Reversable Tote Bag

I love using totes at the grocery store and making your own allows me to decide the color, shape and size. They make cool purses or overnight bags also. This is really two bags in one.

SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Sewing Machine
Two coordinating fabrics (amount depends on how large or small you want your bag)
Coordinating Thread
Pins
Craft paper, tissue paper or news paper
Scissors

DIRECTIONS:

1. Draw out a pattern on craft paper, newspaper or tissue paper. Draw a square  size you want your bag to be.

2. Draw a narrow rectangular shape the width you want your bag. This narrow rectangular piece is going to be the sides and bottom of the bag. (You can either make three of these or one long one. If you choose to make one long piece, you need to make it long enough for the sides and bottom).

* You will also need to draw out a narrow strip for the strap and any pockets that you would like to add.

3. Once all of your patterns are drawn and ready, cut out your patterns.

4. Pin your patterns to your fabric.

* For the back and front of the bag, you will need to cut two pieces of fabric.

* For the bottom and sides, you will need to cut three (unless you decide to use one piece for all three).

* You will need to cut two for the strap and tie.

* For any pockets, cut as many pockets as you want on or in your bag.

* If you chose to use piping, cut only one piece of fabric.

* If using two different fabrics, you simply repeat the above for the coordinating fabric. You will not need to cut any fabric for the ties, only cut two ties in what ever fabric you choose. If you chose to use only one fabric for the project, you need to double all of the pieces except for the tie, when cutting them out. After you have all your pieces cut out, it’s time to sew.

4. Take coordinating color fabric, one at a time, and cut your fabric the size you need (Any fabric could be used, you may need a liner if using thin fabric). Cut all pieces out before beginning to sew.

5. Before sewing the pockets to the bag, it’s best to hem the top of the pocket first. Fold the fabric of the pockets and pin them to the desired placement you would like them to be.

6. Once your pocket pieces have been hemmed, add pockets, to the square pieces that will make up the front and back of your bag. You can decide where you want them.

* Stitch the sides and bottom of the pocket to the front and back pieces.

* When sewing, remember to stitch pieces with pattern side against each other so when you turn it inside out the pattern will be on the outside.

7. If you decide to use three individual pieces for the sides and bottom, it is best to stitch the ends together before sewing them to the front and back of the bag. Stitch the sides and bottom to each side of the front and back pieces of the bag.

8. For the straps of the bag, take one strip of each coordinating fabric, place them together, pattern side in, making sure they are lined up. Stitch the straps down each side. When finished sewing, turn them right side out .

9. For the tie enclosure, fold the fabric in half, tucking any raw edges in and simply sew them together. Repeat with the coordinating fabric.

* When both pieces are done, it’s time to assemble the bag.

10. To assemble these pieces, you need to turn one of them inside out.

* You should have one piece with the finished side showing and the other with the raw stitches showing.

11. Take the piece that is inside out and place it inside of the other piece. Match up the corners and make sure it’s a good fit.

* Looking at the bag, there should be only the finished sides exposed.

12. Fold the tops of the bag over making sure there are no raw edges exposed.

*Make sure the inside and outside pieces are lined up.

13. Pin the two pieces together.

* Before sewing these two pieces, you need to attach the straps and ties.

14. Pin the straps and ties where you would like them, making sure they line up with each other.

15. Sew the two pieces of the bag together at the top.

* Knot and cut any loose threads and your bag is done.

* Simply turn the bag inside out and you have a whole new look.

TIPS:

* This bag can go from casual day to a dressed up evening, just by turning it side out.

* I would consider this project to be more difficult because sewing skills and a machine is needed.

* Embellish your bag any way you like.