I have been loving the suggestions for the "Yes, You Can Make It" posts! Thank you! So up first is a request for a tutorial on how to make a reversible tote. If you have something you are interested in making please fill out the form in the left sidebar.
You will need:
2 pieces fabric 13 1/2 inches X 14 inches (outside)
2 pieces fabric 13 1/2 inches X 14 inches (lining)
1 piece 4'' X about 44" long
1. Cut a piece of fabric 4"X 44" long. Press fabric in half lengthwise.
2. Open fabric up and press each outside edge to the center.
3. Fold fabric in half and press.
4. Top-stitch down each side of strap close to the edge. Cut fabric in half so you have two straps about 22 inches long each.
Cut four pieces fabric 13 1/2 inches X 14 inches.
Sew lining fabric right sides together on three sides and also outer fabric right sides together on three sides. For this bag the bottom is 13 1/2 inches wide and the sides 14 inches long. The bag can be made any size.
3. Pinch bottom corner together and stitch across 1 1/2 inches from corner.
4. Repeat until all four corners have been sewn.
5. Place lining fabric inside the outside fabric right sides together.
6. Place straps in between right sides of fabric on each side about two to three inches from the side edge.
7. Pins straps and top edge of bag well. Stitch around top of bag 1/2 inch from edge. Leave a 2-3 inch opening for turning bag (I usually leave this on the side).
8. Turn bag inside out.
9. Push lining inside the bag and top stitch all the way around the top of bag. This will close up the opening used for turning.
Finished!
You might be interested in making a matching pocket tissue holder and zippered pouch to go with your tote!
The fabric is from Heather Bailey. I used Pineapple Brocade in green and Zag Stripe in gold (I think).
Thanks for taking the time to visit me today!
[...] Bag Gift I made this tote bag last night for my friend’s daughter. It was safe to show this one since the [...]
I LOVE the reversible tote pattern!! Very easy to follow. I am making them for new babies with their names on them and filling them with baby necessities for a gift. Thank you for posting this tutorial.
Thank you for this great tute! I linked it on my blog, http://creativelymom.blogspot.com.
i made a tote using another tutorial, but it turned out too large and floppy. will try to resize it to your directions and post the result.
thank you for posting really clear instructions!
Hi! I love this tutorial but I’m confused at the whole “pinch the bottom corner” part. I can’t figure out how to pinch it like the picture. Is there anyway you can take a shot and email it to me of you pinching it and laying it flat so i can see how/where to pinch and sew? I’m soooo confused.
Thanks!
As a novice sewer, your photos and directions were very helpful. I made the cutest bag last night. Thanks!
Great Bag, I looked for a tote but never found one I liked. So I bought material I liked and found your web site. Being in this snowing weather was perfect for craft making. Thank you for such easy directions. I was done in less than 30 minutes.
I came across your tutorial while looking for a cute tote I could use as a diaper bag. Your directions were very simple and pictures were very helpful. I just finished my bag in under an hour and am thrilled with the result. Thank you!
I found your patttern while searching for an easy tote for a mixed group of ladies (from very skilled to novice stitchers and quilters ), we needed something simple for the newbies. We are making the bags for missionaries to shop with in a little mini-mart at missions conference in May. This year the gifts have to be smaller than last year when we gave sheets sets and towel sets along with some everyday school type supplies for the children. The economy has slowed everyone down, so this year we are giving cds, dvds,craayons, toothpaste, lotionn, books– you get the idea.. there will be about 120 bags given out, the adults will receive the bags, both spouses will get one (if married) and the adults will shop for the children. So far in 3 weeks meeting on Tesday mornings we have approx 70 bags made. Thank you for sharing!1
God bless you!!!!!
Made a tote bag with a few pockets ~ Great design, easy enough for a novice seamstress. I really appreciate you sharing the idea – Thank you!
Thank you sooooooo much for your tutorials for the zipper pouch and tote bag!!!!!! I love your blog!
This looks like a great tote bag and I can never get enough tote bags!
Hi…thank you so much for the tutorial…very easy to follow! More power to you…
Thanks for the great idea!! I was thinking the other day how I need to make a bag to right size to attatch to our stoller for outings… I’m gonna use this concept, except make two straps, and put snaps on the top of the straps so I can take it on and of the stroller easily!
I just made this over the weekend! Thanks to the tutorial!! Here is the fruit of my labor:
http://simplyjenna.blogspot.com/2010/05/tote-aly-awesome.html
I love this tutorial. It was the easiest one I have ever come across. i was able to make 3 bags for my daughter’s teachers in 1 day. I love how they turned out! Thank you so much!
I love your tutorial. I have made so many totes reversible and similar in style, but somehow each time I discover another tutorial I find that the coloring is the most inspiring bit. I love the fabrics! Thank you for sharing. I am going to use your sizing for my next tote, it sounds like a perfect size!
[...] love this post on Vintage Chica and the reversible bag how-to she linked [...]
Great tutorial! Once again, you have astounded me. I need a little help on step 7, though. I don’t understand how we turn it inside out >.<. Bear with me; I'm starting out. Thanks!
[...] to use it by making this bag. Surprisingly, it wasn’t too hard of a project thanks to this wonderful tutorial. I may just have to make a few more since I have other ugly fabric that’s just laying [...]
Thank you for this awesome tutorial! I made a Gilmore Girls tote and I adore it. The tutorial was easy to follow and it didn’t take long at all to finish the tote. Score!
[...] 20, 2010 in sewing | by Lisa Using fabric leftovers to whip up reversible tote bags sure is [...]
I am looking for strapping and pretty inexpensive material or cloth strapping wholesale for the handles….I think braid would be could. Might you have a wholesale source…thanks so much….i am just getting started. are there wholesale supplies for thread and pins and trim that you know of….thanks again arline
This is super cute! I put a link on my blog: http://keethink.com/blog/2010/08/19/shes-crafty-and-link-love-reversible-tote-bag-skip-to-my-lou/
Now I’m thinking that when I make a baby quilt or other gift, I could gift it in a matching tote bag. How fun would that be?
[...] better lighting. hrmph. I made this for my niece who is off to college for the first time I used a great tutorial by Skip to my Lou, and though written perfectly, I misread the directions and had to rip out seams two or three [...]