Handmade Bandana Tote Bag – A Handmade Summer

Bandana tote bags are one of the hottest accessories this summer, but when I saw one selling for $385, I knew I had to make my own!

This quilted version is fun to sew, to customize, and perfect for everything from beach days to farmers’ markets. I love mine so much that I’m even thinking about making a limited collection to sell. You’ll have to tell me what you think! Today I’m sharing exactly how I made it so you can sew one for yourself, too.

A pink tote bag with a paisley bandana pattern and the name "LESLIE" stitched on the front sits in front of a blue bag with a similar pattern.
Four images: a decorative glass ornament, a kitchen with flowers on the counter, a living room with white furniture, and a bowl of soup with scattered toppings.
Text reads "MY 100 YEAR OLD HOME | A HANDMADE SUMMER" in uppercase letters on a white background.

Bandana Tote Bag

A beige quilted tote bag with a paisley bandana pattern and the name “LESLIE” embroidered on the front, hanging on a glass doorknob.

Bandana tote bags are everywhere right now, and I completely understand why. They are colorful, casual, and quilted, with that effortless vintage look that somehow works with everything from jeans and a T-shirt to a summer dress. They are the perfect bag for farmers’ markets, beach days, weekend getaways, and everyday errands.

But here’s the part that made me laugh.

One of the most popular versions is from Call It By Your Name, and it sells for $385.

A quilted tote bag with burgundy and navy bandana patterns, "LOVE" stitched in multicolor letters on the front. Price: $385.00 USD.
A large pink quilted tote bag with a bandana pattern and a yellow smiley face patch in the center. Price: $385.00 USD.

You know me. The minute I saw that price, I didn’t think, “I should buy one.” I thought, “I can make one!”

So that’s exactly what I did.

I created my own quilted Bandana Tote Bag, and honestly, I love it even more because I made it myself. Better yet, it’s surprisingly easy to sew, especially if you’ve done even a little quilting.

The quilted bandanas give the bag structure, the inside is fully lined, and the finished bag is sturdy enough to carry everything from craft supplies to groceries to towels for a day at the beach.

This has quickly become one of my favorite projects in A Handmade Summer, and I have a feeling it might become one of yours too.

Why I Love This Bag

A woman with short blonde hair, wearing a light pink striped shirt, stands indoors holding a large pink patterned bag with "LESLIE" embroidered on it.

What makes this tote so special is the fabric.

Bandanas have been around forever, but when you quilt them together with batting and use them as the outside of a bag, they suddenly look fresh and modern.

I also love that every bag turns out differently. You can use classic red, navy, black, or pink bandanas, mix several colors together, or even coordinate them with the season. The possibilities are endless.

A purple and white bandana-patterned tote bag with the name "ELLE" on the front sits on a white kitchen counter in a bright, modern kitchen.

Since bandanas are inexpensive, this project also costs a fraction of what designer versions sell for. I love that I can make one for myself, another for a friend, and maybe even a few for Christmas gifts without spending a fortune.

Supplies

Three folded bandanas in blue, tan, and cream with paisley patterns arranged on a white surface.

For one tote bag, you will need:

I may sometimes use affiliate links on this blog, which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. The price will be the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the vendor’s website using a non-affiliate link.

Fiskars 60mm rotary cutter with retractable blade, featuring an ergonomic handle and quick blade change, displayed next to product information.
Rotary Cutter
Package of Bosal In-R-Form Plus Unique Fusible Foam Stabilizer, 36" x 58", with product details and an image of a tote bag on the front.
Bosal 493-36 in-R-Form Plus Unique Fusible Foam Stabilizer
A metal hoof pick with a straight handle and an angled, hooked end, used for cleaning dirt and debris from horse hooves.
Honbay Quilting Guide Bar for Brother/Singer/Janome

Singer Sewing Machine

Forty spools of sewing thread in various colors are arranged in five rows on a wooden rack.

Embroidery Machine Thread, 40 Colors

A plastic box containing multiple colorful sewing clips, with eight individual clips in various colors displayed in a row below the box.

Multipurpose Sewing Clips 

A computerized Brother embroidery machine with an attached embroidery hoop, accessories, software, instruction guides, and sewing tools arranged around it.

