Reversible Tote Sewing Pattern

Instructions

MORE DETAILS ON HOW TO SEW
REVERSIBLE TOTE BAG

PREPARATION

Download the pdf pattern. The pattern is scaled to 25%, blow it up to 4 times to enlarge it. Otherwise, you can draw it out on the paper, all dimensions are included. Cut out paper patterns from the drawing.

DRAW, CUT & SEW

Fold the fabric as indicate in the drawing, place and pin the tote pattern on top of the fabric. Make sure the folding is on the right-hand side of the pattern. Cut fabric with 1/2″ seam allowance and all patterns according to the drawing, including the lining and fusible interfacing. You might need to patch up the sling strap in order to get the required length. Mark sewing lines with carbon and tracing wheel.

With right-side facing each other, align sewing lines, pin, sew side and base of the tote.

Press open side and bottom seams, fold at the corner to form a triangle and sew the 2″ depth of the base. Trim excess fabric and leave only 1/2″ seam allowance.

Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the lining fabrics, the pockets and the stand-alone ring holder. With right-side facing, sew around the pocket, leaving about 1″ opening at the bottom of the pocket. Clip corners. Turn the pocket right-side out, adjust corners and press. Topstitch top hem about 1/8″ and 1/2″ from the edge. Place the pocket onto the lining and top-stitch the sides and bottom edges. Fold the lining with right-side facing each other, sew the side and bottom seam. Leave about 3-4″ opening at the bottom, we need this hole to turn the tote inside out later.

Make a snip on the seam allowance 1″ below seam (b). Remark: I reserved 1″ seam allowance for (b), but I trimmed it to about 1/2″ later.
Fold in the side seam and press. Topstitch near side edges (a).
Slot in the square ring either on tote side of lining side, with right side facing, sew alone seam (b).

Bring the holder down with the wrong side facing each other, topstitch (c) around 3/4″ below (b). Remember to tack the thread at the beginning and end of the stitching by performing a few back stitches to keep the seam from unraveling.

Repeat the same to the other side of the ring holder which is not attached to the tote.

Again, topstitch at (c), about 3/4″ below seam (b). Note that I left a larger seam allowance at the bottom but 1/2″ is sufficient.

With right-side facing each other, slot the tote into the lining. Keep the ring and holder facing down. Place the detached ring holder upside down between the tote and the lining, pin in place. Sew along the curve (red line), around.

Clip curve about 1/2″ apart. Be careful, don’t snip the sewing thread.

Turn the tote right-side-out from the opening at the bottom of the lining.

Align the base corners of the tote and lining, carefully bring them out from the opening and sew on the wrong side to hold them together. Next, insert them back through the opening and slip stitch to close the opening. Topstitch about 1/4″ from the edge of the top hem of the tote.

Sew the sling strap by placing 2 fabrics right side facing each other, sew around and leave a 2″ opening at the center. Turn the strap right side out, Slip stitch to close the opening. Topstitch near the edge, around the straps.
Insert the strap into the square ring and tie a knot at each corner.
If you want a shorter length, double fold the strap through one ring and tie on the other.
Adjust to your favorite length.