No sewing skills, but you want to make one of those cute Ruffled Tote Bags seen all over Pinterest? If so, this craft has your name written all over it! Today, I’m sharing the tutorial for this adorable No Sew Ruffled Tote Bag, made completely with hot glue and a few craft supplies!
For today’s project, I wanted share a tutorial anyone could do. I tested out my theory that I could create a ruffled tote bag with absolutely no sewing. And guess what- it totally works! The bag is made with a pre made, plain tote bag, a bit of ribbon, fabric strips, pinking shears and hot glue! (You can find these fabric strips everywhere now, and most of the time they come already cut with the “pinked” or “no-fray” edge. )

Can I just say this bag is his bag is awesome? Turned out so cute and is perfect as a book bag or overnight bag (For all the seamstresses out there, you can totally sew this project and I’ll include some additional instructions at the bottom of the post.) (See *A)
I originally bought this fabric to make a quilt for my daughter, but I wasn’t “in love” with it. (I have already bought more fabric for her quilt.) I thought the pinks, greens and yellows in this collection were perfect for a spring tote. Walmart and Amazon are now selling some pretty darn cute fat quarter and jelly roll bundles. Even though a fat quarter is only 22 inches wide, you can use them for this project. I will show you how at the bottom of the tutorial. (See *B)
Make your own No Sew Ruffled Tote Bag:
(Remember, to see any photo larger, left click and open it in a new tab.)
Materials needed:
-Tote bag
-About 1/2 yard of fabric (You can do just one fabric or mix several different colors and patterns, you will need more fabric for a larger tote.)
-Ribbon (at least 1/2 inch would be best)
-Ruler
-Scissors
-Fabric marker or chalk
-Hot glue gun and lots of hot glue
Instructions:
First of all, my tote bag measures 13.5 inches wide by about 13 inches tall. So if your bag is similar in size, then no math for you, just use my measurements!
To get the width of your strips, measure the width of the bag, add 1/2 inch and multiply by 2.
To figure out how tall your fabric strips need to be, measure the height your bag, and decide how far up the bag you want the ruffled fabric to go. Take that measurement and divide by how many ruffles you want.
Add 1 inch to that number and that is how tall your fabric strips should be. Here are my measurements as an example:
3. Next, from the bottom of your tote bag, measure up the height of your fabric strip minus 1/2 inch. Do this in several spots along the bottom and then draw a straight line across. Then, from that line, measure up your fabric strip height minus one inch and draw another line. Keep repeating this for the number or ruffles you have. See my picture below for a better explanation.
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(Ignore my folded up bottom and please excuse the poor quality photo, it was very late…) |
The next step is to “hem” the fabric strip edges. We will use hot glue. I must give this warning… Hot glue is very hot, please be careful! These would be a perfect protective tool to use while working with hot glue.
4. Open the folded edge of your fabric strip and add a small line of hot glue, then fold the fabric back over and press.
Do this on all of your fabric strips.
5. Grab your fabric strips and fold into fourths. Make a mark with your fabric marker on each fold. This will divide your fabric in to four equal sections and will help you distribute the ruffles evenly. Do the same thing with the tote bag.
![]() |
See how the blue marks divide the bag into 4 equal measurements? |
6. Starting at the bottom of the bag, add a 1 inch line of hot glue along the line you drew on the tote bag. Quickly line up the edge of your fabric strip, place it in the hot glue. Using your fingers, slide the fabric backwards to make a ruffle. (Remember, the glue is very hot. You have a very small window of time from when the glue is cool enough to work with, but not so cool that it is starting to harden.)
Keep going until all your ruffles are glued on. Go back and add more glue to any loose areas.
