Doll Tote Bag Tutorial (DIY Doll Accessories)

There are so many doll accessories available for the ever-popular 18 inch dolls.  However, they tend to be very expensive to purchase.  Why not create some DIY doll accessories for that sweet doll and not break the bank doing so?

Making this 18 inch doll tote bag is fun as well as simple to do.  This doll tote bag pattern would be a great beginning sewing project for any child to start with sewing.

Imagine the thrill of doll sewing for the child.  Pick out some cute scrap fabrics and make up these tote bags today.  It's a quick and easy project!

A child's tote bag could be made to match the doll's tote bag, too!  How much fun it is to have matching accessories.

To learn more about sewing a doll tote bag, watch this video tutorial or read the written tutorial below.

supplies needed to make an 18" doll tote bag

• 2 pieces of fabric 6" x 6"
• 2 pieces of ribbon 9" long
• Thread
• Sewing needle
• Fabric scissors
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Threaded sewing machine (Optional)
• Embellishments (Optional)

INSTRUCTIONS for Making a DIY doll tote bag

STEP 1: PREPARING the TOTE bag SIDEs

Begin by taking one piece of the 6" x 6" fabric and turn under 3 of the sides 1/4" toward the back side of the fabric and stitch down. This can be hand stitched or done using a sewing machine.

Do this to the other piece of fabric as well.

The reason for turning these three sides under is to have a finished edge inside of the doll tote bag.

STEP 2: SEWING the PANEL TOP of the 18" doll tote bag

The final edge that has not yet been turned under is going to be turned under differently on both panels. This will the top of the tote bag.

Turn under 1/4" of the fabric and press using an iron. Next, turn it under a second time, another 1/4" and press again. Stitch close to the inside fold either by hand or with a sewing machine.Do this to both panels forming a nice and neat top edge of the 18" doll tote bag.

STEP 3: ATTACHING the DIY doll tote bag STRAPs

Take one of the pieces of ribbon and pin the ends of it to the top side of one of the panels. The ribbon ends should be on the wrong side and each about 3/4" from each corner. Make sure not to twist it when attaching. Sew the ribbon to the panel.

Now take the other panel and the ribbon that is left. The ribbon is going to be sewn on this panel in the same way it was sewn on the first panel.  Remember that the top of the panel is the edge that has been folded twice and has a neat edge..

STEP 4: SEWING the TOTE BAG TOGETHER

Place the two panels on top of each other with the right sides together making sure that the top edges with the ribbons are together. Pin around the edges. Stitch around the sides and bottom of the bag next to the fold.

To make the corners crisp when turned right side out, clip the corners while it is still inside out. Be careful not to cut through the stitching.

Now it is time to turn the DIY doll tote bag right side out.

STEP 5: add EMBELLISHMENTs (optional)

If desired, the doll tote bag can be embellished to add extra interest.  Buttons, a bow, or sequins are a few options for embellishments.  Get creative and if desired, add anything special to embellish the DIY 18" doll tote bag.

The tote bag is ready to use. Pop it over the doll's shoulder, and she is ready to shop. We hope you enjoyed this 18" doll craft tutorial showing how to make a tote bag for a special doll.

other 18" doll Clothing and accessories to sew

• Simple Doll Skirt
• Doll Apron
• Doll Tights
• Doll Backpack