I’m so excited to finally share the Moon Tote with you, my brand-new tote bag sewing pattern. If you joined my Design Your Dream Bag Challenge earlier this year, you might already recognise her. I designed and drafted the Moon Tote live during the challenge, right in front of everyone, from the first sketch to the finished pattern pieces.
If I’m perfectly honest, I didn’t plan to turn her into a pattern. But so many of you fell in love with this bag and asked if I could make one for you, too. The more I used her, the more I loved her. The size felt just right, and that curved moon panel on the front made me smile every time I picked her up.
So I thought, why not? Not everyone wants to design their own bag from scratch, and that’s totally fine. If you love the style of the Moon Tote and just want to sew it, you can now.
What Makes the Moon Tote Bag Special
The first thing you’ll notice is the curved front panel, shaped like a crescent moon. That’s where the bag gets her name, and it’s the perfect spot to show off a fun print, a bold colour or a fabric with an interesting texture. You can even cut the panels the other way round to flip the curve and give your bag a mirrored look.
If you’ve been looking for a tote bag pattern with a zipper, you’ll love this one. The recessed zipper sits just below the top edge, keeping everything safe inside while the outside stays clean and simple. On the back, there’s a slip pocket that’s big enough for most phones, so it’s always easy to grab. Inside, the Moon Tote is fully lined and has a zipper pocket with a contrast trim, a lovely little detail that makes it easy to find your smaller things. The base is reinforced with its own separate panel, and you can add purse feet too if you’d like.
What I love the most, though, are the strap options. This bag pattern comes with three different styles, so you can make her your own. The knotted fabric straps are perfect for everyday use. The braided rope strap gives her a more casual, sporty look. For something a little more elegant, there’s a chain-strap version too. Same bag, three totally different feels.
How Big Is The Moon Tote?
The Moon Tote is a medium-sized tote bag, big enough for your everyday essentials without feeling bulky. Your wallet, keys, sunglasses, a book and even a small water bottle all fit inside, and your phone slips into the back pocket.
Finished measurements (W x H x D)
33 cm x 30 cm x 10 cm (13” x 11 3/4” x 4”)
Is The Moon Tote Right For Me?
The Moon Tote is an intermediate bag sewing pattern. The trickiest part is sewing the curved seam on the front panel, so it helps if you’ve sewn a few bags before and feel comfortable with zippers and lining.
But if you’re a confident beginner, don’t let that stop you. Just take it one step at a time and go nice and slow, especially around the curves. The PDF pattern includes clear step-by-step instructions and photos for every stage, so you’ll never be left guessing. And if you’d like a little extra help, there’s a full video tutorial too, so you can sew along with me from start to finish.
Supplies You’ll Need To Make This Bag
Before you start sewing your Moon tote, make sure you have everything ready. Here is a full list of supplies and notions you will need to complete this project.
Width x Height
- 90 cm x 115 cm (36” x 45”) External fabric: cotton, waterproof canvas, wax cotton, cork, faux leather, etc.
- 90 cm x 66 cm (36” x 26”) Lining fabric: quilting cotton, waterproof canvas, etc.
- 90 cm x 45 cm (36” x 18”) Stabiliser: Fusible fleece (Legacy 971, Konas 202, Heat N Bond, Vilene H640, 971F), Kailton, Decovil Light, Bosal In-R-Form, By Annie’s Soft and Stable, Vlieseline Style-Vil Fix, etc.
- 9 cm x 22 cm (3 1/2” x 8 5/8”) Stabiliser (base only): Decovil Heavy, Peltex, Bouncy Firm 210, S133, etc.
- 90 cm x 160 cm (36” x 63”) Woven fusible interfacing: Stayflex, SF101, Wovenfuse, Vilene G700, etc.
- 28 cm x 7 cm (11” x 3”) Non-fraying fabric: vinyl, leather, cork, etc. (For the pocket overlay.)
- 66 cm (26”) Purse chain x 2 (Strap option 2 only)
- 2.5 cm (1”) D-ring x 2 (Strap option 2 only)
- 9 m (10 yds) of 5 mm rope (Strap option 3 only)
- Purse feet x 4 [I usually use 12 mm – 14 mm (1/2” – 5/8”)]
- Zipper end cap x 1
- #5 Nylon coil zipper 40 cm (15 3/4”) x 1
- #5 Nylon coil zipper 24 cm (9 1/2”) x1
- Double-sided tape
- Name tag, care label (optional)
- Multi-surface glue (optional)
Sew Along With Me: The Full Video Tutorial
If you love having someone right there with you while you sew, you’ll like this. I’ve made a full video tutorial, so you can watch me make the bag step by step.