Don’t be afraid to practice your ruffling first. I practiced on paper and scraps from an old t-shirt:
7. Next we will add the ribbon trim. Cut a piece of ribbon to the length of your bag plus 1/2 an inch. Use a lighter to heat seal your cut ribbon edges. Fold over one of the ends of the ribbon 1/4 inch, add a drop of glue and squeeze with your fingers; like this:
8. Starting with the edge of ribbon you folded over, add hot glue to the back of the ribbon and attach it along the top edge of your top ruffle, concealing the glued ruffle part of the fabric.
9. Add a spot of glue to any extra ribbon and fold over to make a smooth hemmed edge, then add a little more glue and secure to the bag.
![]() |
Yuck! I hate it when my camera focuses on the wrong subject. Bad camera! |
You are done!
I added another color of smaller ribbon and a fabric flower for a little pop! (You can find the fabric flower tutorial here.)
*A. Sewing instructions: After you cut your fabric, fold over the short edges of each ruffle strip, 1/4 inch. Press firmly with an iron to get a good crease. Sew along the pressed edge, 1/8 inch from the edge. Do this on all of the short edges.
Follow the ruffling tutorial found here to ruffle your fabric strips. Pin your ruffles to the bag and sew right over the ruffling stitch. Do this for all of your ruffles.
*B: Using fat quarters: Cut enough fabric so when you line up the fat quarters, they will equal the fabric strip width you figured earlier PLUS 1/2 inch. Fold, iron and glue all the short edges to make a nice side hem on all the fabric strips.
Divide the fabric in to 4 equal parts and mark like we did in step 5. (Pin the two fabric end pieces together if that helps.)
Start attaching your ruffles. When you get to the end of one fabric piece, just start with the other and finish the ruffle. You can barely tell where one piece ends and the other begins.
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And just to prove it is not all cupcakes and roses all the time over here. That face, oh my…
Amanda says
So very cute! LOVE the fabrics you chose!
Amanda
LeighAnn says
Love it! Great idea for a quick project!
Our Delightful Home says
This is such a creative idea! I would love for you to link up at my Linky Party via: ourdelightfulhome@yahoo.com
Mrs. Delightful
ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com
Molly says
This is so adorable. I want a grown up version of it 🙂
I'd love for you to come link this up to my *Get Creative* party this week
http://www.justalittlecreativity.blogspot.com/2012/02/get-creative-linky-party-and-features.html
Hope to see you there!
-Molly
Sugarr2518 says
Really just the cutest bag:) Plus, you don't even have to sew, how perfect!
Rebecca Heron says
This is so cute! And amazing that its no sew – I have recently invested in a glue gun so I might give this a go!
heronscrafts.blogspot.com
Stacey says
Ohhhh….everything you do is so pretty! Would you link this beautiful tote as well? Thanks!
Stacey of Embracing Change
http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com
Stacy of KSW says
So adorable! I never would have thought I could do no-sew ruffles, think I'm going to have to give this a try. Have you had any problems with the ruffles coming off?
Mary ~ says
This tote is so stinkin' cute – the fabric you used is so fun – LOVE IT! I love that it's a no-sew project, learning to use a sewing machine is still on my to-do-list! I saw your adorable share at Catch a Glimpse Thursday – so happy I clicked! Looking forward to seeing what you post next! Cheers ~ Mary
Diane aka Nana says
I can't wait to try your no-sew method. Thanks for sharing!
Collective Creations says
Oh so cute! I've made some of these before, but not no-sew!! So much easier! Will have to give this a try. Just found you're blog today and will be following you from now on! What great stuff!
Frazzled Mom of Five says
I love it! All about the glue gun!!! 🙂
Tina says
Oh My goodness – this is delish – I have some fabric that I have been meaning to make a mini quilt with also – and some cnavas bags – thanks for the jump start – will post my finished photo in your flickr group. TFS
found you via crafty soiree – love the blog
xo
tina
Daisy says
Great tutorial! I have a glue gun 🙂 You have a fabulous blog!
Erin says
I just pinned this. It's sooo cute! Thanks for the tutorial.
Erin
takingtimetocreate.blogspot.com
Allison {A Glimpse Inside} says
Very cute! Love the fabric you used!