Brother NQ1700E Embroidery Machine, 6″ x 10″ 

A box labeled "Mr. Pen Washable Fabric Marker" stands next to five blue and white water erasable embroidery pens.
Mr. Pen- Washable Fabric Markers for Sewing
A white and silver electric steam iron with a dial, steam control settings, and a power cord, shown on a plain background.
Iron
Large green self-healing cutting mat with measurement grid, brand IDEMEET A1, shown with various sizes and example uses for cutting and crafting.

Large Self Healing Sewing Mat, Idemeet Rotary Cutting Mat

Stacked rows of neatly folded fabric in a wide variety of colors, organized in two columns with different shades ranging from light to dark.
100% Cotton Fabric Bundle
Fiskars clear acrylic sewing ruler, 6 x 24 inches, with two-toned markings and 30°, 45°, and 60° line indicators; packaging notes a lifetime warranty.
Fiskars Sewing Ruler

All the Prettiest Bandanas to Choose From!

Three green bandanas tied in different styles are displayed above three unfolded green bandanas with white paisley patterns.
Blulu 6 Pcs Neon Color Cowboy Bandanas
Four beige bandanas with a white and black paisley pattern, arranged overlapping each other, with "The Peacock Crew" printed on one corner.
Premium Soft Cotton Bandanas
Ten blue bandanas with white paisley and floral patterns are arranged in a fan shape on a white background.
100% Cotton 10 Pack Fine Bandanas
A circular arrangement of blue paisley-patterned bandanas folded into a geometric, star-like design.
Bandanas 3 pack 6 pack 12 pack 22 inch
A stack of pink bandanas with a paisley pattern is displayed next to a single unfolded bandana showing the full design.
Cowboy Bandana Bulk 12-Pc
A fan-shaped arrangement of paisley-patterned bandanas in blue, white, black, and red, forming a circular pattern on a white background.
Junvena Cotton Bandanas 12 packs 22″X 22″ 
Two rows of folded navy blue bandanas with white paisley patterns, stacked side by side, featuring “The Peacock Crew” printed in one corner.
Navy Blue Cotton Bandanas
A row of twelve neatly folded, light pink bandanas with a white and black paisley pattern.
Rose Soft Thin Handfeel Cotton Bandanna
Six beige bandanas with a classic white paisley pattern are arranged in two rows of three, each folded into a diamond shape.
6 Pcs Neon Color Cowboy Bandanas
Three folded bandanas in light blue, blue, and green with paisley patterns are stacked on a marble surface.

Wouldn’t these bandanas make gorgeous bags?

Six teal bandanas featuring a classic white paisley pattern are arranged in a diamond formation on a white background.
Sage 6 Pcs Neon Color Cowboy Bandanas
Six light green bandanas with white paisley patterns are arranged in a diamond-shaped grid on a white background.
Mint 6 Pcs Neon Color Cowboy Bandanas
Six light blue bandanas with white paisley patterns are arranged in a diamond formation.
Misty Blue Color Cowboy Bandanas

Finished Size

A beige and blue patterned tote bag with the name "LESLIE" hangs on a white stair post in a bright room with wooden furniture and a round mirror.

My finished tote measures approximately:

  • 17″ wide
  • 13″ tall
  • 6″ deep

It’s the perfect everyday size without feeling bulky.

Cut Your Pieces

Bandana quilt bag cutting guide showing measurements and fabric requirements for cutting outer fabric, handles, foam, lining, and batting, with diagrams and bandana quantities needed.
Screenshot

Using the cutting guide, cut the following pieces as a pattern. The front, back, sides, bottom, short and long straps, and short and long batting. I cut mine out of butcher paper.

Several pieces of brown pattern paper, each pinned to fabric, are layered on a flat surface with handwritten notes and markings visible.

Outer Bandana

  • Front: 18″ x 15″ (cut 1)
  • Back: 18″ x 15″ (cut 1)
  • Sides: 7″ x 15″ (cut 2)
  • Bottom: 18″ x 7″ (cut 1)
  • Long Handles: 5″ x 15″ (cut 4) – two are sewn together to make long handles
  • Short Handles: 5″ x 15″ (cut 2)
Two paper sewing patterns labeled "FRONT" and "SIDE" are pinned to bandana fabric, with a ruler at the bottom edge and grid cutting mat underneath.

