Can I use vinyl in a tote for the lining? Do I still make it the same way as if it were fabric? Thanks ahead for your help!

Vinyl will sew differenly and you might have a hard time turning it if you sew right sides together then turn. Good luck.

i'm pretty sure you can..you may need a teflon presser foot and a larger needles for your machine.... to make things go smoothly

I have used vinyl as the inner pockets on some of my bow tucks. I "topped" the edge with fabric so it looked better but it all sewed the same for me. This way, I could see what was in the different pockets.

Our LQS recently started selling vinyl so I would guess it would be ok to sew with.

Yes, you can. The presser foot on one of my machines sticks to the plastic, so I have to use a roller foot. I think you can also use a teflon foot if you have this problem.
Good luck with your bag!

I use the light weight vinyl from Hobby Lobby in the scrap bags that I make. I just sew them with my regular machine and regular foot using a size 11 or 14 needle. I don't turn them but trim the edge close to the seam and just set it inside the scrap bag works Great.

You can also buy a can of spray silicon to help with the sewing.

Have you thought of using nylon? I saw some with pretty prints at the fabric store last month. (like wind-breaker fabrics)

I've used the flannel backed vinyl tablecloths for various items...outdoor pillow/kneeling pad, baby changing table pad, etc. That stitched very nicely and was not difficult to use. I did use a bit longer stitch, but not the gathering or basting stitch length.
They worked great and held up much better than I expected.