Reusable Market Tote: Easy Sewing Project with Vanessa from Crafty Gemini Creates 

Love, love, love this project! Super easy and fun to make. Thank you, Vanessa. I'm working on my fourth bag. Gave one to a friend, and she immediately "ordered" two more. While figuring out ways to minimize the cost of project supplies, I've been using fabric scraps in place of the interfacing in the middle of the bag. I am a notorious saver of usable fabric scraps - I just throw them into a large basket. I sew in the 5 x 16 inch scrap per Vanessa's directions. It's another way I reduce-reuse-recycle.

Use dental floss on the button to keep it from coming off. It works great. I use it when I make a coat. You can color the floss with a marker. Roxie

cute bag! suggestion, instead of white elastic - you can use a colored ponytail elastic, already about the right size. With all the colors in this bag ~ you are sure to find one to coordinate. Just zigzag over the tie to secure it.

Cute! I like the ribbon on the straps. Do you like the ribbon on the inside or outside (more visible or less) when the bag is complete? I assumed less visible, but it look like it was on the outside in the video then I started thinking of all the pretty decorative ribbons out there and how they could make a cute accent to a plainer fabric :)

Cute bag! I try to salvage all my material, if possible of course. With that said, insteard of cutting 2-2 1/2" from salvage edge, I would move my fold so I could cut on the edge of the salvage the top piece and have about a 3-4" strip (bottom piece) that i can use for another project. Love the video

Vanessa you are a very good instructor, and your confidence, speed and straightforward explanations make it easy to understand how to make your wonderful projects. Thank you!

Thank you 💝 I learned new way to finish tote bags French seems I hope I'm saying right love this technique

I love, love, love your videos! I just some really cute reversible cotton to make this bag. This will be the 3rd project of yours, I have made. Your instructions are always clear, concise and informative. I am a new sewer, but I have learned a lot watching your videos, and I am hoping you will teach a craftsy class soon!

I just finished making my fifth bag. Here's what I did on my fifth bag that made the LENGTH OF ELASTIC NEEDED a little easier for me to determine. I sewed the button on first! Then I folded the bag according to instructions and held the looped piece of 5 inch elastic in place then looped it around the button. Once I figured out the length needed I sewed it in place. This worked perfectly for me. Also, I bought a 1/2 inch bias tape maker for about $8 and made a coordinating strip running the length of the handles. These bags are too flippin' fun to make! Thank you, Vanessa.

Great tutorial! I made one out of burlap today. For the handles I had the ribbon on the outside. The bag was used for a gift bag so I stenciled the recipients initial on the front of the bag, she loved it!

Vanessa, I turn the box pleats on the bottom toward the middle and top stitch them again to secure them better. Like you, I don't trim them off.

Thank you Vanessa for this great tutorial, you make Wednesday's awesome!!! I will be creating these bags (by the dozen - as you would say) for grocery shopping, gift bags & for my kiddos to tote their books, toys, etc. in! Sizes galore! Your videos are so easy to follow and I've found all of your videos so very helpful! My favorite part of this video was learning about the French seams!

Is there a place to print off the directions for this pattern? I clicked both links but neither had the pattern. Thank you for the nice video:) Sandra

Love the Tote and especially that if folds up to a little package and you don't have loose bags all over the car. Only request is if you made of list of the supplies and quantity of each. Would be easier to just print out supplies. Love that you are linked to MSQC. Thanks

Angela Clayton is a fashion designer VANESSA is humble and is super creative and talented with all her creations from bags to quilting to kids garments and so on and VANESSA shares every bit of her knowledge and talent. So Angela and VANESSA have two different talents. Thanks Vanessa for sharing and caring. 👍👍👍💕

The link for the materials used is not working. Can you help?Are there any writing instructions for this?Thanks, Sally

Super tutorial....I’m a beginner,and your tutorial has given me the confidence to try and make this bag....thank you x

Cute bag. I really like the ribbon you added to the straps. It really adds that something extra. thanks so much for sharing. I really enjoy your videos. Bekka

I enjoyed watching you demonstrate how to make your handbag step-by-step you did an awesome job simple and easy just what I like you have an awesome blessed weekend thank you for the tutorial

Refreshing to see a young woman teaching techniques I learned as a young woman. We got to get these girls back to doing these kinds of fun activities and pass on a legacy.

