by Imagine a bag that’s not just beautiful and practical, but also offers a fresh look with a quick flip! This detailed tutorial, inspired by the incredible “How to sew a bag with a simple trick – it is made quickly, looks beautiful!” video from Miarti – Reuse, will guide you through creating a stunning reversible tote bag. The “simple trick” involves a unique construction method that minimizes visible seams and makes the entire process incredibly straightforward, even for beginner sewists.
Get ready to transform simple fabric into a versatile accessory that will turn heads and make your daily carrying a breeze. This tote is perfect for shopping, carrying books, a day at the park, or simply adding a touch of handmade elegance to your outfit.
Why a Reversible Tote Bag is Your Next Must-Sew Project
Beyond just looking great, a reversible tote offers unparalleled versatility and style.
- Two Bags in One: Get double the style options! Flip it inside out for a completely different look to match your mood or outfit.
- Minimalist Design: The trick in this tutorial results in a very clean finish with hidden seams, giving your bag a professional, high-end feel.
- Beginner-Friendly: Despite its polished appearance, the construction method is surprisingly simple, making it accessible for sewists of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Scraps: A great way to utilize two coordinating (or contrasting!) fabrics you love.
- Sustainable Style: Create a durable, reusable bag that’s both fashionable and eco-conscious.
Materials You’ll Need:
Gathering your materials efficiently will ensure a smooth and enjoyable sewing experience. The video uses a beautiful patterned exterior and a solid pink lining, demonstrating the power of contrasting fabrics.
- Main Exterior Fabric (Linen Fabric): 2 pieces, each 45 cm x 35 cm.
- Lining Fabric (Linen Fabric): 2 pieces, each 45 cm x 35 cm.
- Fusible Interfacing (Adhesive Fabric): 2 pieces, each 45 cm x 35 cm (This adds body and a soft padded feel).
- Strap Fabric (Linen Fabric): 2 pieces, each 45 cm x 8 cm.
- Interfacing for Straps (Adhesive Fabric): 2 pieces, each 45 cm x 8 cm (Adds strength to your straps).
- Magnetic Button (Magnit Button): 1 set.
- Matching Thread: High-quality polyester thread that blends with both your exterior and lining fabrics.
- Basic Sewing Tools:
- Sewing machine
- Sharp fabric scissors or rotary cutter and mat
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Fabric marker or tailor’s chalk
- Plenty of pins or fabric clips
- Iron and ironing board
- Seam ripper (the indispensable friend of every sewist!)
Step-by-Step Tutorial: Crafting Your Reversible Tote Bag
This tutorial will guide you through each stage, creating a bag that’s easy to reverse and delightful to carry. The finished bag will measure approximately 34cm wide, 28cm tall, and 10cm deep. All seam allowances are 1 cm unless otherwise stated.
Phase 1: Preparing Your Fabric Panels and Straps
Precision in this initial phase is key for a beautifully finished bag.
- Fuse Interfacing to Main Exterior: Take one of your 45 cm x 35 cm main exterior linen pieces. Lay it wrong side up. Carefully center and press one piece of the 45 cm x 35 cm adhesive fabric (interfacing) to it, following the manufacturer’s instructions. This adds crucial structure. Repeat for the second exterior panel.
- Fuse Interfacing to Strap Fabric: Take one of your 45 cm x 8 cm strap linen pieces. Lay it wrong side up and press one piece of the 45 cm x 8 cm adhesive fabric (interfacing) to it. This will make your straps sturdy.
- Prepare Strap Pieces: Take one interfaced 45 cm x 8 cm strap piece. Fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press firmly. Open it up. Fold each long raw edge inward to meet the center crease you just made, and press well. Now, fold the entire strap in half again along the original center crease, enclosing all raw edges. Press firmly. Your strap should now be approximately 45 cm x 2 cm wide.
- Topstitch Straps: Pin the strap edges in place. Using your sewing machine, topstitch along both long edges of the strap, about 0.2 cm from the edge. This secures the folds and gives a professional finish. Repeat for the second strap.
