A lined tote bag is one of the most satisfying projects for a creative maker. It is practical, endlessly customisable, and once you have made one, you will want to make a dozen more. Whether you are after a sturdy shopper for the farmers' market or a lightweight everyday bag, the process is the same: cut fabric rectangles, attach handles, and stitch an inner lining. Here is how to do it, step by step, with a few expert tips to make the finished bag look beautifully professional.

Choosing Your Fabric and Gathering Tools

For the outer bag, a medium-weight fabric works best: cotton canvas, linen, or a sturdy furnishing cotton. For the lining, choose a lighter cotton such as poplin, calico, or a pretty print. Avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey, as they can distort the shape. Pre-wash and press all fabric before cutting, especially if you plan to wash the bag later. You will need:

• Main fabric: 50cm of 115cm-wide fabric (or two fat quarters)
• Lining fabric: 50cm of 115cm-wide fabric
• Matching polyester thread
• Sewing machine with a universal needle
• Fabric scissors, pins or sewing clips, tape measure, tailor's chalk
• Iron and ironing board
• Optional: medium-weight fusible interfacing for a firmer bag

Cutting Your Fabric Pieces

Accuracy at this stage pays off later. Using a rotary cutter and ruler, or sharp fabric scissors, cut the following rectangles. All seam allowances are 1cm unless stated otherwise.

• Outer bag: two rectangles, 40cm wide x 45cm tall
• Lining: two rectangles, 40cm wide x 45cm tall
• Handles: two strips, 8cm wide x 70cm long
• Interfacing (optional): two rectangles, 38cm x 43cm — slightly smaller to reduce bulk in the seams

If using interfacing, fuse it to the wrong side of the outer bag pieces following the manufacturer's instructions. Press everything flat with a warm iron.

Making and Attaching the Handles

Take one handle strip and fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew along the long raw edge with a 1cm seam, then turn the tube right side out. A safety pin or a loop turner makes this quick work. Press the handle flat, then topstitch close to both long edges for strength and a neat finish. Repeat for the second handle.

Now pin the handles to the right side of one outer bag piece. Place the ends about 8cm in from each side edge, with the raw edges of the handles aligned with the top raw edge of the bag. Make sure the handles are not twisted. Baste them in place within the seam allowance using a 0.5cm stitch. This holds them securely when you sew the bag together.

Sewing the Outer Bag

Place the two outer bag pieces right sides together, matching side and bottom edges. Pin or clip generously. Sew down one side, across the bottom, and up the other side with a 1cm seam, backstitching at the start and finish. Do not sew the top edge. Clip the bottom corners diagonally, close to the stitching, to reduce bulk when turned.

For a bag that stands up on its own, create boxed corners. Flatten each bottom corner so the side seam aligns with the bottom seam, forming a triangle. Measure 5cm from the point and draw a line across. Sew along this line, then trim the excess fabric, leaving a 1cm seam. Repeat on the other corner. Press the seams open. Turn the outer bag right side out and press the top edge.

Constructing and Inserting the Lining

Take the two lining pieces and place them right sides together. Sew the sides and bottom with a 1cm seam, but leave a 10cm gap in the centre of the bottom edge for turning. Backstitch at both sides of the gap. Do not box the corners of the lining unless you want a snug fit — a simple rectangle is easier. Leave the lining inside out, so the seam allowances are on the outside and the right side faces inward.

With the outer bag right side out, slide it inside the lining. The right side of the outer bag should sit against the right side of the lining. Match the side seams and top raw edges, then pin all the way around. Sew around the entire top edge with a 1cm seam, backstitching at the start and finish. Now reach through the gap in the lining bottom and gently pull the outer bag through. The lining will follow. Push the lining down inside the bag and press the top edge firmly.

Finishing Touches and Troubleshooting

Topstitch around the top edge of the bag, about 5mm from the seam, to hold the lining in place and give a crisp finish. Slip stitch the gap in the lining closed by hand, or machine stitch it if you prefer. Give the whole bag a final press, paying attention to the handles and top edge. Add optional details: a patch pocket on the lining, a magnetic snap closure, or a decorative stitch along the handles.

If your handles twist when attaching, baste them with lots of pins and check before sewing. If the lining gap is too small, turn through the handles instead, but be careful not to stretch them. For a softer bag, omit the interfacing; for a structured shopper, use it. Pre-washing fabric prevents shrinkage later. With a little practice, you will sew a lined tote bag in under two hours — and you will have a reusable, handmade bag to be proud of.