Lining Bandana

Cut identical pieces for the front, back, sides, and bottom.

A stack of paperboard, white felt, and brown kraft paper sheets are layered on a white surface.

Single Sided Fusible Foam Stabilizer

Cut batting for:

  • Front
  • Back
  • Two sides
  • Bottom

Batting

  • Two long handles – 1.75″ x 29″ – cut
  • Two short handles – 1.75″ x 15″

Quilt Every Piece

Two pieces of white quilt batting are laid out, with a brown paper sewing pattern and black-and-white printed fabric partially visible underneath.

This step takes a little time, but it’s my favorite part because you can watch the bag come together.

Before you begin assembling the bag, you’ll quilt the outer pieces to give them structure and that beautiful designer look.

A close-up of a white iron pressing a tan bandana with a black and white paisley pattern.
A close-up view of a sewing machine stitching patterned fabric, with the needle in motion and a seam visible in the center.
A close-up photo of tan-colored paper printed with a black and white paisley bandana pattern, featuring floral and ornamental motifs.

Cut the fusible foam to match the front, back, side, and bottom pieces, then iron the fusible side directly to the wrong side of each outer bandana piece, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once the foam is securely fused, quilt straight vertical lines approximately 1½ inches apart across each piece. This simple quilting adds stability and creates the signature quilted texture that makes these bags so special.

The lining pieces are not quilted. They are sewn separately and attached later during the bag’s final assembly for a clean, fully lined finish.

Embroider the Bag

A light brown bandana with a white paisley pattern has the name "LESLIE" embroidered in white letters in the center, placed on a grid cutting mat with rulers.

Embroider a name, logo, or esign on the front side of the bag. I used the font OLD MILL for my bag.

Rectangular arrangement of white plastic objects with yellow and red caution symbols on a beige patterned cloth with black and white designs.
Embroidery machine screen displays the name "LESLIE" in red, vertically oriented, with various settings and options visible around the design.
Close-up of an embroidery machine stitching a white letter "L" onto patterned beige fabric with floral and geometric designs.
A sewing machine embroiders the word "lush" in white thread on a peach fabric with a floral and paisley pattern.

Assemble the Bag

A piece of fabric with a patterned center strip and solid white sides is laid flat on a gridded cutting mat, secured with colorful clips along the edges.

Begin by sewing one side panel to the front panel with right sides together. To make adding the bottom piece easier, I left 1/4″ open on all four seams on the bottom of the bag. (Do the same with the lining)

Repeat with the second side.

Partially constructed garment piece with beige fabric on the outside and patterned fabric lining, held together by clips, on a grid cutting mat.

Now attach the back panel, creating a large fabric tube.

Everything starts looking like a bag at this point, which is always exciting.

Next, pin the bottom piece to the bag, matching all corners carefully. The 1/4″ opening in the seam on the front, back, and sides allows you to open up the matching seams and make a perfect fit for sewing.

A partially assembled corset with fabric clips attaches cream-colored panels to a patterned cloth, laid out on a gridded cutting mat with sewing supplies nearby.

Sew all the way around using a ¼-inch seam allowance.

Turn the outer bag right side out and set it aside.

Make the Handles

Four rectangular strips of cardboard with a tan and white paisley bandana pattern, laid out horizontally on a gridded cutting mat.

The tote has both shoulder straps and shorter hand-carry handles.

Sew two of the long handles together on the short side, right sides together.

Fold each long side of the handle lengthwise and press 3/8″.

Insert the batting and fold over one edge to close the seam. Don’t worry if some of the batting folds too. Top stitch 1/4″ along the long edge on both sides.

A close-up of an iron pressing a seam on patterned fabric with floral and paisley designs.
Two strips of paisley-patterned fabric, one partially folded with interfacing, are placed on a cutting mat next to a ruler marked in inches.
Four strips of tan bandana fabric with black and white patterns are laid out on a gridded cutting mat with pins along the edges. A ruler is visible at the bottom.
A sewing machine stitching a seam on a piece of beige fabric with a black and white paisley pattern.