Hola Vanessa! Gracias por este excelente tutorial! Ya sé qué le regalaré a mis amigas esta navidad. Recibe un fuerte abrazo y que sigas cosechando éxitos.

Love the bag. I'll make a few just a tad smaller all around. The supermarket stuffs all the heavy groceries in it together making them difficult to carry up stairs. Never thought of using the cotton canvas.

New subscriber and love your videos, you are easy to follow and your instructions are very well explained, will be checking out your other videos, thank you so much and keep up the great work 😊

Dear Vanessa I would like to thank you for this reusable market tote pattern. I made four totes using your instructions last March 2017. You are a very good teacher. The totes are very strong and I throw them in the washer and dryer all the time. I have had a lot of compliments from baggers at the grocery store. I especially like the way they fold into themselves and button. Thank you, Geri

Love it! I'll be making some of these! Monogram them for gifts. Thanks a bunch. 👍🏼

Thanks for another great tutorial! I really appreciate your amazingly clear instructions. This is a project that is useful when completed and it's satisfying that it can be accomplished in a short time.

I made this yesterday, but a couple changes. I used cotton belting for the straps (less work, more durable), and I sewed the two triangles down on the inside of the bag. I just didn't like the floppy triangles. But I did love how easy this was.

i too have a hard time hearing, and written instructions would be wonderful as well as written supply list

Love this bag. Definitely going to try to make some of my own. I can't believe that now we get charged 10 cents a grocery bag here in California.

That was an awesome video. I've been looking for a fun, simple grocery tote and finally found one that I like! Thank you! 👍👍🛍️🛒

I just made my first tote and machine embroidered on the front. It was super easy as are all your videos. Thanks again.

Absolutely love this 💖💖💖. I just finished making 3 of these. They are so beautiful. Wish I could show you. The 2 tabs at the bottom which we are not cutting off I hot glued them flat.

You really do a good job explaining everything! Now I know how to make French seams My bag came out okay-I put my straps on backwards (don't tell anyone! ). I'll do better next time. Thanks Vanessa!

I really like this tutorial. I've cranked out four already. Thanks Vanessa. Keep on crafting and sharing with us : )

Attempted this project and it came out so amazing!!!! Thank you. Your instructions were/are spot on. Can't wait to make another.

Really nice job Vanessa!!!! I will be making lots of these great bags 😘. Thanks for another great tutorial.

While I am watching this video - I'm stopping it to say this outloud: "I LOVE the idea of circular trimmers!" Haven't used one yet, but ANYTHING not to have to wear my hand out with scissors! I think that was always my least favorite thing about sewing..the cutting and either crapping your hand or getting those red marks on your hand from cutting and cutting and cutting. In an upcoming video (either channel), can you tell us a bit more about circular trimmers? When you CAN use them, and when you would choose to use scissors? What materials you can use them for (layering too) and what type of material you need to go back to scissors for? Can you use them with pattern pieces or would they rip the tissue? If there are different sizes and strengths - which is good in what particular situation? Do you do any maintenance with them; do they need oiling? What about your cutting boards? And anything else you think might go along with a video like this. You just might get me back into loving sewing again.

Thank you so much for your instructions on making the bag. You really have to be the best instructor I have come across. Thank you, from Australia. Ann

I love your videos. They are so well done and great for the novice (me).

Another great tutorial. So easy to follow. Thank you so much, Crafty Gemini!!!

Love your videos. I appreciate how well made your videos are and easy to follow instructions. Can't wait to see what new things you have for us in 2017.