Thanks for linking up to this week's Catch a Glimpse Party! I'll be featuring this tomorrow!
Katie's Nesting Spot says
Oh my goodness, I LOVE it. You are the no sew queen!
Gwen @ The Bold Abode says
That is so adorable! How cute…
dani says
Love it! Such an adorable bag!
Jennifer Hayes says
This tote is adorable! You had me at no sew! I featured you this week in my Friday I'm In Love favorites!
http://socialsalutations.blogspot.com/2012/02/friday-im-in-love-spring-is-in-air.html
– Jenn @ Social Salutations
Jill @ KitchenFunWithMy3Sons.com says
so cute! We just posted our Kitchen Fun and Crafty Friday Link Party and would love for you to share this! http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/2012/02/kitchen-fun-and-crafty-friday-link_23.html
Jelli says
What a cute bag. As a NON seamstress, I'm loving this idea!
Katie @ Pincushion Creations says
Really cute! Newest follower! Love for you to check out my place as well! Love for you to link up some of your projects on my "Homemade By You" party on Wednesdays!
sara @ applestone drive says
Gorgeous bag! I love the colors!
-sara @ applestonedrive.blogspot.com
boocallie says
I love this! Going to make some for the women and girls in my life! I'd love to sign up via email for your posts. tracypulliam@uwmail.com
southernscraps says
I love your no sew version. I have had a sewn version on my list to do forever, (I have the bag and material already) but this looks easier!
Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.com says
So cute! I definitely need the "no-sew" version and your instructions are great!
Melissa says
How fun! I think I would have trouble NOT skipping around if it was mine!
Jessica Kielman says
You had me at No Sew! Love it…going to have to make one for my Kate! I am hosting a Link Party today and would love for you to add these, and anything else you like!
http://www.mom4realky.blogspot.com/2012/02/4-real-friday-link-party-2.html
Jessica @ Mom 4 Real
Bliss says
Never in all my day would I have thought that a ruffle could be made without sewing! I can't sew a stitch, but I can glue with the best of 'em.
~Bliss~
CailinMarie says
this is really darling and I'm impressed with your directions – simple & clear. thinking this would be a fun summer project with my girls. thanks!
annemarie says
So cute – thanks for sharing.
Kristina says
This is a No Sew?!?!— right up my alley! : ) It's so cute!!
Marriage from Scratch says
This is adorable!
I’d love if you would come link this up at From Scratch Friday!
~Christina
http://www.marriagefromscratch.blogspot.com
Deana says
This is really cute…Thanks for linking up @CountryMommaCooks….have a wonderful weekend:)
cpawife says
Sew cute, er uh no-sew cute! Cheesy, I know. Pinned it!
Classy Clutter says
Gorgeous! Thanks for linking up at Classy Clutter!
Country Mouse says
Super cute bag! Thanks for the tutorial!!
I'm now a new follower!!!:)
Country Mouse says
I also "liked" you on FB and shared this link! 🙂
Deidra says
SO cute. My daughter would love this.
~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ says
So cute! and love the springy colors!! 🙂
PitterAndGlink says
This is so very adorable! 🙂
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
I love the colors and the ruffles!
Lisa ~ The SweetTalk Shop says
NO SEW in your title had me!! This is really adorable!! Visiting from Six Sisters Linky Party!
Dawn's Craft Place says
Thank you for sharing this beautiful design-so pretty!
Michelle says
So cute, love the bright fabric, it's hard to believe it's no sew!
Lisa ~ The SweetTalk Shop says
I love this project because it is no sew. I was love for you to link up at my Linky Party I have going on right now. http://www.thesweettalkshop.com/2012/02/sweettalkin-sunday-linky-party-7.html Plus any other projects you would like.
Smiles,
Lisa
TidyMom says
This is adorable!!
Thanks for linking up! I featured your post in my wrap up http://tidymom.net/2012/st-patricks-day-ideas/
Have a great weekend!
