How to make a reversible heavy duty tote Strong upholstery fabric shopping bag Sew to Sell or gift

This very sturdy bag was the first bag that I made with a bulk lot of upholstery fabric I received a few years ago. It's very strong, with a lovely contrast base that adds even more stability to it.
It can be made with regular fabric just as easily. Simply add your favourite stabiliser. The finished measurements are approx 15" W x 33" H.
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#strongtote
#heavydutybag
#shoppingbag
#nomoreplastic
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[@amy5376]

You are my FAVORITE sewing artist! I always learn so much

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you so much Amy😀

[@catjones2684]

What a great bag ! And a perfect tutorial too. Your content is the best on TH-cam

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Wow, thank you Cat😀

[@halimashouse4899]

I love all your videos. Can you please make a Fanny bag / bum bag video please?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

It's on my very soon to do list Halima😁

[@heathersretirementshenanig6785]

What a lovely bag! I wanted to learn how to make a good quality bag and this video is perfect. I'm gonna make a couple of shopping bags for hubby and I. If I'm able to do a good job maybe I can eventually sell some bags myself. I appreciate your time and your videos, thank you!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You can do it Heather. Hope you sell heaps😀

[@mustluvteaching]

What a fantastic bag. I love the contrast on the bottom. Thanks for the clear and detailed instructions.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

It was a pleasure😁

[@connieacree4006]

I love the way you make the tote bags. Your instructions are so clear. I'm from Nebraska, USA. Thank you for sharing. God bless. ❤❤❤

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You're very welcome Connie. Thank you😁

[@eamonbamon]

As others have commented, you're simply the best Christine. Thank you.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you Eamon ☺️

[@dianerhymes1875]

I really like your design! I have bought some fabric with just a vague idea of how I wanted to sew it up. Now I know that it is gonna be like your bag!!!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That's fabulous Diane. Happy sewing!😀

[@chickadeeacres3864]

Now that is a beautiful bag. Form and function with artistic flare! I’m inspired! I have a lot of canvas and upholstery fabrics to choose from.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

They'd be perfect Chickadee😁

[@jodydistefano5964]

I made one of these bags and I love it!
I used upholstery on both sides and did not have a problem, yay!! No broken needles and I used a medium stabilizer too, it feels like a cooler bag, lol
Thanks so much
I love your Chanel and love hearing your voice❤❤

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That's wonderful Jody. Thanks for sharing😁

[@amy5376]

Thank you. You answered every question with such beautiful grace! 😍

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you Amy. That's so lovely😀

[@dianneswanlund3295]

Thank you for the great tutorial. I will be making a large number of totes for a charity donation and I will definitely be using your method

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Dianne. Happy sewing!😀

[@lesleygilbert1945]

I've made a few reversible bags - always nice to have a choice of fabrics to choose from on the day. Hope you sell them both as they are great looking sturdy bags 🤩

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Lesley. You're right, it's good to have choices😊

[@irenewatson6612]

What a beautiful bag! Love the reversability.
Another great GREAT job! WELL DONE! 💕

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Glad you like it Irene. Thank you😊

[@lindaeversberg1646]

Christine, I absolutely love your videos. Your instructions are always so clear and complete. I love this particular bag and plan on making several. I’m going to try to locate some of the upholstery fabric from upholsterers if possible. I am in Houston, TX in the US. Keep these great videos coming.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you so much Linda. I hope you score some fabric too😁

[@sherryantonelli3416]

Awesome bag! I like the contrast on the bottom and the handles. Thank you!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks so much Sherry😀

[@GloriaHasberry]

Great bag and excellent focus on durability by reinforced stitching!!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you Gloria😀

[@chromegirl2175]

That's a beautiful bag! I love the striped contrast fabric. (When you said "raw", it made me think of my dear English mother. That's how she pronounced it. Funny how little things bring back memories when someone you loved is no longer with you.)

