How To Make A Summer Tote Bag

Create a lightweight, waterproof tote perfect for beach trips, shopping, or daily use with this easy DIY guide. EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) foam is durable, flexible, and ideal for summer Accessories.

Materials Needed

• EVA Foam Sheets (3–5mm thick, colorful or neutral)

• Lining Fabric (breathable cotton or mesh, optional)

• Straps: Cotton webbing or leather strips (50–60cm long)

• Interfacing (non-woven stiffener, optional for structure)

• Sewing Supplies:

• Sewing machine (or hand-sewing needle)

• Thread (match fabric color)

• Scissors, ruler, rotary cutter

• Awl or hole punch (for hand-sewing)

• Clips or pins

• Iron (for interfacing)

• Extras: Magnetic snap, decorative patches, or labels

Design Dimensions (Customizable)

• Bag Body: 40cm (L) × 30cm (H)

• Base: 40cm (L) × 10cm (W)

• Side Panels: Trapezoid (top 10cm, bottom 30cm, height 30cm)

• Strap Length: 50cm (adjust for shoulder/hand carry)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut Fabric & EVA

• EVA Outer Layer:

• 2 rectangles (40cm × 30cm) for front/back.

• 1 rectangle (40cm × 10cm) for base.

• 2 trapezoids for side panels.

• Lining Fabric (if using):

• Cut identical pieces, 1cm smaller than EVA for ease of sewing.

2. Reinforce EVA (Optional)

• Apply non-woven interfacing to the wrong side of EVA pieces using an iron (low heat).

3. Sew the Bag Body

• Machine Sewing (Recommended):

1. Clip EVA front/back panels to side trapezoids. Sew edges with a 1cm seam allowance.

2. Attach the base to the bottom, forming a 3D shape.

3. Repeat for lining, leaving a 5cm gap at the base for turning.

• Hand-Sewing:

1. Punch holes along edges (0.5cm apart) using an awl.

2. Lace waxed thread through holes, knotting at ends.

4. Assemble Layers

• Turn Eva Bag right-side out. Keep lining wrong-side out.

• Slip lining inside EVA bag, aligning edges. Clip in place.

• Turn the bag right-side out through the lining gap. Hand-stitch the gap closed.

5. Attach Straps

• Webbing Straps:

1. Mark strap positions 5cm from the top edge on both sides.

2. Thread straps through holes (punched with awl) and secure with knots or rivets.

• Leather Straps:

1. Cut 2 leather strips (50cm × 2cm).

2. Fix to bag sides using rivets or heavy-duty stitching.

6. Add Finishing Touches

• Closure: Sew a magnetic snap inside the bag top.

• Decor: Attach fabric labels, embroidery, or tassels.

• Ventilation: Punch small holes along the sides for airflow.

Pro Tips

• EVA Cutting: Use a ruler and rotary cutter for clean edges.

• Stitch Strength: For hand-sewing, double-thread and backstitch at stress points.

• Strap Reinforcement: Add a triangular fabric patch where straps attach to prevent tearing.

• Lightweight Design: Skip heavy decorations to keep the bag summery.