A Zippered Tote Bag Pattern Is Coming to Be Mandy Things

by Amanda Whisman August 06, 2026

If you’ve ever had a tote tip over in the car and dump half its contents onto the floor, you already know the appeal of a zipper closure.

It’s also one of the things I’ve been asked for over and over again: When are you going to make a tote bag with a zipper?

Apparently, now.

I’m working on a brand-new zip-top tote sewing pattern with the roomy size and organization I love in a big tote, but this time everything gets zipped safely inside.

And yes, there will be video help, too.

Join the waitlist, and you'll be among the first to know when this pattern is released.

A Roomy Tote That Zips Closed

I love a big tote. There’s room for everything, especially when I’m carrying it for the day, packing for a trip, or using it as a catch-all for all the things that somehow end up being my responsibility.

But an open tote isn't always what you need.

A zipper keeps everything contained if your bag falls over in the car or gets tossed onto a chair. It makes a roomy tote much more useful as a travel or weekender bag. If you’re using it as a diaper bag, little hands have one more obstacle between them and everything inside. And when you’re out in a busy place, being able to completely close your bag adds another layer of security.

My Kathy Tote sewing pattern has been one of my favorite big, structured totes for exactly that kind of everyday hauling. And for a long time, customers have been asking me to give them a zipper option.

So I am.

A Complete Zip-Top Tote Sewing Pattern

This won't be an add-on that requires you to own another pattern.

The new zip-top tote will be a complete, standalone PDF sewing pattern, with instructions taking you from cutting your fabric all the way through turning your finished bag right side out.

You’ll get the detailed instructions and photographs you’re used to seeing in my patterns, including the full zipper construction.

I'm also keeping one of my favorite features from Kathy: six interior slip pockets.

Because if I'm going to carry a bag this big, I don't want everything I own swimming around together at the bottom.

The result is a roomy, structured zippered tote that can work as an everyday bag, diaper bag, travel tote, or weekender.

If you prefer an open-top tote, Kathy isn't going anywhere. If you've been waiting for me to make a big tote that zips completely closed, this is the one you'll want to watch for.

And There Will Be Video Help

I know zippers make a lot of sewists nervous.

I also know there are some sewing techniques that are much easier to understand when you can watch someone's hands do them instead of staring at another photograph wondering exactly what happened between Step 3 and Step 4.

So while this will be a complete written pattern that you can follow from start to finish, I'm also including video tutorial snippets for some of the steps where seeing the construction in action can help.

The videos won't replace the pattern. They'll be there when you want that extra bit of help.

You can also get a head start on some of the zipper skills I use in my bag patterns with my free zipper tutorials.

And if zippers are one of those things that have made you avoid bagmaking altogether, you're in good company. I started out very zipper-challenged myself. There is a reason I've spent so much time figuring out ways to make zipper construction easier to understand and teach.

You can find my current zipper pouch sewing patterns here if you'd like to practice on something smaller first.

Already Have the Kathy Tote?

I've thought about you, too.

Since many of the people who have been asking me for a zipper version already own the Kathy Tote pattern, current Kathy customers will receive a special limited-time offer when the new zip-top tote pattern launches.

You'll want to be on my email list so you don't miss it.

KEEP ME POSTED

The New Zip-Top Tote Is Coming Soon

I'm finishing up the new pattern now, including all those step-by-step photographs and the video help to go along with it.

If you've been waiting for a roomy tote with lots of pockets that you can ZIP CLOSED, make sure you're on the list.

I'll let you know when the pattern is ready, and email subscribers will be among the first to hear about the launch.

TELL ME WHEN IT'S READY

And while you're waiting, you can browse all of my current tote bag sewing patterns or grab my Sew Better Bags eBook for more help getting cleaner, more professional-looking results from the bags you already make.

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