The Perfect Tote Bag Tutorial! - Learn to Sew Series

Learn to sew this perfect tote bag with all the different customizable options!

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The Socials!

My first sewing machine I bought at a sewing and vac store for $350.
Viking Emerald 116 - you can still get it at Joann
I will be sewing on the Juki HZL - LB5020 (My Viking will probably come out too)
I also like to recommend the Janome magnolia for absolute beginners

Other learn to sew videos:
Learn to Sew 1: Kickoff Video
Learn to Sew 2: How to Use a Sewing Machine
Learn to Sew 3: How to Make Placemats
Learn to Sew 4: How to Sew Napkins
Learn to Sew 5: How to Sew a Half Apron
Learn to Sew 6: Quilted Potholder
Learn to Sew 7: Ruffle Zipper Pouch
Learn to Sew 8: Basic Tote Bag

This video is not sponsored, but does contain some affiliate links to help you find things easily.

[lizaddison-duenas]

Again. I am so glad her content is staying up. Just needed a quick tote and Melanie to the rescue. She keeps blessing us even though she is quilting with angels.!!

[reganc]

I have been using these tutorials for months. And just became aware that this sweet precious woman passed. She is such a light and so joyful. I am broken for her family. Thankful to have these tutorials in her memory.

[charlenekittel]

I continue to watch Melanie sew! So very thankful for her life in helping others craft. Thank you to Melanie's family for keeping her content on youtube!

[lindabarnes]

I love this tote tutorial. It is awesome. I was so excited to have found Melanie. I am sad that she has passed away. Thank you so much for keeping her videos on utube. I am going to check out her learning to crochet videos. I think she had the best clear instructions. My prayers are with her family and friends.

[staciewaddell]

I know you are gone, but you continue to teach, inspire, and make me smile. You are so special special. ❤️

[JaeMarie]

This video was on my feed, and I thought to myself how much I enjoyed watching her videos and all she taught us through her tutorials! I have learned a lot from Melanie & she was a blessing to have here! I'm so happy her videos are still on YouTube! My thoughts and prayers are with the family.❤

[pamdavis]

I just read about her cancer. Thank you so much for keeping her videos up on utube! I just started quilting again after a long hiatus and it was such a God thing I saw her video today on how to make a tote with canvas and French seams. I know you miss her!

[angelaf]

Thank you for leaving our beautiful Melanie up so we can continue to see her and learn from her. You're missed so much! I still cry when I first watch any of your videos.

[annav]

RIP Melanie, thanks for the tutorials they were very helpful, I learned a lot from you and miss your videos. Love and prayers to your husband and children, my heart goes out to them 🙏🏻

[juliaroseimboden]

What a wonderful teacher ! Melanie leads a simple sewer to be able to make great projects. Blessings to her family as her memory encourages us.

[gidget]

Oh Dear! I just loved this - I went to your blog for more and found that you went to heaven six months ago 💙 😔 I'm making this tote today in your honor to give to my 92 year old neighbor to carry his mail.
God bless you and your lovely children and God be with your husband of 16 years! If we had met we certainly would have become friends 🙂

[catkoe]

This is the BEST and EASIEST method for adding a lining to a tote bag I’ve ever seen!! Miss you Melanie 💝

[rosejohn]

Melanie Ham would ALWAYS be loved for all her talent and all that she's taught me.🙏❤

[lynnthorley]

We are all so blessed to of had a teacher with so much talent. Always smiling which passes on to the student. I am so grateful that you Melanie shared so many videos about all different subjects. Wish to thank family members for keeping videos up.

[deborahcrowder]

I love Melanie's videos...thank you for keeping them available for us to watch. I was very touched by Melanie's funeral and the video you and she made together of her life. Thank you for sharing with us.

[catherined]

I love watching Melanie’s video. Such a gentle teacher. She is greatly missed by my family. ❤

[MaxLeoMolly]

What an amazing talent and beautiful soul. She singlehandedly led me back to creating things of both beauty and function. This project is so perfectly constructed with French seams, etc. it can be reversible as well. I use a neutral canvas on one side, and a lovely print for the lining. When you turn it inside out, the pocket ends up on the outside, but that's just fine. I get so many comments and many requests for gifting.

[anitawilliams]

Oh my goodness! Girl-you are the of all- the bag is amazing. It is beautiful- and so professional. But the real joy comes from watching a real teacher be able to effectively get people to understand the concept. You did an outstanding job of demonstrating how to make this bag. Your filming was perfect. The close-ups were so well-done. I am so delighted. I feel confident that I will be able to make this bag. There are lots of good sewers on Youtube-but not all of them are good teachers. Thank you much!

[sabasayed]

I keep coming to this design whenever I have to make one. This time I'm making as a party favour for my daughter's birthday. Thank you so much Melanie, know that you are still very much here and continuing to help so many women through your tutorials.

[Jen-CelticWarrior]

This is my absolute favorite tote bag pattern to sew. These make great gifts, especially when filled with other sewing gifts! Miss you, Melanie.💕💜