Skill Level: 2 (beginner)

Why settle for one look when you can have two?

This easy-to-sew reversible tote bag lets you switch up your style in an instant—perfect for everything from grocery runs to casual outings. With simple materials and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll create a stylish and functional bag that you can flip inside out for a completely different look. Ideal for shopping, beach days, or just adding a bit of personal flair to your daily routine!

Fun fact: The modern tote bag first gained popularity in the 1940s when it was used to carry ice, but today it’s a go-to for everything from groceries to everyday essentials!

How to Sew a Reversible Tote Bag

What you need

  • Main: 2x 47cm x 41
  • Lining: 2x 47cm x 41
  • Pocket: Cut to your preface don’t forget seam allowance (optional)
  • Strap:  7cm x 55cm
  • Matching thread

Prepare

  1. Cut 5cm squares out of the bottom corners at the base of the panels (main and lining)
  2. Press hem/seam allowance of pocket
  3. Hem Pocket
  4. Pin and stitch pocket in place
  5. Strap: Fold and press a 1cm hem along both long edges, then fold again aligning the folded edges.
  6. 3mm Top edge along both sides of the straps
How to Sew a Reversable Tote Bag
How to Sew a Reversable Tote Bag
How to Sew a Reversable Tote Bag 4

Construction

  1. Main: Pin the right sides of the panels together and sew a 1cm seam allowance along left, right & bottom edges. Skipping the top edge & cut squares.
  2. Repeat for lining however, leave a 10cm opening in one of the sides (to allow for turning out)
  3. At the cut squares – bring the bottom seam to the side seam and pin together before sewing together with 1cm seam allowance
  4. Flip lining right-side out and place inside main fabric so that right sides are together.
  5. Tuck straps between inner and outer fabrics so that two edges of one face the front and two edges of the other face the back of bag. Pin the end of each strap approximately 11cm from side seam then pin fabric edges together around perimeter of bag opening.
  6. Stitch a 1cm seam all the way around the tote. This should catch all four ends of the straps.
How to Sew a Reversable Tote Bag
How to Sew a Reversable Tote Bag

Finish off

  1. Pull both fabrics and straps through the 10cm gap, turning the tote bag right-side out. Lightly press with a warm iron to remove wrinkles.
  2. Stitch up the turn-through hole with an edge stitch or a blind hand stitch.
How to Sew a Reversable Tote Bag
How to Sew a Reversable Tote Bag

Creative Community Space – Sewing School Program

At Creative Community Space & A Fitting Connection, we’re committed to creating experiences that not only teach skills but also instil a sense of purpose. Our programs and classes are thoughtfully designed to cultivate patience, accuracy, mindfulness, fine motor skills, creativity, and a keen awareness of waste.

It’s easy to dive into a project that might be too advanced for your current skill level. That’s why we’ve developed a program that sets our students up for success. Each of our self-guided sewing instructions is labelled with a skill level (starting at 1), so you’ll know whether a project will be a breeze or if it’s one that would benefit from the supportive environment of our sewing classes at Creative Community Space. Explore our classes here.

We can’t wait to see what you’ll create with us!

With purpose,
The Creative Community Space & A Fitting Connection Team

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