How to Create Storage in Totes: A Beginner's Guide

by Amanda Whisman December 22, 2024

If you’ve ever wished your bag had just a bit more organization, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sharing a quick and easy way to add a slip pocket to any bag lining, taking your handmade tote to the next level. Whether you're sewing for yourself or creating a gift, this little addition is sure to make your bag more functional and fabulous!

Why Add a Slip Pocket?

A slip pocket not only makes your bag more organized but also adds a professional touch. It’s perfect for stashing your phone, keys, or even a notebook. Best of all, you can make the pocket any size you need, allowing for endless customization.

What You'll Need

• Pocket Fabric: A piece slightly larger than your desired pocket size.
• Interfacing (optional): I always interface my pockets with SF 101 - it just helps with sturdiness and looks gives a crisp, professional look.
• Ruler: To measure and mark.
• Sewing Supplies: Thread, rotary cutter/scissors, pins/clips, and your sewing machine.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Slip Pocket

1. Determine Pocket Size

Decide how large you want your pocket to be. I always like my pockets to span the width of the lining, and then section off into separate pockets.  As far as pocket height, depending how tall the bag is will determine this.  For a shorter tote, I might want a pocket height of 4".  For a larger tote, perhaps a height of 6".  It's your pocket - you make it how you like it!

✂️ Not sure which bag to try this pocket on?
My Easy Charm Tote is perfect for beginners ready to sew their first professional-looking bag—and it’s super easy to customize like this!

2. Cut Your Fabric

Cut your fabric piece twice the desired height of the pocket plus ½” for seam allowances. For example, for a 6” x 8” pocket, cut a piece 12½” x 9”.

For this tutorial, I’m adding slip pockets to my Easy Charm Tote —a beginner-friendly pattern that’s perfect for learning basic bag construction without getting overwhelmed. I wanted my finished pocket to measure around 7"h x 14½"w, so I cut my cotton fabric and Pellon SF101 interfacing to measure 14½”w x 15”h.

3. Adhere Interfacing

If you want your pocket to have structure, fuse SF101 or another lightweight woven interfacing to the wrong side of your fabric before sewing.

📌 Get help choosing interfacing:
✔️ Download the free Interfacing Cheat Sheet  for a quick reference
✔️ Or dive deeper with the The Ultimate Guide to Interfacing for Bagmakers —full of mix-and-match tips!

🧵 A well-fused pocket = no saggy linings. Trust me, it’s worth the 15 seconds at the ironing board!

4. Sew the Pocket

• Fold the fabric in half, right sides together, along the top and bottom edges, so it measures your final pocket size.
• Sew only along the top raw edges with a ¼” seam allowance. This will leave you with a tube.
• Press seam open with an iron.
• Reach through tube and turn inside out. Press flat, making sure sewn seam is about 1" from the bottom edge toward the back of the pocket.  This will be the side that sits against the lining fabric, so no one will ever see the finished seam.

5. Topstitch the Top Edge

Topstitch along the folded edge of the pocket for a clean finish. One row of topstitching an 1/8" away from the finished edge keeps it from rolling - use a longer stitch length. I added one row 1/8" away from finished edge, then added another row 1/4" away from my original topstitch.

6. Attach the Pocket to the Lining

• Place the pocket on the right side of your bag lining, (remember, seam in the back should touch the right side of the lining) centering it horizontally and positioning it at least few inches from the top edge. I placed my pocket 4" from the top of the bag lining. Pin/Clip in place.
• Mark the pocket dividers you wish to have - here's where you can totally customize it to fit your needs!  For example, you can create a narrow slot for pens or a wider section for a phone. Determine how many pockets you want, and use a hera marker or erasable marker to draw the lines. 
• Using a longer stitch length (but no more than 3.5mm), stitch the bottom of the pocket to the lining about 1/8" away from pocket edge, backstitching at the beginning and end for extra strength.
• Repeat stitching over the bottom of the pocket, however, this time, using the lines you made with your marker to make pocket dividers, sew over those lines to secure the pocket division marks to the lining.  Begin sewing the bottom of the pocket, and when you come to your first pocket division mark, sew up, sewing over the line you made.  With your needle still in place, but presser foot up, turn the fabric around so you can sew down the pocket division you just sewed up.  Meet with the bottom of the pocket and turn fabric to continue sewing along the bottom until you meet the next pocket division mark, and repeat the steps to sew the divider.
• Your pocket is now attached, and you can continue sewing bag lining together as stated in the bag pattern.

🧵 Looking for beginner-friendly bag patterns that are easy to upgrade with pockets like this?
Browse my full collection here:
👉SHOP➡ BAG SEWING PATTERNS

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Customization Tips

• Play with Fabric: Use a contrasting or coordinating fabric to make your pocket pop.
• Add Trim: Incorporate binding or piping for added flair! Many of my bag patterns feature a pocket binding technique that makes for a nice contrast and professional looking finish. You can check out my bag patterns here by clicking the button below.

Why You'll Love This

Adding a slip pocket is a small detail that makes a big difference. It’s quick, easy, and elevates the overall look and functionality of your handmade bag. Plus, the personalization possibilities are endless!

🙌 Want to try all these pocket tricks inside a simple, confidence-boosting bag pattern?
The Easy Charm Tote is one of my most beginner-loved patterns—plus, it’s a fun sew for gifts, retreats, or everyday use.
👉 Grab the pattern here

Try adding a slip pocket to your next project, and let me know how it turns out. I’d love to see your creations—tag me on social media @BeMandyThings!

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