Monday, May 3, 2010

Reversible Tote




This is one of the easiest bags to make. It took about an hour to cut it out and sew it, if that much. What you need:

2 pieces 13 1/2" X14" of main fabric


2 pieces 13 1/2" X14" of lining fabric


1 long piece 4" X 44" long for handles


2. Fold the strip in half lengthwise. Then fold each edge into the center as shown below. Iron.





3. Fold back in half again. Sew very close to the edge down both sides of the strip. Cut this in half to make two handles.


4. (not shown) Sew the two sides and bottom edge of purse with 1/4" seam allowance. Repeat with lining pieces.

5. Open bottom edge at corners and sew diagonally across each corner 1 1/2" from edge. See photo below of what it looks like. Trim the excess fabric. Repeat on lining piece.





When you turn the fabric right side out it has made a box edge on the bottom so it will have a flat bottom.

6. Leave main fabric piece inside out. Turn lining piece right side out. Place the lining piece inside the main fabric piece where right sides are together. Match side seams and pin.




7. You will add handles. They are places between the two fabric pieces with the handle positioned down into the bag. It does NOT go on the outside like this. This photo shows how to make sure the handle is not twisted and the way it will be tucked inside between the two pieces.




Make sure your handles are positioned evenly so they are the same distance apart and also the same length. Let the edge extend beyond the top edge of the fabric pieces as shown.

8. Sew along top edge all the way around bag, leaving a 2" opening on one side so you can turn the bag rightside out.



9.Turn the bag. It will look like this when you get it pulled through.




1o. Tuck the lining piece down into the main fabric piece.



11. Sew along the top edge of the bag very close to the edge. This keeps the lining piece down where it doesn't rise up and show. When you get to the area you used to turn the bag turn the raw edge down where it is in line with the rest of the top edge and continue sewing. This closes the hole.





You did it! A quick easy bag.

Go to Tea Rose Home to see more projects this week.










R

5 comments:

Tracy Bentley said...

that is so cute. I would love to have one with trains on it.

Unknown said...

Thank your the tutorial. I will give this a try sometime very soon.

I have been away from blogland for a bit....I hope all is well? xo

Julie said...

Hey, yesterday I just made one of these. Check it out...
http://umengine3.blogspot.com/2010/05/finished-my-tote.html
It was kind of cool to see someone else that made a tote this week. YEAH!!!
I'm off to see what else you have going on.
Take care and God Bless!!

Amber D said...

What a cute tote I like the reversiable/colorful insides!

Amber (here is my project from this week and a giveaway)
http://www.lifelovegreen.com/2010/05/holy-names-wall-hanging/

Sachiko said...

You did such a nice job on this! Thank you for linking to my party.

BTW, I love your headder, so pretty!