Phase 2: Assembling the Exterior and Lining Bodies
This is where the magic “trick” begins! We’ll create two fabric tubes that will later form the exterior and lining of your bag.
- Sew Exterior Panels:
- Take your two Exterior Fabric (A) pieces (now fused with interfacing).
- Cut out 5×5 cm squares from both bottom corners of each exterior panel.
- Lay one prepared strap on the right side of an exterior panel, aligning the raw ends of the strap with the top raw edge of the fabric. The strap should be pointing downwards into the bag. Position the outer edge of each strap 13 cm in from the side raw edge. Pin in place. Repeat for the second strap on the second exterior panel.
- Place the two exterior panels (with straps basted) right sides together. Pin along the two side edges. Stitch these two sides with a 1 cm seam allowance. Press seams open.
- To form the bottom, flatten each cut-out corner so the side seam meets the bottom fold, creating a straight line. Pin across this line and stitch with a 1 cm seam allowance. Repeat for the other corner.
- Sew Lining Panels:
- Take your two Lining Fabric (B) pieces.
- Cut out 5×5 cm squares from both bottom corners of each lining panel.
- Repeat the process from “Sew Exterior Panels” for your lining pieces. Important: Leave a 10-15 cm opening along the center of the bottom seam of the lining. This is where you will turn the bag right side out later. Backstitch securely at the beginning and end of this opening.
- Attach the magnetic button to the lining: On one lining panel, measure 11 cm down from the top raw edge and center a mark. Make small slits for the prongs, insert the magnetic button hardware, and secure it with the washer and prongs. Repeat for the second half of the magnet button on the other lining panel, ensuring they align.
Phase 3: The “Simple Trick” – The Final Assembly
This is the clever part that makes this bag reversible with minimal effort!
- Insert Exterior into Lining: Keep your exterior fabric tube (with basted straps) right side out. Keep your lining fabric tube wrong side out.
- Carefully insert the exterior tube into the lining tube, so their right sides are facing each other. The straps should be tucked neatly between the two layers.
- Align Top Edges: Align the top raw edges of both fabric tubes perfectly. Match up the side seams of the exterior to the side seams of the lining. Pin securely all around the top opening.
- Stitch Top Opening: Stitch all around the entire top opening with a 1 cm seam allowance. Backstitch at the start and end.
Phase 4: Turning and Finishing Your Reversible Tote
Almost done! Just a few steps to reveal your beautiful new bag.
- Turn Right Side Out: Reach into the opening you left in the bottom seam of the lining. Carefully pull the entire bag through this opening until it’s right side out.
- Close the Lining Opening: Gently pull the lining out. Press the raw edges of the opening inwards. Stitch this opening closed with a very narrow seam allowance, either by machine (for speed) or by hand (for an invisible finish). Trim any excess thread.
- Push Lining In & Press: Push the lining down into the exterior bag. Smooth out the interior so no lining peeks out. Give the entire top edge of the bag a good press with your iron, making sure the seam where the exterior and lining meet is crisp and even.
- Topstitch Top Edge: For a professional finish and added durability, topstitch around the entire top opening of the bag, about 0.5 cm from the edge. This secures the lining to the exterior and prevents it from rolling out. It also reinforces your strap attachments.
- Form Gussets and Topstitch: Gently push in the side seams of your bag to create distinct gussets (the side panels of the bag). Topstitch along the edges of these gussets to give your bag a structured, boxy look. This also helps your bag maintain its shape.
Your beautiful, functional, and effortlessly chic Reversible Tote Bag is now complete! Take a moment to admire your work. One side offers a vibrant print, while the other provides a subtle contrast—two distinct looks in one smart design. This tote is ready for anything your day throws at it, from a quick grocery run to a stylish day out.
Enjoy the versatility and the satisfaction of carrying your unique, handmade creation!
Video tutorial:
