for sprucing up your dining room, creating thoughtful handmade gifts, or adding a seasonal touch to your home décor.

✨ Bonus: I’ve created a printable reversible placemats sewing guide with measurements, a supply list, and step-by-step instructions to make your sewing even easier. Grab it here → Download the guide (Pay What You Want)

Why Make Reversible Placemats?

Reversible placemats are practical and stylish, allowing you to:

• Switch designs for different occasions, seasons, or holidays

• Easily hide stains or messes on the back side

• Mix and match fabrics for a unique look

• Create durable, handmade gifts that are both functional and beautiful

With endless fabric possibilities, you can create a set of reversible placemats that perfectly match your table décor and style.

Here’s what I used for this project:

Supplies

1.5 yards Main Fabric  1.5 yards Coordinating Fabric  1.5 yards Pellon TP971F Fusible Thermolam Plus Fleece 45''  Fabric Scissors (or a Rotary Cutter)  Acrylic Ruler  Cutting Mat  Ironing Board  Iron  Sewing Pins  Coordinating Thread  Sewing Machine  Point Turner (or Chopstick)  Press Cloth (optional)

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🛑 Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pattern Pieces (6 Placemats)

Piece	Qty	Size
Main Fabric	6	14" x 20"
Coordinating Fabric	6	14" x 20"
Fusible Fleece	6	14" x 20"

Instructions

1. Cut Your Fabrics and Fusible Fleece
Cut six 14" × 20" inch pieces from the main fabric, six from the coordinating fabric, and six from the fusible fleece.  

2. Fuse the Fleece
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, fuse the fleece to the wrong side of each coordinating fabric piece. Tip: Lightly press along the top edge first to tack it in place, then work your way down. Repeat for all six pieces.  

3. Assemble Your Placemat
With the fleece fused to all coordinating fabric pieces, place each main fabric piece right sides together with a coordinating piece. Pin in place.  

4. Sew Around the Edges
Sew around the placemat edges with a ½″ seam allowance. Stop sewing 2" – 3″ inches before you reach your starting point to leave an opening for turning.  

5. Turn and Press
Trim the fabric at each corner to reduce bulk, being careful not to cut through the stitching.   

Then, turn the placemat right side out through the 2" – 3″ inch opening. Use a point turner to gently shape the corners (or a chopstick if you don’t have a point turner).  

After turning the placemat right side out, press along the edges for a crisp finish. Tuck the seam allowance of the opening to the inside so it’s even with the edge.   

6. Topstitch
Pin the opening closed, then add a few pins around the entire placemat to hold it in place. 

Topstitch around the placemat about ¼" inch from the edge for a polished, professional finish that keeps your reversible placemat flat.

Tips for Perfect Reversible Placemats

• Use fusible fleece for structure without adding bulk

• Press at every stage for crisp, clean edges

• Experiment with fun fabrics to create seasonal, holiday, or themed sets

• Topstitch carefully to keep both sides neat. A walking foot might be helpful if your placemats end up being thick and bulky.

Share Your Placemat Creations!

I’d love to see your reversible placemats! Tag me on social media: @DIYwithAshley on Instagram and Facebook. 

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DIY Fabric Keyfob Tutorial: Easy Beginner Sewing Project

Looking for a quick, beginner-friendly sewing project that’s perfect for using up scrap fabric? This fabric keyfob tutorial is exactly that! It’s easy, functional, and makes a cute little gift—or a stylish accessory for your own keys.

We’re using medium-weight cotton twill for this project, which gives the keyfob nice structure, so we don’t need interfacing. If you’re using lightweight quilting cotton or another thin fabric, you can add a strip of Pellon SF101 Fusible Woven Interfacing (lightweight) to the wrong side of your fabric.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Cotton twill or another medium-weight fabric (at least 3.75" wide x 12" long)

• Scissors or rotary cutter

• Acrylic ruler and self-healing cutting mat

• Sewing clips or pins

• Iron and ironing board

• Matching thread

• Sewing machine

• Lobster clasp with D-ring

👉 I’ve linked all of these supplies and the hardware for this project in my Amazon Storefront so you can grab everything easily.

🛍 Shop My Favorite Supplies: Amazon Shop https://www.amazon.com/shop/diywithashley
🛑 Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pattern Dimensions

• Medium-weight Fabric: 3.75 inches wide x 12 inches long

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Fold and Press the Fabric

Lay your fabric strip flat, wrong side up. Fold the strip in half, long ways so that the wrong sides are touching. Iron the strip in half. Open up the strip and fold the outer long edge in to the center crease and press with an iron. Finally, fold the whole strip in half along the center so all the raw edges are tucked inside, and press it flat. This creates a neat, bias-tape-style strip.

Step 2: Slide on the Hardware 

Slide your lobster clasp onto the strip and position it roughly in the middle.

Step 3: Clip or Pin

Use sewing clips or pins to hold the open edge closed. Leave about 1" inch to 1.5" inches open at each end. Leaving the ends open makes it easier to sew the short ends together.

Step 4: Sew the Short Ends

Line up the short ends of the strip, right sides together, and sew across with a half-inch seam allowance. This joins the ends and forms a basic loop.

Step 5: Refold and Press

Finger press the seam open, then refold the strip using the creases you previously ironed. This creates a seamless loop.

Step 6: Topstitch the Long Edges

Topstitch along both long sides about an eighth of an inch (1/8" inch) from the edge.

Step 7: Finish the Wristlet

Slide the hardware down to the section where you sewed the ends together, slightly align the seam to the back of the keyfob, and sew a line close to the hardware to secure it and create your wristlet.

And that’s it! Your fabric keyfob is finished. This project is perfect for using up scraps, makes a fun gift, and once you make one, you’ll probably want to make a few more in different fabrics.

Watch the Tutorial on YouTube

I’ve shared this step-by-step in a video on my YouTube channel, DIY with Ashley. You can see every fold, press, and stitch in action.

Watch the Fabric Keyfob Tutorial on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TeS5YtvXpFk

Support My Channel

If you found this tutorial helpful, please give it a thumbs up, subscribe to my channel, and turn on the notification bell so you don’t miss future DIY projects.

You can also support my channel through my Ko-fi store, where I share extra resources and goodies for supporters.

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How to Make an Oversized XL Scrunchie | Easy DIY Sewing Tutorial

How to Make an Oversized XL Scrunchie

Looking for a fun and easy sewing project? In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make an oversized or XL scrunchie—perfect for adding a touch of style to your hair! I copied the pattern of my favorite scrunchie and used some leftover silky fabric scraps, but you can use almost any light to medium-weight fabric for this project. This tutorial is beginner-friendly and packed with tips to get your scrunchie looking professional and voluminous.

🎥 Watch the full YouTube tutorial here: https://youtu.be/5Fiq0WCEXaY

Supplies You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:

• Fabric shears or a rotary cutter

• Acrylic ruler and self-healing cutting mat

• Standard thread (match it to your fabric for a clean finish)

• Hem guide

• Sewing clips or pins

• Sewing machine

• 8–8.5 inches of 1/4-inch wide elastic (adjust based on hair thickness or measure your favorite scrunchie and add an inch)

• Fabric strip 7 inches wide by 22 inches long (or longer for extra volume)

• Bodkin or safety pin to insert the elastic

Optional: tube turner (or your preferred method for turning the scrunchie right-side out).

Pro tip: For a super fluffy scrunchie, cut the fabric strip along the width of your fabric instead of a fixed 22 inches. The longer the strip, the puffier your scrunchie will be!

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🛑 Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Fabric

Cut your fabric strip 7 inches wide by 22 inches long (or longer for extra volume), making sure the edges are straight.

2. Fold and Pin

Fold the fabric strip lengthwise, right sides together, so the short ends match. Pin or clip along the long edge, leaving 1–1.5 inches unpinned at each short end for finishing later. 

3. Sew the Long Edge

Sew along the pinned long edge using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. This will create a fabric tube while leaving the short ends open.

4. Turn the Tube Right-Side Out

Use a tube turner, safety pin, or your preferred method to turn the fabric right-side out. 

5. Optional: Press the Fabric

If you’re using a fabric like cotton that wrinkles easily, press the tube with an iron for crisp edges (after you've turned it right side out). For silky fabrics, this step isn’t necessary.

6. Sew the Short Ends

Line up the unsewn short ends, right sides together. Using your sewing pins or clips, pin everything into place. Sew the ends together using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. This part can be a little tricky so guide the fabric as you sew slowly.

7. Insert the Elastic

After the ends are sewn, you'll have your scrunchie tube with an opening left to insert your elastic. Attach a safety pin or bodkin to one end of the elastic and thread it through the fabric tube. Ensure the elastic is not twisted inside. Adjust the length to suit your hair—anywhere from 8 to 8.5 inches works well for average thickness. (You can also determine the length of your elastic by measuring your favorite scrunchie and adding an inch.)

8. Sew the Elastic Ends Together

Overlap the ends of your elastic by about 1/2 inch and sew them securely with a few back-and-forth stitches. You can use a zig-zag stitch or a straight stitch.

9. Close the Fabric Tube

After the elastic is sewn, you can close up the opening. Fold the raw edges of the short ends in by 1/4 inch and topstitch the seam closed about 1/8 inch from the edge (or as close as possible for a neat finish). Always use matching thread so the stitches blend seamlessly.

