Mae Zipper Tote Bag Pattern + Video Support

• Zip the top closed instead of leaving everything exposed in an open tote.
• Carry more without losing the little things: six divided interior slip pockets give your large tote practical organization.
• Bound pocket edges, two zipper tabs, and a structured, lined finish give Mae its polished look.
• Private video support is included for select construction steps, so you can see a technique when that's more helpful than reading about it.

Mae brings familiar tote and zipper-pouch skills into one larger project. You'll construct a zippered top with two zipper tabs, build structure into a lined tote, make bound and divided interior pockets, and bring everything together for a clean finished bag.

Confident Beginner. If you've sewn a few totes and/or zipper pouches and feel comfortable with basic bag construction, Mae is a natural next project.

All fabrics are quilting cotton, 42" wide unless noted.

• Fabric A (top exterior & zipper tabs): 1/4 yd
• Fabric B (bottom exterior): 1/2 yd
• Fabric C (lining): 1 yd
• Fabric D (slip pockets): 1/2 yd
• Fabric E (pocket binding): 1/8 yd
• Handles: 1/4 to 1/3 yd fabric, or 2 yd of 1" to 1 1/2" webbing (choose one, not both)
• Interfacing: woven fusible such as SF101 (20" wide), 2 yd (add 3/4 yd for fabric handles); fusible fleece, 1 yd; fusible Thermolam, 1 yd
• Zipper: 20" nylon

• Digital PDF sewing pattern with complete written instructions
• Private video support for selected construction steps
• One finished size: 18.5"W × 11.5"H × 6"D
• Measure & cut pattern, no templates provided
• Two handle choices: fabric handles (instructions included) or webbing. The free handle video playlist offers optional ideas for customizing yours.
• No hardware required; designed for domestic sewing machines
• Instant digital access after purchase

Mae includes detailed video support beginning with the zipper construction and continuing through much of the remaining pattern. I'm not just showing you where to sew. Along the way, I explain why I'm using certain techniques, what I'm watching for, and the little adjustments I use to get a cleaner result.

Please note: the PDF contains the complete instructions for making Mae. The videos support selected portions of the construction and are not a complete start-to-finish sew-along.

Frankie Zipper Pouch makes a useful coordinating pouch and another chance to practice zipper tabs. For more guidance on structure and clean bag finishes, Sew Better Bags eBook is a separate educational resource.

Do I need to print anything?
Nope! Mae is all measure and cut, with nothing to print or tape.

What size is the finished Mae Zipper Tote?
18.5" wide × 11.5" tall × 6" deep, the same size as my Kathy Tote.

How is Mae different from Kathy?
The zipper top changes the whole construction, so you'll learn a new set of skills.

Is there video help?
Yes. Private videos start at the zipper and continue through much of the construction. They're extra help alongside the written pattern, not a full sew-along.

What kind of pockets does it have?
Six divided interior slip pockets with pocket binding.

What kind of handles does it use?
Your choice: make your own or use webbing.

How does Mae compare to your other tote patterns?
Mae is my only zip-top tote and a big, roomy Confident Beginner project. Find the best tote bag sewing pattern for you →

This is a digital sewing pattern with immediate access after purchase. No physical pattern or finished bag will be shipped. The PDF pattern and private video access are for the purchaser; please do not share the pattern or private video links.

© 2026 Be Mandy Things. All rights reserved.

This pattern is for personal use only. Handmade items made using this pattern may be sold on a small, handmade scale. Please credit Be Mandy Things as the designer.

This pattern may not be copied, shared, reproduced, or distributed in any form, including digitally, without written permission from the designer.