Tote Bag Sewing Pattern with Deep Front Pocket for Everyday Use

This simple but striking pocket tote bag pattern, featuring a roomy deep front pocket, is an ideal large tote to sew for carrying everything you need. Choose coordinating or contrasting fabrics for the bag body, pocket and straps to create a custom, chic look with minimal effort.

Pocket tote bag pattern

A well-made tote is a wardrobe essential. This pocket tote bag pattern is both cute and practical: roomy enough for errands, work or a day out, with a distinctive deep front pocket that gives it personality.

I enjoy sewing totes because they are quick to construct and they showcase fabric combinations beautifully. For this bag I used medium-weight canvas for structure: the pocket and back panel share one fabric, while the front panel and straps use a complementary print for contrast.

More paid & free tote bag patterns you will love:

Cross body bag pattern
Quilted handbag sewing pattern
6-pocket tote bag
Drawstring makeup bag pattern
DIY rope bag
Round top tote with corded handles
Color block tote bag
One-handle shopping bag pattern

The construction was straightforward — cutting and preparing the pieces took longer than sewing. Accurate cutting and properly applying interfacing are the keys to a polished result. If you want an additional secure compartment, you can add a welt zipper pocket into the lining for valuables.

Get the deep front pocket tote bag pattern — available for purchase!

Tote with pocket

Features of the deep front pocket tote pattern:

Medium-large bag, approximately 18″ by 18″; strap pieces about 1½” by 22″.
Large, deep front pocket for easy access and extra storage.
Fully lined interior for a clean finish.
Boxed (flat) base for stability and capacity.
Comfortable, reinforced handles.
Great pattern to highlight attractive fabric prints or color-blocking.
Contrast pocket and front panel add subtle design interest.
Extra pockets are easy to add inside or out, including a welt zipper pocket if desired.
Clear, step-by-step instructions for using the pattern, cutting fabric and sewing the bag.

Materials:

Deep pocket tote bag pattern.
Approx. 1/2 yard canvas or denim for the pocket and back panel.
Approx. 1/4 yard fabric for the front panel.
About 2/3 yard quilting cotton for lining (bag and pocket).
About 1 yard medium-weight interfacing or fusible fleece for stability.
Fabric strip 7″ by 23″ for straps (cut as directed).
Scissors, measuring tape or yardstick, pins and quilting clips.
Matching thread and a sewing machine.
Pressing iron for accurate seams and crisp finishes.

Directions

How to use the pattern

Print all pattern pages and decide on your fabric pairing. Mix solids and prints to suit your style.
Match the registration marks on the pages so the pattern squares align; secure with tape.
Cut the main bag shape along the marked lines to use for tracing the fabric pieces.
Trim the pattern to reveal the pocket section and use that for cutting the pocket fabric.

Cut the fabrics

Fold the fabric for the back/pocket panel and place the bag pattern on the fold. Cut one back piece.
Fold the fabric for the front panel and cut one front piece on the fold.
Trace those bag pieces onto interfacing and cut two interfacing pieces to match.
Use the bag pieces to cut two lining pieces.
Trim the pattern where indicated to access the pocket pattern, then fold the pocket fabric and cut one pocket piece on the fold.
Cut interfacing and lining for the pocket as well.
Cut the strap fabric into two long strips lengthwise as directed by the pattern.

After cutting you should have:

1 front main fabric piece
1 back main fabric piece
1 main fabric pocket piece
Lining pieces for front and back
Interfacing pieces for front, back and pocket
2 strap fabric strips

Prepare the bag pieces

Fuse interfacing to the front panel, back panel and pocket following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Prepare straps: fold each strap strip in half lengthwise and press. Open, fold each long edge to the center and press, then refold and press into the final strap shape.
Topstitch both long edges of each strap for strength and a neat finish. Repeat for the second strap.

Make the pocket

Place the pocket right side up and the pocket lining wrong side up on top.
Pin the top edge and sew with a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Clip corners and trim notches on curves, then turn right side out and press the top seam flat.
Edge topstitch 1/8″ from the top to secure the pocket opening.

Sew the bag pieces

Cut a 2½” square from both bottom corners of the main bag pieces and lining pieces to create boxed corners.
Place the front bag right side up and position the completed pocket on top, right side up. Pin or clip the pocket in place.
Lay the back panel on top, wrong side up, aligning edges. Clip or pin around the sides and bottom.
Sew the sides and bottom with a 1/2″ seam allowance, avoiding the corner squares you cut out.
Form the flat bottom by boxing the corners: pinch each cut square to align the side and bottom seams, then sew across the square with a 1/2″ seam allowance.
Turn the bag right side out, push out corners and press seams. Construct the lining the same way, leaving a gap in the lining base for turning later.

Attach all bag pieces together

Keep the lining inside-out and insert the right-side bag into the lining.
Slide the lining down and position the straps so the raw ends align with the bag top; the folded strap should tuck between lining and bag with the fold facing inward.
Match side seams, clip or pin the bag and lining together around the top edge, and make sure the pocket is out of the way while sewing.
Sew the top edge with a 1/2″ seam allowance, clip curves and corners, then turn the bag through the opening in the lining.
Close the lining gap by hand (ladder stitch) or edge-stitch, then push the lining into the bag and smooth the top seam.
Return the pocket to its final position, clip the top all around, and topstitch 1/8″ from the top edge across the entire bag, catching the pocket top as well.

Give the bag a final press, including the lining, and you’re finished. Enjoy your new roomy pocket tote!

Whether you need a daily carryall or a stylish market bag, this deep front pocket tote pattern is a versatile and satisfying sewing project that produces a beautiful, useful bag.