10. Final Touches

Even out the gathers and your XL scrunchie is ready to wear!

💡 See this step in action in my YouTube video: https://youtu.be/5Fiq0WCEXaY

Tips for Customizing Your Scrunchie

• Fabric Choice: Light to medium-weight fabrics work best. Silky, satin, or cotton fabrics each give a different look and feel.

• Elastic Length: Adjust the elastic to your preference. Measure your favorite scrunchie and add an inch for a similar fit.

• Volume: The longer the fabric strip, the puffier the scrunchie. Experiment with different lengths for a dramatic look.

Share Your Scrunchie Creation

I’d love to see what you make! If you post your scrunchie on social media, tag me @diywithashley. 

If you enjoyed this tutorial, you can support my work by checking out my Ko-fi store for extra goodies or browsing my Amazon storefront, where I’ve listed my favorite sewing products, including some of the ones used in this tutorial. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

For more fun sewing and craft ideas, check out my other tutorials and playlists on DIY with Ashley. From scrunchies to reversible placemats, there are plenty of beginner-friendly projects to try.

📺 Watch more scrap busting tutorials: Fabric Scrap Buster Playlist

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🕸️ DIY Halloween Party Planner Printable: Stay Organized for Easy, Stress-Free Hosting

A few years ago, my husband suggested that we host a small Halloween get-together at home. I loved the idea, and every year since, I’ve tried to make it a little more fun and creative — spooky snacks, themed drinks, and cute decorations to match.

But somehow, it always felt like I was putting everything together at the last minute. I’d have recipes saved in one place, a list of decorations somewhere else, and realize (usually the night before!) that we were missing half the ingredients we needed. And even when I did manage to buy everything on time, I’d forget to set something out for the party. Between planning, shopping, and decorating, it always turned into a scramble.

This year, I wanted things to be different.

So I created a Halloween Party Planner Kit — a printable set to help organize everything in one place. My husband usually helps me execute all the ideas I come up with, but I needed a system that worked for both of us — something simple, clear, and easy to follow. Having all our recipes, ingredients, and supplies laid out together made such a difference.

The kit includes:
🕸️ A menu and ingredient list for your spooky snacks and drinks
👻 A grocery shopping list for all your food and drink ingredients
🎃 A party supply checklist for decorations, games, and essentials
🪄 A main party planner + décor and supplies planner to keep every detail organized

Now, instead of scrambling at the last minute, we actually get to enjoy the creative side of planning — picking out recipes, decorating, and spending time together without the stress.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed planning a Halloween get-together (or found unopened party supplies after everyone left 😅), this planner might be exactly what you need to make things easier — and a lot more fun.

🧡 Grab your FREE Halloween Party Planner Kit here → https://ko-fi.com/s/a6f682e3a2

Watch how I used my planner for our family Hocus Pocus Movie Night:

Scrunchie Keyfob Sewing Tutorial | Easy Scrap Fabric DIY Project for Beginners

Scrunchie Keyfob Tutorial

Looking for a fun, beginner-friendly sewing project that’s also a great way to use up scrap fabric? This scrunchie keyfob tutorial is perfect! It combines the look of a scrunchie with the function of a keychain, so you can keep your keys handy in style. Plus, it’s quick to make and doesn’t require much fabric.

I’ve actually made a no-sew keyfob tutorial before using webbing and classic keyfob hardware. While that method works, I found the hardware a little tricky to work with. This sewn scrunchie version is easier, gives you more fabric options, and has such a fun, polished finish.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Knit fabric (cotton works great too)

• 1" wide elastic, 9" long (3/4" or 1" width recommended)

• Scissors or rotary cutter

• Self-healing cutting mat

• Sewing clips or pins

• Sewing machine

• Matching thread

• 1" wide lobster clasp with D-ring

• Tube turner

• Safety pin or bodkin (for feeding elastic)

👉 I’ve linked many of the tools and supplies I used in my Amazon Storefront so you can easily find them.

🛍 Shop My Favorite Supplies: Amazon Shop https://www.amazon.com/shop/diywithashley
🛑 Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pattern Dimensions

• Fabric: 3" inches wide by 22' inches long

• Elastic: 9" inches long

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Pin the Long Edge

Fold your fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together. Pin or clip along the long edge, leaving about 1.5 inches unpinned at each short end.

Step 2: Sew the Long Edge

Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew down the long edge to create a fabric tube.

Step 3: Turn the Tube Right Side Out

Use a tube turner to flip the fabric tube right side out.

Step 4: Feed the Elastic

Attach a safety pin or bodkin to one end of the elastic and carefully thread it through the fabric tube. Make sure the elastic doesn’t twist inside.