Katie's Nesting Spot says
Really love it and am back again to tell you I featured this project in next week's A Crafty Soiree. Please come by next Thursday to see it!
smrf2000 says
I just made one of these tonight. The no sew method was super easy and it took me less than 90 minutes! And all with scrapes and leftover craft items I had laying around so it didn't cost me a cent. Now the only problem I have is who's it's gonna be. My daughter's or mine! Thanks again for the inspiration!
Lisa Rasche says
This is a perfect project for my high school Fiber Arts class! I'm really trying to get them to create things that resonate with their style, and this could be something that could be tweaked in a lot of different directions.
Stacey says
That's really cute!!! And I have that green fabric with the ladybugs on it totally awesome. especially for those of us who don't know how to use a sewing machine!!
Stacey
http://www.silvergriffondesigns.artfire.com
Rhonda D. says
What a cute bag!! I follow your blog through Google Friend Connect. Thanks for the
chance to win!
Rhonda D. says
I "like" you on Facebook, and shared your post.
Susan says
This tote is adorable. I have a similar one to try this on!
marymac says
My grandaughter would love a bag like this. Very cute
sara says
I would love to make a bag like this for one or all of my granddaughters …such a cute idea…love it!
Redhedhels says
My girls would love these!
nicole / Twitter: BTHM1 says
what a great idea! I'd love to win, as we're giving my daughter a ladybug party for her birthday and she'd love a bag like this!
THANKS
odetoinspiration says
Adorable bag and great idea!! Pinning it:D
Michelle - Jewelry Maker says
These are cute and I have alot of totes that I have gathered over time that I can use.
🙂
Amy C says
Super cute!! I will have to make one for my daughter….she will LOVE it!! Thanks for sharing!!
Crystal says
This is so adorable! I'm pretty sure a bag of some sort is going to be my first craft project once I get moved in a month, and this one is perfect!!
Christine says
I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't sew!!!! I LOVE no sew projects!!!
I hope you'll come over to The DIY Dreamer and share it 🙂
http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com/2012/02/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-4.html
Unknown says
So cute a teen would want to have it as a gift
diannaray says
Adorable, and I've recently taken up sewing, but am currently completely infatuated with RUFFLES<3
Jane Jeffress Thomas says
Now, I have only ever sewed ruffles, but this looks like something to try out. I will have to remember about that glue being HOT. I have burned my fingers before and for some reason or other, forget and burn my fingers a lot.
Stacey says
I love this! The ruffles, the colors! You are one talented lady! Thanks fot sharing!
Stacey of Embracing Change
~ Stephanie says
Very cute, thanks for the tutorial – found my weekend project (like I needed another one…)
Stephanie
Kaysi says
That is SUPER cute!!!
Kammy's Korner says
Just pinned this – I LOVE IT!! 🙂 Great tute.
katiebug92 says
So cute! I featured this on my blog, here: http://punkprojects.blogspot.com/2012/02/make-it-monday_27.html
-Katie
Sandi says
Very cute! Love ruffles. Nice tutorial also!
Terri says
GREAT job, love it and of course, I am pinning this!!!!
Laura says
Cute! Love that it's "No Sew!"
Lbolling2 says
Love love love it! So cute and fun.
Cathy says
Hi there
Love Love Love the tote 🙂
What a greast idea
Cheers
Catie
One Artistic Lady says
This is super cute! I always get free totes from grocery stores, so I have a lot on hand. I'm definitely going to try this out and I'll post it to the group link you've provided above! Thanks 🙂
Steph L says
Such a cute bag! Love it.
Cathy @ My 1929 Charmer says
An incredibly adorable bag, but being the sewer I am I would have to sew it! Love you color choices. Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration at Sunday's Best Par.tay!
Danielle says
I love the easy peasy factor .. can't wait to try it with the kids! thanks for sharing your super cute bag with us 🙂
Danielle — craft play love.com
artbrat says
Cute bag! I love that you showed how to do it without sewing!