Attach the Handles

A peach-colored bandana fabric tote bag with a front pocket is displayed on a grid-patterned cutting mat.

Measure the center of the top of the bag, and attach the short handle about 2 inches in from the center.

Place the top of the long handle approximately 1/4″ inch next to the short handles.

Pin securely.

Make the Lining

A patterned bandana fabric is laid out on a gridded cutting mat with measuring marks, held in place by sewing clips along the edges.

Repeat the exact same construction steps using the lining pieces.

The only difference is that you’ll leave a 6 to 8-inch opening in the side seam.

A hand holds patterned fabric with pink pins securing a seam, preparing for sewing.

You’ll use this opening to turn the finished bag later.

Finish the Bag

A piece of fabric with a black paisley design is sewn into a rectangular shape, with an open seam held by pins on a gridded cutting mat.

Place the outer bag inside the lining with right sides together. Match the side seams and pin around the top edge.

Close-up of fabric with a black line pattern being sewn together on a sewing machine, with pins holding the fabric in place.

Sew completely around the opening. Sew a double seam over the bag handles. This extra stitching makes the bag incredibly strong.

Pull the bag through the opening in the lining. Push the lining down inside the tote.

Two patterned bandanas, one white with black outlines and one beige with dark paisley designs, are crumpled on a grid-lined cutting mat.

Close the opening in the lining with a ladder stitch or machine stitch.

A fabric tote bag with a tan and white bandana pattern is positioned on a grid cutting mat in a craft room with sewing supplies in the background.

Give the bag one final press and topstitch around the top edge.

Close-up of a sewing machine stitching beige fabric with a black and white paisley pattern, with fabric secured by pins.

And just like that…

Your beautiful quilted Bandana Tote Bag is finished!

Ways to Personalize Your Tote

Two patterned tote bags hang on a white railing; one bag is blue, and the other is beige with the name "LESLIE" on the front.

One of my favorite things about sewing is adding little details that make a project uniquely yours.

Here are a few fun ideas:

A collection of colorful patch designs featuring flowers, mushrooms, butterflies, rainbows, animals, lightning bolts, and positive phrases like “Stay Positive” and “Be Kind.”.
Vintage Iron On Patches
A spool of white rickrack trim with a wavy pattern, with a length of the trim extending from the spool.
Rick Rack Wave Bending Fringe Trim
Two silver magnetic snap buttons with corresponding metal back plates, commonly used for fastening bags or wallets, are shown on a white background.
24Sets Magnetic Snaps

No two bags will ever look exactly alike.

Why This Bag Is Worth Making

A large tote bag made from purple bandana fabric with "ELLIE" embroidered on the front, hanging on a white door handle.

I love sewing projects that become part of everyday life.

This isn’t the kind of bag you’ll admire from a shelf.

You’ll actually use it.

Take it to the beach.

Fill it with yarn.

Carry your quilting supplies.

Use it for groceries.

Pack it for road trips.

I’ve already found myself reaching for mine almost every day.

And every time I do, I smile because I know I made it myself.

Sure, I could have bought the designer version.

But where’s the fun in that?

Making something with your own hands is always more rewarding, and in this case, a whole lot less expensive too.

Is This a Good Idea? Or Am I Crazy?

A beige quilted tote bag with a paisley bandana pattern and the name “LESLIE” embroidered on the front, hanging on a glass doorknob.

As if making one wasn’t enough, I’ve been thinking about taking this project one step further. What if I made a limited collection of 20 custom Bandana Tote Bags and offered them for sale?

Each one would be handmade by me, personalized how you want, with carefully selected bandanas and unique details, so no two bags would ever be exactly alike. I think it could be such a fun way to share my love of handmade projects with all of you.

But before I start sewing, I’d love to hear what you think! Is this something you’d be interested in? Leave me a comment and let me know. If there’s enough interest, I just might make it happen!