Thanks Vanessa love the pattern can't wait to try it. We use reusable bags from the store but they don't last long and are expensive. I have canvas I bought for a different project but never made will have to break it out and make a bunch of these

I love all of your tutorials! I’ve made many of your Burrito pillowcases!

I have to say that this looked really easy and it is, I did it last night and it was easy and quick, no problem! Love it, will be doing more

Awesome and super easy to follow video as always! You're so great to follow and so inspirational. 😊

Vanessa, Vanessa, thank you for this video for the reusable market tote! I have a large amount of drapery fabric in my trunk that was given to me and I was telling myself yesterday that I need to make market totes with it! Can you believe what I saw this morning? Your video! Thanks again. (At work now but will post my results ASAP)

Thank you for teaching me a new way to create a bag. Your bag was beautifully sewn. 🙏💐

This is a great pattern and tutorial! Making many as gifts! Wish I could find more by this genius!

I cannot wait to make my market totes! I found some really awesome fabric a little while ago that I fell in love with, and this will be the perfect project for it! However, I have a quick suggestion. I understand that you state the dimensions of the fabric and all, but is there any way, on the website you reference to, that you're able to post text instructions? The video is a great visual aide, but I am also really keen on numbers and instructions I can either print or screenshot for offline use. Thanks again for the tutorial! I've been following for a while, even before your new website was launched. I am so excited to see what you have for the future!

Thank you, you explained great, makes it easy to follow !

I'm nine years late to the party. THANK YOU!!, BEAUTIFUL LADY, for your VERY EASY to follow tutorials. You are an EXCELLENT instructor. In 2024, Im trying to get out of my comfort zone and branch out into sewing clothes and bags. You explain everything PERFECTLY 👌. THANKS AGAIN!! 😊 👍

What a great video! I am a beginner sewer and feel like this wasn't super complicated so I am excited to give this a try :)

DEFINITELY a project I will do. I could see giving my family members a few of these for the trunk container I gave them last year. They'll always have ags when they need them. GREAT idea! Thanks :)

I enjoyed this video and the idea using the ribbon on the straps!

Loving the new channel. Would love to see how you could/did make the box for your clips. Also, always thought those clips were only for quilt binding, thanks for the new ideas.

Thank you, great video, it's a lovely bag, and I enjoyed the way you teach. I also like the idea lady before me suggested, about a brightly coloured hair elastic.

This is my favorite market bag tutorial I have seen. Thanks! And I love your material choice.

you are an amazing teacher, i love all your videos... thank you so much, looking forward for more videos :)

Will be making these for Christmas gifts for my co-workers.....Great Video love it, Thanks

Great idea! I volunteer at my church for the '"Gowns of Love" and we rip up donated wedding dresses to make into gowns, satchels, blankets and hearts for the hospitals to give to the parents. The wedding dresses are very heavy and the bags need to be sturdy. These bags are easy to make, sturdy and can be a lot cheaper than buying one! As always your talents are never ending!!!

I love this tutorial! I don't have canvas material as such but would doubled cotton material work just as well? Thanks :)

VERY creative person.... what a way to use ur time creatively..KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !!! :-)

I'm a newbie when it comes to sewing and I've never heard of french seams before. That's just genius. Can't wait to try the technique.

That fabric is gorgeous. Really cool tutorial. 👍

I.see.all video.v.nice.

I have scoured the Internet for the best shopping tote. I've tried many different ones and this is one of my favorites. Rosie and David have one I like because of the folding bottom, the lady whose YT channel is called A Square Pillow Isn't Square has my other favorite. All three have excellent features. If I had a serger I would include Christine's Home Affairs in my list of favorites.

It would be a great idea for MSQC to put a little separate page where all the things are on one page on their site to purchase things you have used! Another great tutorial CG! !

Made one. Awesome tutorial ❤️

Vanessa, I have a question/suggestion/request for you. I received several reusable grocery bags and would like to jazz them up with fabric. I would love to hear your ideas.