-Brandy
Jill ~ Jillify It says
Love the ruffles!! I would love it if you linked up at my party going on now! (It's my very first one!!)
Jill
http://www.jillifyit.com
Six Sisters says
This is so cute!! HOORAY for glue guns! We loved having you link up to "Strut Your Stuff Saturday." We hope to have you back again soon!! -The Sisters
Q @ JAQS says
This is so cute! Can't believe you didn't have to SEW 🙂
Love for you to share this at my Wednesday's "Made by ME" linky party here:
http://www.jaqsstudio.com/2012/02/made-by-me-20-linky-party.html
Tutus & Tea Parties says
This is adorable! I love that it's no sew!
I'd love for you to link up and share: http://tutusandteaparties.blogspot.com/2012/02/pinteresting-party-week-28.html
Jennifer says
This is so cute! I'm definitely not a sewing person so I'm going to have to try this!
mimi says
I signed up for your emails and love all the ideas! Very motivating 🙂 thank you!
Mandy @ Sugar Bee Crafts says
Thanks for linking to Take-A-Look Tuesday over at Sugar Bee Crafts – you were featured today!!
–Mandy, http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com
Vally says
The outcome is really cute! So easy and so pretty! 🙂
Molly says
LOVE this! I've featured it this week at my *Get Creative* party, come on over and grab your "I've Been Featured" button, and link up any new craftiness you have 🙂
http://www.justalittlecreativity.com/2012/02/get-creative-party-3-and-fun-features.html
Hope to see you there again this week!
-Molly
Seamingly Smitten says
Jamie, this is so cute and I love that it's a no sew project! It's super trendy, too! 🙂
Jenny
Colleen says
Adorable! I am such a ruffle fan – so girly! Thanks for the post!
Angela says
Really cute! So nice to see something in fabric that does not require a sewing machine:0)
Deana says
You have been featured(again) @CountryMommaCooks Link and greet Party
stop by and pick up a featured button:)
Carrie says
It came out beautifully!! The green fabric in it is what I used for curtains in my daughter's room. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday! I hope you will share with us again this week!
Polkadot-pretties says
Fabulous project!!!
Thank you for linking up, hope you will stop by my blog today and link up another great project…
Claire xox
http://polkadot-pretties.blogspot.com/
Kim Conner says
OK – this is absolutely adorable and so easy! Love no sew projects! Thanks for linking with Sugar & Spice!
Tonia L says
What a fantastic idea! I am featuring it today:
http://www.thegunnysack.com/2012/03/who-was-stuffed-in-gunny-sack-week-27.html
Stop by and grab an I Was STUFFED button! 🙂
~Tonia
Lindsay says
Aw, this is so beautiful! Just wanted to let you know that I featured this today. Thanks for sharing @ Show & Share.
http://southernlovely.blogspot.com/2012/03/show-share-29-features.html
Kathleen, Teen Services Assistant says
Very cute!! Just one question. Are the ruffles on both sides of the tote or only on one? Thanks!
Ginger says
Featuring YOU tonight over on my blog. You were one of the top viewed links at last week's {wow me} wednesday party. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing.
Ginger @ gingersnapcrafts.com
http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2012/03/wow-me-wednesday-41.html
Jennifer Dawn says
Love this bag. Consider it pinned!
Irene says
This is so totally cute! I was thinking that one could make a tote yourself from either diaper cover material or vinyl tablecloth material and then add ruffles. It would be waterproof (or pretty much anyway)for use at the beach. Obviously this is for the sewer's out there but who knows, maybe there are cheap ready-made waterproof totes just waiting for ruffles??
Il nastro a pois says
Nice to meet you! This is our first visit on your beautiful blog.The bag is very cute!!! It seems easy to do! Thank you for the tutorial.
