Make a designer-inspired dupe with me! Get two free patterns to sew your own tote bag.
Sewing allows us to make exactly what we want, exactly how we want it. We can even recreate and modify our favorite designer pieces without paying designer prices. In fact, that’s why I started Simply Classic: to empower sewists of all abilities to create their own high-quality handbags.
In this post, I will give you the complete patterns and video tutorials to create your very own version of The Tote Bag by Marc Jacobs in two different sizes.
The Inspiration: The Tote Bag by Marc Jacobs
The Tote Bag by Marc Jacobs launched in 2019 and quickly became a best-seller. Originally called the Traveler Tote, this iconic bag comes in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials. And of course, it is famously emblazoned with the Marc Jacobs logo and the words “THE TOTE BAG” in a contrasting color.
The Tote Bag by Marc Jacobs is more affordable than a luxury designer tote, but it’s still not cheap. The Small Tote in cotton canvas retails for $175, while the Large Tote in leather costs $595. By making your own version, you can not only save money but also customize your bag to your liking.
Video Tutorial: Make the Alexis (Large Tote Bag)
In this video, I will show you how to make the Alexis, my version of the Large Tote Bag by Marc Jacobs. The dimensions of the finished bag are approximately 18" W x 13" T x 6" D.
➡️ Watch this video on YouTube. If you learned something from this video, I invite you to subscribe to my channel! I post in-depth tutorials, tips, and tricks for sewing and bag making.
Materials: Fabrics, Hardware, & More
Here is the complete list of materials you'll need to make this tote bag. Next to each item, I will share the exact product I used in my version of the bag.
Fabric
1 -18" Roll Main – I used Faux Leather in Magenta
2 - 18" Roll Accent – I used Faux Leather in Black
1 yd Lining – I used 100% Pure Linen in Lilas
Stabilizer & Interfacing
1/2 yd Decovil Light
8" of Decovil Heavy
Hardware
#5 Zipper @ 27"— I used #5 Zipper Tape in Black/Nickel
#5 Zipper @ 9"— I used #5 Zipper Tape in Black/Nickel
2 - Zipper Pulls — I used #5 Flat Zipper Pulls in Nickel
2 - D-Rings — I used D-Ring in Nickel
2 - Swivel Clasps — I used Strap Adjuster in Nickel
1 - Zipper End — I used Zipper End in Nickel
6 - Purse Feet — I used Purse Feet in Nickel
1 - 1/2" Swivel Clasp – I used Swivel Clasps in Nickel
Other
Main Thread – I used Amann Bonded Nylon T-70 Thread in 4000 Black
Contrasting Thread — I used Amann Bonded Nylon T-70 Thread in 3135 Burgundy
Cardboard - 17" x 6" (to make the false bottom)
Free Pattern
All the pattern pieces for the Alexis tote bag can be cut from measurements.
Main Fabric
2 - Front & Back - 18" x 11.25"
2 - Sides - 7" x 11"
4 - Main Handles - 3" x 16.75"
2 - Zipper Plackets - 17.5" x 4.25" (2 Main and 2 Lining)
1 - Zipper Keeper - 2" x 7"
2 - Strap Connectors - 4" x 2"
Contrast Fabric
2 - Front & Back Bottom Accent - 18" x 3.75"
2 - Side Bottom Accent - 7" x 4.5"
1 - Bottom - 18" x 7"
2 - Contrast Handles - 3.25" x 47"
1 - Crossbody Strap - 4" x 54"
2 - Binding - 2" x 33"
1 - Zipper Overlay - 9" x 2"
1 - Slip Pocket Accent - 13" x 1"
1 - Key Fob - 12" x 1.5"
Lining
** Interface all pieces with interfacing
1 - Lining - 17.75" x 33"
1 - Slip Pocket - 12" x 12"
1 - Zipper Pockets - 9" x 9"
2 - Sides - 6.75" x 14.25"
1 - Lining Bottom - 13" x 18"
Stabilizer
2 - Front & Back Stabilizer - 16.75" x 10.25"
2 - Front & Back Bottom Accent Stabilizer - 16.75" x 2.75"
2 - Side Stabilizer - 5.34" x 9.5"
2 - Side Bottom Accent Stabilizer - 5.34" x 3.5"
1 - Bottom (Light) - 6" x 17"
2 - Bottom (Heavy) - 6" x 17"
3 - Bottom (Heavy) - 0.75" x 5.75"
Video Tutorial: Make the Lil Lexy (Small Tote Bag)
Looking to make a smaller version of this bag? In this video, I will show you how to make the Lil Lexy, my take on the Small Tote Bag by Marc Jacobs. For this version of the bag, I used the French seam method on the sides. The finished bag measures 10" W x 8.5" T x 4.5" D.
➡️ Watch this video on YouTube. If you learned something from this video, I invite you to subscribe to my channel! I post in-depth tutorials, tips, and tricks for sewing and bag making.
Materials: Fabrics, Hardware, & More
Here is the complete list of materials you'll need to make this tote bag. Next to each item, I will share the exact product I used in my version of the bag.
Fabric
Main Fabric — I used Faux Leather in Greige
Lining — I used 100% Pure Linen in Lilas
Stabilizer & Interfacing
Decovil Light
Decovil Heavy
Hardware
#5 Zipper — I used #5 Zipper Tape in Tan/Bronze
2 - Zipper Pulls — I used #5 Flat Zipper Pulls in Bronze
1 - Zipper End — I used Zipper End in Bronze
4 - Purse Feet — I used Purse Feet in Bronze
1 - 1/2" Swivel Clasp – I used Swivel Clasps in Bronze
3 - Rivets (for interior slip pocket)
Free Pattern
All the pattern pieces for the Lil Lexy tote bag can be cut from measurements.
Main Fabric
2 - Front & Back - 11" x 9"
2 - Sides - 6.5" x 9.75" (cut .75" squares from each bottom corner)
1 - Bottom - 11" x 6"
2 - Zipper Placket - 11" x 3"
1 - Zipper Keeper - 2" x 8"
2 - Handles - 3" x 35"
1 - Zipper Overlay - 8" x 2" (draw a line 0.75" from each side and cut a rectangle from center)
1 - Slip Pocket Accent - 8" x 1"
1 - Key Fob - 10" x 1.5"
Lining Fabric
** Interface all pieces with interfacing
1 - Main Body - 21.75" x 11"
1 - Slip Pocket - 8" x 10"
2 - Zipper Pockets - 8" x 5"
2 - Sides - 6.5" x 9.75" (cut 0.75" squares from each bottom corner)
1 - Lining Bottom - 11" x 11" (once bag is complete, trim as necessary to fit false bottom piece)
Stabilizers
2 - Front & Back (Decovil Light) - 10" x 8"
1 - Bottom (Decovil Light) - 10" x 5"
2 - Sides - 4.75" x 8.75"
2 - False Bottom (Decovil Heavy) - 10" x 5" (fused together; cut to precise measurement to make fit once bag is complete)
Share Your Tote Bag in the Simply Classic Facebook Group
There you have it: two free patterns and in-depth tutorials to help you make your own version of The Tote Bag by Marc Jacobs. These patterns are a great starting point for any bag maker, but of course you can get creative and make modifications to fit your style.
If you follow either of these tutorials, I would love to see what you create. Join us over in the Simply Classic Inspiration Group on Facebook and share a photo of your finished tote. You will be welcomed by an amazing, supportive group of bag makers — we'd love to have you!
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