Sew This Beautiful Reversible Market Bag 🍁 | Easy DIY Sewing Tutorial for Fall | Reusable Tote Bag, by Linda Bags on YouTube. 13 min 55 s.
- Video length
- 13 min 55 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Wash and press both fabrics so they do not shrink or pucker after sewing. Cut the main fabric and the lining to the same bag body size, for example two rectangles about 16 by 18 inches each.
Cut two handle strips about 4 inches wide and 24 inches long from each fabric. Fold them in half lengthwise with right sides together and press a crease.
Sew each handle strip along the long open edge with a 1/4 inch seam, leaving both short ends open. Turn the tubes right side out, press flat and topstitch close to both long edges.
Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of the main fabric pieces to make the bag sturdier. Follow the iron temperature on the interfacing packet.
Pin one handle to the right side of a main bag piece, raw ends matching the top edge, about 4 inches in from each side. Baste in place, then repeat on the other main piece.
Place the two main pieces right sides together and sew the side and bottom seams with a 1/2 inch allowance. Repeat with the two lining pieces, but leave a 4 inch gap in the lining bottom for turning.
Box the bottom corners of both the main bag and the lining if you want a flat base. Pinch each corner into a triangle, sew across and trim the excess.
Turn the main bag right side out and push it inside the lining, which stays wrong side out. Match the top edges and side seams, then pin and sew all around the top with a 1/2 inch seam.
Pull the bag through the gap in the lining. Sew the gap closed by machine or with a small ladder stitch.
Push the lining into the bag and press the top edge. Topstitch about 1/4 inch from the top all the way around to secure the handles and give a clean finish.
Tips and common mistakes
Backstitch at the start and end of every seam so the handles and seams do not pull open.
Keep the iron hot enough to fuse the interfacing but use a pressing cloth so the cotton does not scorch.
Check that the handles are not twisted before you baste them, since they are hard to fix after the top seam.
Use a denim or 90/14 needle for medium weight cotton to avoid skipped stitches.
Questions
How big will the finished bag be?
The size depends on your cut pieces. Two 16 by 18 inch rectangles give a roomy grocery tote, and you can scale both fabrics up or down together.
Can I make the bag without interfacing?
Yes, but the bag will be floppier. A medium weight cotton with interfacing holds its shape better for heavy shopping.
Do I need a serger for the seams?
No. The lining hides the inside seams, and a zigzag stitch on the raw edges is enough if you want extra neatness.
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.