Ciao from Italy,
Barbara and Analia
Rita Esti Kusumawati says
love this tutorial so much, i'll try it soon , smooch from indonesia (rita esti ^_^)
anonymouse says
Wow thats gorgeous – to the shops for a glue gun!!!
scrappinnana says
I found your ruffled tote on pinterest and clicked on your blog. I love the tote and will being making one myself. I am going to foloow your blog. You are very creative.
Hugs,
Janet
Liza Hill says
Love this tote! I may try sewing it…great idea!! New follower and fellow crafter!! I make jewelry with my mom and sisters and we sell it at the local health centers in our area!
ladybugs and lace says
I made one tonight and am making another one tomorrow! I love them! I'm even gonna make a mini one for my two year old! Thank you for the cute idea!!
jessicalambstamps.com says
I found your tutorial via Pinterest and had to make 1 myself! Here is the link: http://www.jessicalambstamps.com/2012/09/adorable-no-sew-tote-bag.html
Happy Scrapping!
Jessica
Rowzlyn says
THIS IA ABSOLUTELY CREATIVE. I AM TOTALLY BOUGHT OVER BY YOUR SITE. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION
Mickey Blue says
Great tutorial! Thanks!
Diana - FreeStyleMama says
This is amazing! Just love it. PINNED!!
Kelly Blackwell says
That is so lovely! I think I just might be able to do it. Of course I need to buy a glue gun. Thank you for sharing. I am totally pinning this beauty!
Eva {Tales of the Scotts} says
This is so pretty! Thanks for sharing! I got a cordless glue gun for Christmas that needs to be broken in. 🙂
Cyndee@Restyled Junk says
That's adorable!
Karen at Bargain-ista.com says
Oh my goodness, is that cute! Great tote-torial 🙂 Stopping by from the Best DIY Project of 2012.
Jessica Terrence says
This is so cute! I've pinned it for a future project.
Virginia J Bailey says
Love this tote. I'm following you now for more great ideas. Looking forward to browsing your blog.
Made From Pinterest says
What a darling tote, your tutorial is excellent! We would love to have you link this or any of your posts to our Saturday Show Us How You Rock Link Party. It starts Fridays at 6pm and ends the following Thursday at 10pm, hope to see you there!
Tracy
http://www.madefrompinterest.net/
Cindy deRosier says
I'm the Editorial Assistant for Fun Family Crafts and I wanted to let you know that we have featured your tote! You can see it here:
http://funfamilycrafts.com/sew-ruffle-tote/
If you have other kid-friendly crafts, we'd love it if you would submit them. If you would like to display a featured button on your site, you can grab one from the right side bar of your post above. Thanks for a wonderful project idea!
Jenna Em says
I love this no sew ruffle tote that you created! My daughter would love to have one, so I'm going to bookmark this page!
MisDosBichillos says
That´s is so cute! Love it. Congrats for the idea and your blog.
Jamie says
Testing…
Ana Lopes says
This is really gorgeous! I love your bag and the way you made it! Thank you for sharing!
Hope you have a wonderful day!
Hugs and love from Portugal,
Ana Love Craft
http://www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com
Suzy Myers says
Wow. I just love the colors in this! Makes me wish for spring! Thank you for the great tutorial!
suzy
Maria@sewtravelinspired says
I love this bag. I will make it with a jelly roll (2.5 inch pre-cut strips.) I love the idea of the pinked edges. I will have to pin this to save it for later. Thanks for sharing.
Laina Turner says
I'm not crafty at all but I may actually be able to do this. My daughter will love it.
Ronda Eagle says
Thank you for stopping in and linking up with us this week on #TheWeekendSocial. We love your ideas and hope to see you again this weekend on KitchenDreaming.com. We have pinned, stumbled & shared your link via Twitter.
Lisa says
I love this, but how do you wash this ? I’ve never had to or tried to wash anything that has been hot glued.
Thank you.
Jamie says
You could try gently hand-washing it otherwise I would not reccomend putting it in the washing machine.