How to Sew a Reversible Tote Bag

Understanding the Design

1. 1
   Understand the design and technique. The picture here displays the "inside" of the bag. Use double-stitching to add support.
   
   
   
2. 2
   Choose two contrasting fabrics. One piece will become the "outside" of the bag and the other will become the "lining".
   
   
   

Preparing the Fabric

1. 1
   Cut each piece of fabric into long matching rectangles. Cut to your desired length and width.
   
   
   
2. 2
   Fold each piece of fabric in half. The fold will form the bottom of the bag.
   
   
   

Stitching the Bag Together

1. 1
   With the right sides facing together, stitch the side seams of each piece of fabric, leaving the top as an opening. This should create the shape of a pouch.
   
   
   
2. 2
   Miter the lower corners of each pouch to add support.
   
   
   
3. 3
   Turn "one" pouch right side out. This will become the "outside" of the bag. The other pouch will become the "lining".
   
   
   
4. 4
   Add pockets. Add these to the "outside" of the bag or the "right" side of the lining.
   
   
   

Adding the Lining and Cuff

1. 1
   With the "wrong" sides facing together, place the lining into the bag. Align the openings together.
   
   
   
2. 2
   Fold the opening over twice to form a half-inch hemline and stitch it in place. Add an additional row of stitching around the "very edge" of the opening to add support. This will create a "contrasting" cuff on the "outside" of the bag.
   
   
   

Adding Straps and a Closure

1. 1
   Add straps.
   
   
   
   • Cut two long, three-inch/7.5cm wide strips of fabric.
   • Iron a long strip of interfacing onto the wrong side of the fabric to add support.
   • With the right sides facing together, stitch each strip along the open edge, to form a tube.
   • Attach a safety pin to the end of a tube. Pass the pin through the tube, while pulling the fabric right side out.
   • Tuck in a half-inch/1.2cm of fabric, at each end of a strap and stitch it together by hand.
   • Iron each strap flat.
   • Top-stitch along "both" outer edges of each strap to add support.
   • Attach the straps to the "inner" opening of the bag.
2. 2
   Add a buttonhole and two buttons. Place them at the center of the cuff to secure the opening. Place a button on either side, at the same point on the cuff, to use when the bag is reversed.
   
   
   
3. 3
   Finished. Your reversible tote is now ready for use either way around.