Step 5: Add the Lobster Clasp

Slide your D-ring lobster clasp onto the fabric tube and let it sit in the middle for now.

Step 6: Sew the Short Ends

Line up the short ends of your fabric, right sides together. Pin or clip, then sew with a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

Step 7: Sew the Elastic Ends Together

Overlap the ends of your elastic by about 1/2 inch. Sew them together with a zigzag stitch, sewing back and forth a few times for extra strength.

Step 8: Close the Opening

Tuck in the raw fabric edges at the opening. Sew 1/8 inch away from the edge to close, making sure not to catch the elastic. You can pull the elastic aside slightly as you sew. If you prefer, you can also hand stitch the opening closed with a ladder stitch.

Step 9: Position the Lobster Clasp and Fold

You now have a closed loop. Slide the lobster clasp down toward the section where you closed the opening. Fold the loop so the seam is hidden underneath the clasp, which gives a clean, finished look.

Step 10: Topstitch to Secure

Topstitch across the folded section close to the D-ring. Sew across once and then backstitch to reinforce. This keeps the clasp securely in place and hides the seam neatly. Since the keyfob is thick, it might be helpful to start stitching in the middle and then backstitch once you have reached the end.

Finished Scrunchie Keyfob

And that’s it! You’ve made your very own scrunchie keyfob. This project is a great scrap-buster and makes such a fun little gift. Once you make one, you’ll want to whip up a bunch in different fabrics!

If you want to try a different method, check out my No-Sew Keyfob Tutorial, which uses webbing and classic keyfob hardware. Both styles are great, but this sewn version is my personal favorite.

Watch the Full Tutorial on YouTube

I’ve also shared this project step-by-step in a video on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/YipQtBxS09Y. Be sure to watch the full tutorial if you’d like to see the process in action.

Thank you for visiting my blog. If you want to check out more of my work, visit my Ko-fi store, where I share extra resources and goodies. Your support helps me keep creating free DIY content for you! 💕

DIY Trader Joe’s Mini Tote Bag Tutorial

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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!

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Supplies You’ll Need

For this project, you’ll need:

• Main fabric (cotton, twill, canvas, or denim) for:

  • (2) main body pieces: 9.5" tall x 14.75" wide

  • (2) pocket pieces: 6.75" tall x 6" wide

• Canvas fabric for the bottom panel: (1) piece, 12" tall x 14.75" wide

• Fabric shears or a rotary cutter

• Acrylic ruler and self-healing cutting mat

• 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).

• Heavy-duty sewing needles (for sewing through canvas or denim)

• Standard thread for your main fabric and heavy duty thread for the canvas fabric. You can also use topstitching thread for the straps.

• Hem guide

• Sewing clips and pins

• Iron and ironing board

• Sewing machine

• Serger (or ¼" or ½" inch double-fold bias tape to finish raw seams)

🛍 Shop My Favorite Supplies: Amazon Shop https://www.amazon.com/shop/diywithashley
🛑 Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Step 1: Make the Pocket

1. Take the two pocket pieces and place them right sides together.

2. 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.

3. Clip the corners, turn the pocket right side out, and press flat.

4. 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. 

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Step 2: Attach the Pocket

1. 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.

2. Line up the centers (of the pocket and the main body) and align the unfinished pocket bottom with the bottom of the main piece.

3. 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.

4. Leave the bottom edge open—it will get enclosed when you attach the body to the bottom panel.

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Step 3: Finish the Top Edge

1. 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.

2. 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. 

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Step 4: Add the Straps

1. 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.  

2. On the side with the pocket, make sure the straps overlap the pocket edge by at least ¼ inch.

3. 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.

4. Sew the straps in a rectangle shape:

   • Start at the bottom of the strap

   • Sew up one side, across the top edge (going over the top hem stitch line), then down the other side

   • 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

1. Pin the main body pieces to the long edges of the canvas bottom panel, right sides together.

2. Sew with a ¼" seam allowance to create one continuous piece including the two body panels and the bottom.

3. Finish seams:

• Serger: serge the edges, tucking the tails into the side seam for a clean look

• No serger: enclose raw edges with ¼”–½” double-fold bias tape

4. 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.

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Step 6: Sew the Side Seams

1. With the bottom and sides attached, match the side seams where the bottom begins and align the finished top edges.

2. Pin in place and sew both sides with a ¼” seam allowance.

3. Finish raw edges as above:

   • Serger: tuck the tails into the seam

   • Bias tape: cover the raw edges for a polished finish

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Step 7: Shape the Bag (Boxed Corners)

1. Turn the bag inside out so the wrong side is facing out.

2. Fold the bottom panel up to form a triangle at each corner.

3. 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.

4. Repeat for the other corner to create boxed corners, giving your tote its structured shape.

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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!