How to Sew a Reversible Tote Bag with Canvas - Free Pattern, by Sewing Tutorials by Fabric Designer Tara Reed on YouTube. 25 min 52 s.
- Video length
- 25 min 52 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Download and print the free tote bag pattern, then cut your canvas and lining pieces to the listed sizes. Cut two handle strips from each fabric.
Before cutting, wash and dry the canvas to shrink it and remove sizing. Canvas frays and shifts, so handle it gently and clip rather than pin thick layers.
Mark the square size for the boxed bottom on each corner of the bag pieces using a ruler. Wrap painter's tape around the ruler at the mark so you can line it up fast.
Clip the two outside canvas pieces right sides together. Sew down one side, across the bottom and up the other side, leaving the top open.
Fold each handle strip in half lengthwise, press, and sew along the long edges. Attach the handles to the lining fabric at the marked positions, stitching a square with an X inside for strength.
Clip the lining pieces right sides together with handles tucked inside. Sew the sides and bottom, leaving a 4 to 5 inch opening in the bottom for turning.
Press the seams open. Use a wool pressing bar to press seams flat and crisp, especially on canvas.
Box the corners on both the outside and lining: match each side seam to the bottom seam, sew straight across the marked square line, and trim the excess.
Turn the outside bag right side out and place it inside the lining, right sides together. Clip the top edges and sew all the way around the top.
Pull the bag through the lining opening, tuck the lining inside, and press the top edge. Topstitch around the top and over the handle bases to reinforce them, then sew the lining opening closed.
Tips and common mistakes
Pull up the bobbin thread before you start sewing so the first stitches do not knot underneath.
Sew the three sides in one continuous pass where you can to save thread and time.
Backstitch over the handle joins several times so the bag can carry heavier loads.
Use clips instead of pins on canvas to avoid holes and skipped stitches.
Questions
Do I have to use canvas?
Canvas gives the bag structure and strength, but a heavy cotton or home decor fabric also works. Use a lighter fabric for the lining so the bag turns easily.
Why is there an opening in the lining?
You turn the whole bag right side out through that gap. Sew it closed by hand or machine after the bag is turned and pressed.
How do I make the bag truly reversible?
Finish all seams neatly, hide the lining opening, and topstitch the top edge. Then both the canvas and lining sides look finished when turned inside out.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