What are the finished dimensions of this bag? I made one following your directions that seems awfully tall at nearly 16" (measuring the bag flat with the base folded up). It came out to be about 14" wide folded flat. I hope this is correct and I didn't misunderstand your directions.

I enjoy your tutorials so much! You have been such an inspiration to me in the last 2 years since I've started sewing. Thank you so much!

So cute! Thanks. I know what to make for my grands. I’d like to ask how you keep the glue from drying in that Roxanne Glue metal bottle tip? Thanks.

One of my teachers in Fashion School showed us to sew buttons with the thread doubled and doubled again. Then every stitch pulled four threads through and after very little work the button was secure. You just double the thread and the feed the doubled end through the eye of the needle.

Hi Venessa,pls could you suggest a good rotary cutter.My cutters never working.Me from India.love your projects.Thanks.

ok I have checked several links and while I get to the page with the items for sell I do not see anything telling me how much yardage, how much stabilizer , ribbon ect. Am I just missing seeing it? Love your style and presentation.

Great tutorial, Vanessa. Will add it to my list of projects to make :-).

congratulations on all your success vanessa! yr tutorials are so helpful and you explain every detail so clearly

Love the crazy fabric and multitude of colors! Does the ribbon wear well? I'm always nervous about using ribbon because I'm afraid it will tear, wear out or fray more easily??

So, obviously if I have directional fabric, I would need a seam in the bottom of the bag. Would you recommend an extra wide seam and either double stitching? Or is there a better way?

I just made this. Thank you. It was easy,loved your directions. My bag is ready for groceries

Just a quick response to the video's: I think that the video is obstructed by the words. Not sure why the Missouri Star quilt company or this channel uses the subtitles but it is obstructive and really gets in the way. Just wanted to pass that along. I think your very talented and enjoy your other video's but I won't be watching these on your new channel like I said the words are obstructing the view of the project.

Dear Vanessa, something came up today about those manual folders for sewing hem glad to find it today. 🙏

I tried several ways to get to the pattern & materials list, & the links are all dead links! Can you please post on here, or send the pattern & materials list/measurements to me? When I got to a page that shows pics of materials to order, it also has a link to click for a free pattern, which also does not work. I get to a download file button, but it is for an HTML file that won’t open. I like the pattern, but really need written measurements , written directions, & a written list of materials/sizes needed!

👏 I was impress!👏 I play in to make several for grocery shopping, this is a easy peasy pattern for me thanks for sharing!

I admire you. You know what your teaching. The only thing that bothers me is your working table. Many items are there.

I've been hoping for a bag tutorial!!! I love this - I'll definitely be making these instead of buying gift bags!

Brilliant tutorial - efficient and no waffling - so many women just run on and on and take far too long. I would have put a few stitches into the boxed corners though, to keep them flat on the base, or would that affect the folding?

How did you make that little pink fabric box on your sewing table?

Awesome video Vanessa. Love this bag and I can so see me making a few of these.

Great job. And you teamed up with another one of my fave's. Missouri Star Quilts. What a team.

Love it! I wish I had more time to spend on my hobbies. But work keeps getting in the way!

I watched the video and want the material, etc list. However, none of the links would open. Is there another way to get it. Thanks.

We have the same 🎉Birthday and I just finished my first bag with foam thank you for sharing

Can you make this tote bag with cotton fabric plus have a liner fabric and be able to do the french seams too? Thanks.

Adorable .... love it ... gonna make tomorrow ... thanks Vanessa

Love this bag, easy to do, you have great tutorials Vanessa, I love the way this bag is finished inside, never thought to do my seams like that, and I have been sewing for years, thanks.

Great tutorial will definitely make lots of them, thanks Vanessa !

I haven't seen it mentioned in any of the questions, but...do I need to wash the canvas before I make the bag?

Super Cute and Quick! Thank you! Question, what type/brand iron are you using? And sewing machine?

I love the trick with gluing prior to stitching! I think I thought that might be cheating🤣