I think you should be able to find something useful in here somewhere.

Thanks

Hi nouveau, sewmom gave you already good links, but here is one more : 10 tje sewed really nice tote bag - free pattern http://projects.cuteembroidery.com/3904550/Bag.html Just klick that black(white spots)/turquoise(flower and spots) the name is: Dotted dream purse

I took an old, used, worn out tote bag and took it apart and made it my pattern to make tote bags. Works great. Basically, you fold the fabric in half, fold is at the bottom, cut a square at each bottom corner can be 1" square or 2" square that determines the width of the bottom of the tote. Sew your side seams. Then, after that you fold about 1"-2" towards the inside for the top (serge it if you have a serger or use bias tape. Then, do a straight stitch around the top to secure the hem. Stitch the seam along the cut out square to form the flat bottom part of the tote bag. Attach straps at the top turn it right side out and you are done.