A rectangular tote bag with long handles, featuring a cream background and a repeating pink and green floral pattern, bordered with red and white striped trim.
100% Cotton Quilted Tote Bag
Quilted tote bag with patchwork floral pattern, two handles, and a zippered inner pocket shown in a close-up inset.
Quilted Everyday Carryall Shoulder Purse
A quilted tote bag with long handles and a white background featuring a small pink floral pattern and a rectangular patch on the front.
Fashion Top Zipper Floral Quilted Bag
Dark green quilted tote bag with white floral pattern, two long straps, and a front zippered pocket.
Vera Bradley Women’s Cotton Nfl Small Vera Tote Bag
Green quilted tote bag with white floral pattern and long handles, featuring vertical striped accents along the edges and handles.
100% Cotton Quilted Tote Bag
A white quilted tote bag with black floral patterns, matching zipper pouch, and a tumbler with a straw in an exterior pocket.
Bagstellar Quilted Tote Bag

How to Follow Along With A Handmade Summer

A rectangular clutch with a beige fabric lid featuring small black dots, and a gold frame with a floral-patterned interior lining.

Each week, a new spring craft will be shared here on the blog. I will also be sharing behind-the-scenes moments, progress videos, and finished projects on Instagram so you can see each craft come to life.

You can jump in at any point. There is no need to start at the beginning or complete every project. Choose the ones that speak to you and make them your own.

If you love seasonal crafting, this series is designed to inspire you throughout the summer.

Here are all of the A Handmade Summer craft projects so far.

Two canvas tote bags, one with pink straps and one with blue straps, hang on a staircase railing. Both have colorful feather-shaped keychains attached.
DIY Polymer Clay Charms – week nine
A young child walks barefoot on artificial grass in a backyard, with two small golf flags and greenery along a wooden fence.
4th of July T-shirts – week eight
Three folded sweatshirts are shown: two light pink ones and one light blue one with "VENTURA" embroidered in large white letters.
Embroidery Gifts for Friends – week seven
A rectangular beige Box Frame Purse with small black polka dots and gold metal accents, placed on a white surface with pink decorative leaves in the background.
How to Make a Box Frame Purse – week six
Two white handkerchiefs with pink embroidery are displayed on a light wood surface next to artificial pink roses and green leaves.
DIY Embroidered Cocktail Napkins – week five
Two ceramic plates with colorful cocktail glass patterns are placed on a light wooden surface, surrounded by three pink tulips.
Decorative Summer Clay Trinket Dishes – week four
Assorted pink and gold wax seals, some with dried flowers embedded, are arranged on a white surface alongside pressed flowers.
Homemade Fun with Wax Seals – week three
Oval mirror with a frame decorated with various seashells, mounted on a light wood wall.
My New Coastal Mirror – week two
Two ceramic paint tube sculptures, one pink with gold patterns, one with a floral design, each holding two paintbrushes on a white surface.
DIY Clay Brush Holder – week one

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Smiling woman in a light pink striped shirt holds a pink bandana tote bag with the name "Leslie" on it. Text below reads: "Handmade Bandana Tote Bag - A Handmade Summer.

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10 Comments

  2. I love the idea and think it is adorable. I’ve been making zip pouches for cosmetics and pencils and such for our grands. I’ve thought about using a couple of the bright bandanas my hubby uses for handkerchiefs to create those. It would be cute to coordinate a cosmetic zip pouch or coin pouch or ear bud pouch with the tote by using the lining color for the pouches. Or could make multicolored pouches and just let the fabric and a monogram or whimsical embroidery design tie it all together. Of course, in some cultures a bandana is used to signify gang affiliation. So, the more expensive scarf versions would be better in areas where that is the case. I am probably going to steal this idea and make a set of coordinating bags!

    Reply

  3. Beautiful tote, and where do we sign up for a personalized tote??? Glad I went on down to bottom of the page.

    Reply

  4. Hi Leslie
    Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog.
    I had so much fun making the 4th of July t shirts with my grandchildren! Zoey, 5 years and her brother, Ryland, 4 years! They turned out so adorable!
    We plan to wear them tomorrow… me and my family! We made 7 shirts.
    Happy 4th to you and your family. Thank you for sharing everything you do!

    Reply

  5. These bags are just the idea I needed for Christmas gifts! Your idea arrived just in time! I have started picking some lucious bandana color combinations.
    Thank you for your great instructions!
    We are neighbors – I am close to Tyler
    Carla

    Reply

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