Tutorial~Reversible Handbag~

Hi everyone! How was your week? Mine was very busy as usual, in a good way though; but I can't wait to slow down a little and spend some more time with my family.

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Two weeks ago, I was invited to be a guest blogger for Ucreate. I came up with a tutorial to make a reversable hand bag (Two for One! I love things that are versatile and have more flexibility!). I am going to post the tutorial on my blog today. It is all straight cut, if you have rotary cutting tools, you can finish cutting all the necessary parts in the blink of an eye. If you don't, you can measure it out directly on the fabric and cut by hand.

Sew using 1/4" seam allowance, unless directed otherwise.


You will need:

Fabric 1 (your main fabric) 1/2 a yard.
Fabric 2 (inside fabric) 1 yard. (Includes extra for bias tape)

Canvas (this will go between the fabric 1 and 2 to give body to the bag) (1/2 yard)
matching thread

How to make:

1. Cut all the necessary parts.


From fabric 1 you will cut out: 2- 9 1/2"T x 14"W peices for the bag, 2- 1 1/2"W X 20"L pieces for the handles.

From fabric 2: same as fabric 1, plus 5 1/2"T X 7"W for the pocket. For the bias, if you are not familiar with making it, check here.

From canvas you will cut out: 2- 9 1/2"T X 14"W for the bag, 2- 3/4" x 19"L pieces for the handles.

2. Make the pocket.
a. Use a zig-zag stitch around the edges of the fabric to prevent fraying.
b. Fold the corners, then fold 1/4"of the sides and the bottom. This way the corner is mitered and doesn't get too thick and is easier to sew.
c. Fold the top edge twice, sew 1/8" from the folded edge.



3. Sew the finished pocket onto fabric 2. Fold the bag fabric and the pocket in half and match up the folded line(so, the pocket is in the middle, and measure 2 1/2" from the top. Line the pocket with the 2 1/2" line pin. Then stitch the pocket to the bag. I sew a line on the pocket 2 3/4" from the right to devide the pocket.


4. Lay down fabric 2, measure and mark to make pleats. The mesurments are like this:


Lay canvas on top of fabric 1, and do the same.

5. Using big hand stitches, sew the pleats to hold them in place. Do the same to the rest of the other pieces too.



6. Put the right sides together of fabric 2 and pin. Sew around the edge. Do the same to fabric 1 that has the canvas attahced.


7. To square the bottom of the side, bring the seam together (The sure the seam lines up.) Fold and then as in the picture draw a 3" line and sew on top of the line. Then cut off the fabric 1/4" away from the line.


8. Repeat the same process with fabric 1.


9. Turn fabric 2 inside-out. Insert into the the bag made out of fabric 1. The pin the bias tabe all around the edges of the top. Sew around the folded line.


10. Fold the bias tape around to the inside of the bag. Cover the raw egdes, pin and sew. You can use a slip stitch too.


11. Make the handle.
a. Lay fabric 1 and 2 right sides together. Sew around the edges leaving a 16" opening centered on one side.


b. Snip the corners.


c. Turn the handle inside out and fold the open edges about a 1/4" inside and iron. This process will make it easier for later. Slip in the canvas strip. For the corners use a sharp object to push them in place and flatten.


d. Pin the opening and sew 1/8" from the edge all around the handle stip.


12. Attach handles to the bag appoximately 2" from the side.


Now you have 2 beautiful handbags!



If you want a magnet closure, you can with this bag too. You just add the magnet before step 9. A little tip, to pick out fabrics to make this bag, quilt shops carry all sorts of pretty fabrics, also check out Jo Anne's home decorating fabric setion. When you combine larger patterns with smaller patterns you can recreate a similar look to this bag.