I’ll show you how to sew the curved moon panel, insert the recessed zipper, and make the inside zipper pocket. You can pause, rewind and go at your own pace, so it feels just like we’re sewing together.
You’ll find the full tutorial on my YouTube channel. Just pop the kettle on, grab your supplies and press play.
Ready To Make Your Own Moon Tote?
The Moon Tote tote bag sewing pattern is available now in my shop. Click the link below to grab your copy, pick your favourite fabrics, and get sewing.
To celebrate the launch, the sewing pattern is currently 30% off. No code needed; the discount is already applied at checkout. Sale ends at midnight on November 8th (UK time).
I can’t wait to see all your beautiful versions of the Moon tote bag!
Don’t forget to tag me @allsewpetite on social media so I can see your creations and cheer you on. I love seeing how you make each pattern your own, and your photos always inspire me. So, share your progress, your finished bags, and any little tweaks or personal touches you add — I’d love to see it all!
Made By My Lovely Pattern Testers
Before any pattern goes out into the world, I send it to a group of amazing pattern testers. They sew the bag from start to finish, check every step and tell me honestly what works and what could be better. Their feedback helps make sure the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
And just look at their Moon Totes! I love seeing how different each one looks, with all the fabric choices, colours and strap styles they picked. It’s the best proof that this bag can really be your own.🤍
“I think it is a wonderfully designed bag. The pattern is very nice; I love the bag. The pattern pieces are easy to assemble and fit well together. I would add an open pocket inside on the other side of the lining, but that’s me (love lots of pockets). And obviously I would sew in the base differently. Materials used can make it a little more difficult if, say, vinyl, for instance, is thicker.”
Carolina Kroeke
“I absolutely love this bag. It was a dream to put together. The instructions were very clear. It turned out stunning!”
Julie Risto
“It really is a pretty fun, easy sew. I like the connectors and handles, perfect fit.”
“The Moon Tote Bag is a statement piece by itself, and I love the unique shape! The 3 strap options are a bonus in the pattern. Don’t be daunted by the curves, it is actually not as difficult as it seems.”
“I found this pattern very well written and absolutely loved how the placement marks were spot on and everything lined up. I think something like a sunglasses case within the seam, simple key-leash or even a slip pocket would be beneficial.”
@bcbagdesigns
“I think this is a great pattern, very well written and easy to understand. I like all the options for straps.”
@Shari Hale
“I like the pattern, written well, pictures are good, easy to follow, comes together quite quickly. It’s a really nice tote bag.”
@libylulasgarden
“This pattern is well written. The tote is a great size for a craft bag, travel bag, or oversized daily purse. There is good structure, and the strap options allow for personalisation.”
@Melissa Eby
“The pattern was amazing. Easy to follow and quick to put together. Turned out even better than I imagined.”
@Love Nana
“This pattern turned out fabulous. I particularly love the way the bottom panel was put together. It makes the tote very stable.”
@brisky_bags
“Its a very pretty bag and a nice sew. Not a pattern to rush.”
@Nefarious.werkz
“This bag is easier than it looks, and my sister has already taken it away. It’s a good size, and with the handles it sits nicely on your shoulder”
@stacsbags
“I would definitely sew this again! The pattern is beautiful and easy to sew. I love the different looks on the front and back, and the size is just right. I’d love to see a smaller version that can be used as a sling bag too!”
@zal.ami_creative
“Nicely shaped tote bag! Perfect size!”
@orchic_handmade
“The combination of clear instructions and great pictures made this an easy-to-follow pattern.”
@thatsewu_868
“I think it’s a very nice pattern.”
@Kay Hutsel
“It was quick and relatively easy. Love how little hardware it needs. That’s great for keeping costs down”
@thesapphiresewist
“I loved it! I will definitely make it again.”
@Sew Totally Sarah
“I love this pattern. It’s quick to sew together, and I love how all the pattern pieces align well.”
@Handmade by TasheahS
“Love it. The shape, the straps, the exterior pocket it’s all perfect.”
@oliveiraoriginals
Stay crafty friends!
