DIY beach towel tote bag – Sew your ultimate summer accessory

When summer rolls around, the beach or pool becomes our go-to destination. But what’s one essential you always need during your summer outings?

A functional, stylish, and spacious bag to carry it all! Instead of splurging on expensive totes, create your own chic beach towel tote bag that’s budget-friendly and allows you to flaunt your sewing skills. This step-by-step sewing tutorial will guide you through making a DIY beach towel tote bag, transforming simple materials into a summer must-have.

Supplies you’ll need to sew your beach towel tote bag:

• Brother SE2000 sewing machine
• Beach towel for outer bag: Two pieces 17” Lx 21” W
• Medium weight fabric for lining: Two pieces 17” L x 21” W
• 2 yards of rope for handles
• 4 large eyelets (7/16”)
• Large eyelet/grommet setting tools
• Jeans needle, size 90/14 for sewing heavy fabric
• Scissors
• Thread
• Pins
• Ruler

Optional: If you want to skip the eyelets, you can use any leftover towel fabric to create fabric straps instead.

9 steps to sew your beach towel tote bag

1. Gather your materials and cut the fabric

Cut your beach towel and lining fabric. You’ll need two 17” L x 21” W rectangles of each. Fold the fabric in half and mark off a 2” x 2” square at each bottom corner using a grid ruler. Cut out the marked squares to shape the bag's base.

2. Stitch the towel and lining

Place the towel pieces' right sides together and sew along both side edges and the bottom, using a 1/2” seam allowance. Repeat with the lining fabric.

3. Box the bag’s corner

Align the side and bottom seams at each corner to form a box shape. Pin to hold the fabric in place, then sew across each corner.

4. Combine exterior and lining

Turn the towel bag right side out but leave the lining fabric inside out. Place the towel bag inside the lining so the right sides are facing each other.

5. Sew the top seam and leave an opening

Sew around the top edge of the bag, leaving a 3-inch opening to flip the bag right side out.

6. Flip and press

Pull the bag right side out through the opening. Push the lining inside the bag, smooth the edges, and press the top seam flat.

7. Topstitch the bag

Topstitch around the top edge about 1/4" from the seam, closing the 3-inch opening in the process.

8. Add eyelets (optional)

Measure and mark where you'd like the handles to go (approximately 7” from the side seams and about 6” apart). Use eyelet setting tools to attach the large eyelets, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Pro tip: If you want to skip the eyelet part, you can use the remaining towel fabric to create straps and topstitch them onto the bag instead.

9. Add the rope handles

Cut two 1-yard lengths of rope. Thread one rope through an eyelet on one side and knot the end securely. Repeat on the other side of the bag.

Sew your way to the perfect poolside tote

And there you have it! You've just created a versatile, water friendly beach tote bag that’s perfect for hauling sunscreen, books, and snacks.

We’d love to see your finished tote! Share your creations on Instagram by tagging us at @BrotherSews. If you’re new to sewing and want more fun beginner projects like this, check out our other beginner sewing guides like this DIY yoga mat, or learn how to sew buttons. Summer’s here, so let's get crafting!

FAQs about making a towel beach bag

Q: Can I make this bag waterproof?
A: Yes! Use a waterproof fabric for the lining or spray the finished bag with a water-repellent spray.

Q: What fabrics work best as a lining?
A: Medium-weight fabrics like old sweatshirts, denim, or canvas work well. They provide durability and help the bag hold its structure.

Q: I’m new to sewing. Will this project be difficult?
A: Not at all! This project is beginner-friendly and a great way to practice your sewing skills. If you’re looking for more beginner projects, try making this Japanese knot bag or upcycle this t-shirt.