Sewzy
Ruched Tote Sewing Pattern
The Ruched Tote is a beginner sewing pattern in 3 sizes, Mini to Large. It takes about 2 hours 30 minutes in 12 written steps. It is in the Sewzy iPhone app with every size included. Print it as a letter-size PDF or an A0 copy-shop file.
Updated October 29, 2026
- Level
- Beginner
- Time
- About 2 h 30 min
- Sizes
- 3
- Steps
- 12
The Ruched Tote pattern comes in 3 sizes, Mini to Large. It is a beginner project that takes about 2 h 30 min, in 12 steps. Best fabrics: outer, panel and straps.
Premium Print the letter or A0 PDF from the app.
Photos are renders of the finished item, made from this pattern's shapes.
Sizes and fabric
| Size | Finished size and details | Fabric |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | 10 x 9 in | Outer ½ yd · lining ½ yd |
| Medium | 13 x 12 in | Outer ¾ yd · lining ⅝ yd |
| Large | 16 x 14 in | Outer 1 yd · lining 1⅛ yd |
Outer, panel and straps: soft cotton canvas, linen-cotton blend, chambray or quilting cotton with a little drape (a very stiff canvas will not gather softly). Lining: quilting cotton or poplin.
You also need
- 1 magnetic snap (18 mm) + fusible interfacing scraps
- Optional: template plastic or heavy stabilizer for a base insert
- Thread to match, clips, 80/12 needle
Pattern pieces
Body (cut 2 outer on fold), Band (cut 2 outer on fold), Ruched panel (cut 2 outer on fold), Lining (cut 2 lining on fold), Slip pocket (cut 1 lining on fold)
Seam allowance: ⅜ in (1 cm) included. The fold edges (bag center, pocket top) have none.
The steps
The written guide in the app takes you through 12 steps, one at a time.
- Cut
- Mark
- Snap
- Slip pocket
- Gather the panel
- Join panel to band and body
- Straps
- Sew the outer bag
- Sew the lining
- Place the straps
- Join outer and lining
- Topstitch and finish
Watch how it's done
Short tutorials on YouTube for the techniques in this pattern, by other sewists. They are not made by Sewzy.
- How to Gather Fabric - 3 Ways! Sewing for Beginners Episode 9 Rosery Apparel · Gathering the panel in step 5
- How To • Install Magnetic Snaps Emmaline Bags Inc. · Installing the magnetic snap
More bags and accessories
Questions about the Ruched Tote
How much fabric does the Ruched Tote need?
Best fabrics: outer, panel and straps. Exact amounts for each size are in the guide inside the Sewzy app.
Which sizes does the Ruched Tote come in?
It comes in 3 sizes, Mini to Large. The size table on this page lists what each size fits.
How long does the Ruched Tote take to sew?
About 2 hours 30 minutes. It is rated beginner, and the written guide in the app has 12 steps.
Related guides
How to sew a tote bag with boxed corners (step by step)6 min readSew a lined tote bag with boxed corners in about 90 minutes. Cut sizes, seam allowance, strap length and the boxed corner trick, explained for beginners.
How much fabric do I need? A simple yardage guide4 min readHow much fabric do I need? Learn how to read fabric width, plan a cutting layout, add extra for shrinkage and matching, and work out yardage for any project.
How to read a sewing pattern: symbols, grainline and notches explained6 min readLearn what the lines, arrows, dots and notches on a sewing pattern mean. A plain guide to grainline, fold line, cutting line, ease and seam allowance.
Sew the Ruched Tote in Sewzy
Every size is included. Premium opens all 100 patterns and starts with a 3-day free trial.
Free to download
Premium starts with a 3-day free trial. Cancel any time in iOS Settings. Prices in USD.