Reversible Jumbo Tote Bag

Instructions

Ikea’s Upholstery fabric, GULLVI (top) and TRÅDKLÖVER (bottom). This fabrics are 60″ wide selvage to selvage, cut 1 meter or 40″ length for each fabric.

1. Download the pdf pattern and print it out if you wish. {If you can’t download the pdf pattern, probably you don’t have acrobat reader, download the latest version for free here.}
   Follow the cutting format from the pattern to get the sewing pieces. I drew mine directly on the wrong side of the fabric.
   As you can see, the pattern utilized almost the whole piece of 1-meter fabric, not much scrap left after the cutting.
   You can make 2 reversible jumbo totes from the fabrics above.
   
2. Take half of the sewing pieces to make a tote.
   1 & 2, the body – 45 3/4″ x 18 3/4″, 2 pcs.
   3 & 4, the base, 17″ x 7″, 2 pcs.
   5, short handle, 1 3/4″ x 12 3/4″, 4 pcs.
   6, Long handle, 1 3/4″ x 27 3/4″, 4 pcs.
   
3. Fold the tote body with right side facing each other, align the side seam and sew with 3/8″ seam allowance.
   Press the seam allowance to one side and topstitch 1/8″ from the seam line.
   Repeat the same to another tote body.
   
4. Mark the base position on the bottom seam allowance of the tote body, snip 1/4″ out of the total seam allowance of 3/8″. This little snips will make the corners a nice right-angle turn.
   
5. Pin the base to the bottom of the tote body, sew on the long seams on both sides.
   
6. Pin and sew the short sides to complete the base.
   
7. 1. Clip the corners diagonally.
   2. Fold the seam allowances at the right angle at the corner (on the base side), pin securely from the right side. Repeat at all 4 corners.
   3. Turn and stitch the base. Check the folding when you are about to reach the corner to make sure the seam allowances still folded neatly.
   4. The view on the base after completing the topstitching. This will make the tote more endurable for heavy items.
   
8. Repeat the sewing processes on the other fabric. Set aside.
   
9. Place the pairing handle pieces right side together and sew the long seams with 1/4″ seam allowance. Turn, press and topstitch 1/8″ from the edge.
   Repeat the process to make 2 short and 2 long handles.
   Prepare the cord by inserting it through the end bead then tie a dot at the end. Lightly burn the raw ends to stop the raveling if needed.
   
10. Mark the handle positions at 7 1/2″ apart at the center of the tote. The cotton cord is at the center.
    Stitch them in place at the seam allowance, repeat the same to the other side. Do this on 1 tote body.
    Note that the top seam allowance of the bag is 1 3/8″. This thick seam allowance will help to make the top edge of the tote firmer.
    
11. Insert the tote’s body into another tote body, with right side facing each other.
    
12. Align, pin and sew the top seam line, leaving a 5″ opening for turning right side out.
    
13. Turn the tote right side out from the opening.
    
14. Press the seam and topstitch, 1/8″, 1 1/8″ & 1 3/8″ from the edge to complete the reversible jumbo tote bag.
    You can choose to use either side depending on the mood of the day.
    
    What’s your choice? The Modern Chic “Face Bag”?
    
    Or………. the black & white Blowing Globules?
    

How to fold the Jumbo Tote Bag

Place the bag flat on the floor or table. Put the long handles on the bag.

Fold both sides to the center.

Roll the bag from bottom to top.

Cross the cotton cords on the top with 1 cord to the back and 1 cord to the front.

Make a tie on the cotton cords, that’s it!
Put it in your handbag or car’s drawer, it will be handy when you need to do shopping.

Hope you like it!!!