Planning a tote bag and wondering how much fabric by the yard to buy? Use this short yardage guide, then order cut-to-order canvas from The Fabric Lot in Los Angeles.
Quick answer: most simple tote patterns need about 1–1.5 yards of 60" fabric for the body (more if you want a lining, pockets, or a very large shopper). Always check your pattern’s chart for your size and fabric width.
Typical tote yardage (60" wide fabric)
- Small everyday tote (~12–14" wide): about 0.75–1 yard
- Standard grocery / market tote: about 1–1.25 yards
- Large shopper or lined tote: about 1.5–2 yards (body + lining)
- Straps from the same fabric: add 0.25–0.5 yard unless you use webbing
These are planning ranges — not a substitute for laying out your pattern pieces on the listed width.
Which fabric weight for a tote?
For bags that hold groceries or books, choose sturdy woven canvas rather than soft apparel knits:
- 10–12 oz duck canvas — lighter utility bags and lined totes
- 12.5 oz dyed canvas (60") — our proven everyday tote weight
- 15–24 oz duck — heavy shoppers, tool bags, structured bases
Shop ready cuts: canvas by the yard · tote & utility projects · best sellers.
How ordering works at The Fabric Lot
- Open the canvas product and pick the exact weight / color / width option.
- Enter yards — quantity 1 = 1 yard. We cut to order in Los Angeles; when stock allows, yards ship as one continuous piece.
- First order? Use code
WELCOME10for 10% off at checkout. - Free domestic shipping on orders $75+. Processing usually 1–3 business days; see How ordering works.
Color-critical? Request a swatch (~4" × 4") before a large cut.
Example: one lined market tote
A common DIY lined tote on 60" fabric:
- Outer body: 1 yard of 12.5 oz canvas
- Lining: 1 yard of lighter canvas or cotton (or use the same cloth)
- Straps: webbing or +0.5 yard if cutting straps from canvas
Start here: Cotton Duck Canvas, 12.5 oz · 60" or the full 10–24 oz duck canvas range.