How to Make Tote Bag Patterns

 Last night, a friend asked me how to make a pattern for a simple tote bag. Her customer asked a tote bag, refers to Marhaen Bag, but in different size. Smaller. For reference, she screenshot the final dimension of the bag as required.
Well, I myself, loooove making patterns. For the type of the bag she asked, I could say there are three ways to breakdown the panels.

First, as an ordinary tote, we can make it from 1 piece or 2 pieces of exterior. Boxing the corner to make the base of the bag. When we should use 1 piece of fabric or two, it depends on the dimension of the bag and stock of our fabric. For an example, a tote in final dimension 30 cm (height), 25 cm (width), and 15 cm ( height) will require 77 cm x 42 cm. Include 1 cm seam allowance. Of course it will be more economical if we can cut it into 2 piece.

Second way is, breakdown it into 5 panels refer to all sides of the bag; front, back, sides, and base.

Third, make it from 3 panel only. Front panel, back panel, and gusset (two sides and base as well).

To fulfill my friends asking, I use second way. I had video for the process as well. You can check it out here. For third way, I'll make the video next. InsyaAllah..