How to Make a DIY Tote Bag from a Feed Bag

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Cut your fabric pieces

Cut out four large squares for the body of the bag and two long rectangles for the straps. For the bottom of the bag, make sure the squares match across all four pieces. The exact size doesn't matter too much, as long as the squares are equal to one another — this determines the finished size of your tote.

Step 2 — Sew the squares together

With the right sides together, sew your large squares to form the exterior and lining panels. Feed bags are often stiff enough that you won't need to press the seams flat, but if you're working with fabric instead, a pressed seam will give you a cleaner finish. Sew up the side seams on both the exterior and lining pieces.

Step 3 — Shape and sew the corners

Flatten out each corner opposite its natural orientation so it forms a square at the bottom point. After sewing the bottom seam on the lining piece, sew up the side seams and press out the corners so the two seams line up. Sew all the way across each corner, but leave one corner on the lining piece unsewn — this gap is what you'll use later to turn the bag right-side out.

Step 4 — Make the straps

Fold each strap rectangle over in thirds lengthwise and stitch down the middle with a zigzag stitch to hold the layers together. You can also turn the fabric inward to make a fully enclosed tube if you prefer, but the folded-and-zigzagged method is quicker and works well for sturdier fabrics like feed bags.

Step 5 — Attach the straps

At this stage your bag pieces will resemble simple rectangles. Position the straps with their bottom sides facing downwards — the opposite of what feels natural — since this makes it much easier to turn the bag right-side out later. Attach both straps to opposite sides of the exterior piece, sewing them securely in place.

Step 6 — Assemble the layers and sew the top seam

Insert the exterior piece with the attached straps into the lining piece, right sides together, making sure the unsewn corner from Step 3 is on the lining side. Sew the top seam all the way around. If you're working with fabric rather than a feed bag, consider a double seam here for extra strength, since it will be hidden once the bag is turned right-side out.

Step 7 — Turn and finish the bag

Remove all pins and turn the whole bag right-side out through the unsewn corner left in the lining. This hides all the raw edges except for the opening you pulled everything through. You can either leave this opening as is or sew it closed for a fully finished seam. For a cleaner look, add a topstitched hem around the top opening where the straps are attached. Your tote bag is now ready to fill and use.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need to create a DIY tote bag from a feed bag pattern?
You'll need a feed bag (or multiple if you want a larger bag), scissors, a sewing machine, fabric pieces cut into large squares and long rectangles, and a bit of patience.

Can I use any type of feed bag to make this tote bag?
A large feed bag works well for this project, but the method can be adapted to smaller bags too. The key is having enough fabric to cut out the four large squares and two rectangles you need.

What size should I cut my fabric squares and rectangles for the tote bag?
You'll need four large squares for the bag body and two long rectangles for the straps. The exact size doesn't matter too much as long as the four squares are equal to one another.

How do I attach the straps to the feed bag tote?
Attach both straps to opposite sides of the bag with their bottom sides facing downwards. Then insert the bag with the attached straps into the bag without straps, and sew the top seam all the way around.

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