How to Make an Easy Doll Tote Bag (Free Pattern)

Learn how to sew a doll tote bag for an 18" doll with this tutorial.

There are so many doll accessories available for the ever-popular 18-inch dolls.  However, they tend to be very expensive to purchase.  Why not create some DIY doll accessories for that sweet doll and not break the bank doing so?

Making this 18-inch doll tote bag is fun as well as simple to do.  It's the perfect accessory for dolls such as American Girl Dolls, Our Generation, Journey, Playtime by Emmie, My Life As, and New Adventures Styles dolls.

This doll tote bag is a free pattern that would be a great beginning sewing project for any child who is learning how to sew.

Imagine the thrill of your child choosing some cute scrap fabrics and making up these little bags.  It's a quick and easy project!  And a child's tote bag could be made to match the doll's tote bag, too!  How much fun it is to have matching accessories.

To learn more about sewing a doll tote bag, watch this video tutorial or read the written tutorial below with photos and step-by-step instructions.

how to sew a simple doll tote bag

supplies needed to make an 18" doll tote bag

• 2 pieces of fabric 6" x 6"
• 2 pieces of ribbon 9" long
• Thread
• Sewing needle
• Fabric scissors
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Threaded sewing machine (Optional)
• Embellishments (Optional)

INSTRUCTIONS for Making a DIY doll tote bag

STEP 1: PREPARING the TOTE bag SIDEs

Begin by taking one piece of the 6" x 6" fabric and turn under 3 of the sides 1/4" toward the wrong side of the fabric and stitch down. This can be hand-stitched or done using a sewing machine.

Do this to the other piece of fabric as well.

The reason for turning these three sides under is to have a finished edge inside of the doll tote bag.

STEP 2: finishing the final edge of the fabric pieces

The final edge of the two fabric pieces that have not yet been turned under will be the top of the tote bag.

Begin with one piece, turn under the unfinished edge 1/4" toward the wrong side and press using an iron. Next, turn it under a second time, another 1/4" and press again. Stitch close to the inside fold either by hand or with a sewing machine.Do this to both pieces forming a nice and neat top edge of the 18" doll tote bag.

STEP 3: ATTACHING the DIY doll tote bag STRAPs

Take one of the pieces of ribbon and pin the ends of it to the top side of one of the panel pieces. The ribbon ends should be on the wrong side and each about 3/4" from each corner. Make sure not to twist it when attaching. Sew the ribbon to the panel.

Now take the other panel and the ribbon that is left. The ribbon is going to be sewn on this panel in the same way it was sewn on the first panel.  Remember that the top of the panel is the edge that has been folded twice and has a neat edge.

STEP 4: SEWING the TOTE BAG TOGETHER

Place the two panels on top of each other with the right sides together making sure that the top edges with the ribbons are together. Pin around the edges. Stitch around the sides and bottom of the bag next to the fold.

To make the corners crisp when turned right side out, clip the corners on a diagonal making sure not to clip into the stitches while the tote bag is still inside out.

Now it is time to turn the DIY doll tote bag right side out.

STEP 5: add EMBELLISHMENTS (optional)

If desired, the cute bag can be embellished to add extra interest.  Buttons, a bow, or sequins are a few options for embellishments.  Get creative and add anything special to embellish the DIY 18" doll tote bag.

The tote bag is ready to use. Pop it over the doll's shoulder, and she is ready to shop.  Or stitch some up for beach bags or summer bags.  To carry to a slumber party.  There are so many great ways the doll can use it. We hope you enjoyed this 18" doll craft tutorial showing how to make a tote bag for a special doll.

It's time to sew doll accessories! Look below for a few ideas. Sewing doll accessories takes little time and many of the projects are eco-friendly.  Utilize the materials in your scrap fabric stash.  No need to rush to the store to purchase fabric.

other 18" doll Clothing and accessories to sew

• Simple Doll Skirt
• Doll Apron
• Doll Tights
• Doll Backpack