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks ChromeGirl. I'm glad I've bought back some fond memories for you😁

[@georgycolson9671]

Oh, those are perfect! There are always people looking for something like that!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Georgy. They're very sturdy too😀

[@sharondebord8036]

Just subscribed to your channel. I like how you go into detail while making the bag. I know I am going to continue following your tutorials!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks for subbing Sharon. Welcome!😀

[@Baggs1026]

love watching your videos you make it look so easy . You inspire me.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you Ann😀

[@Lyndendance]

I love this! I really like the way you put the lining in too, it’s so neat. Thank you for sharing 🥰

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Lynden, I hadn't lined this bag before😀

[@Lyndendance]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs by the way, I think 65 dollars is cheap. That’s about £35 in uk, which is very reasonable. Your bag is definitely worth that.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you Lynden😊

[@lorainejones2375]

What a great tutorial! Thank you for the great ideas and techniques!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You're very welcome Loraine😀

[@Venetia2]

Thank you once again Christine. A wonderful sturdy bag. You are so good at talking through every step. Great instructions and what a pleasure to watch. Cant wait to get sewing😊. I also love the way you advise pricing. I never know what to charge for items i make so i only ever give them as gifts. But since i found you i have confidence in how to price items i make. Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing everything❤

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You are so welcome Venetia. Thank you😁

[@NatureAndOther]

Great bag, very nice explanation ❤️👍

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you Roni😁

[@GsportsSoccer]

Really nice Christine

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Brooke😀

[@millymolly5266]

Thanks Christine. I especially appreciate your views on possible selling price.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You're very welcome Milly Molly😀

[@canarieswithkaren1]

Thank you so much. I've been looking for a sturdy shopping bag to make. I love your videos. ❤ please can I make a suggestion? Would it be possible to show the bag you've made at the start of the videos, so we can see what the project is? Anyway, greetings from the UK and your videos are fantastic 🎉

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you. I don't often have a finished bag to show at the beginning of the videos KP. Often I'm making it up as I go😀

[@sally-anneshotter9174]

Another great project and that machine makes Light work of all that fabric

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

It sure does Sally-Anne😀

[@maryhull531]

So beautifully done and explained . Very clear instructions .

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you Mary😀

[@suewalsh4216]

Great size for a tote, it will hold heaps of stuff. No risk of ripping seams or handles coming off. Doing what it's supposed to do. 5 stars Christine 🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Sue. Are you feeling better?

[@suewalsh4216]

@Christine's Home Affairs over the dreaded covid and itching to get back in my sewing room. As soon as I can stop napping all day! I went 3 years avoiding the damn thing. Oh well, thems the breaks. 😁 Thank you so much for asking 💐

[@patmaddux.9962]

There you go again with another great tutorial. You are a favorite of mine. I should make several of these for groceries.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I like to keep you busy Pat😁

[@conniedetevis2119]

Very nice sturdy bag ! Thank you for sharing.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Connie. Glad you like it😀

[@jaytopham8514]

Hi Christine. Great tutorial; thank you

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Jay😀

[@bettydarling2445]

Nice! I like the accent bottom and side sewn handles

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Betty😀

[@queenslanddiva]

Love this one. Thanks Christine

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You're very welcome. Thank you😀

[@evekankam6744]

That’s a lovely bag,thanks for sharing

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you Eve😀

[@bindilabaraba]

Christine, please show us how to make nice-looking zipper inserts. Not the set-in type but maybe like at the top of a cosmetic bag.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I have a few cosmetic bags with zips across the top where I've used tabs that might suit. Did you want a tutorial for a latger bag?😀

[@bindilabaraba]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs Perhaps extending the zipper with tabs then sewing the side seams on the tabs (instead of the zipper) would produce a better-looking finished product. Don't mind the extra steps. I will look for your cosmetic bag tutorials. I sure love the tutorials as I sew and sell for dog rescue. Like seeing your pup!

[@sherrybradshaw6504]

Love, love love your videos. Do you have any tips on how to sew a flat seam when making lined totes with upholstery fabric.
Beautiful bags. Thank you

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

That's a great idea Sherry. I have an idea in mind. Will work on something😁

[@unknowinglystrict6640]

Awesome bag I will be making it soon …. I hope 😮wonderful instructions TFS

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You're very welcome😀

[@szelop]

Nice bags! Thanks for the tutorial!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You're very welcome😀

[@pamelaweaver127]

Thank you! Your videos are so helpful!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You are so welcome Pamela🙂

[@judifisher8703]

Looks great Christine. Love it.😃

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Judi😀

[@karentoynton8948]

This is really nice I would like it myself, hehe thanks for sharing . Take care.x

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Karen😀

[@MsFlashfry]

❤ love it!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Doreen😁

[@unickmatanda5465]

Thank you so much .

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You're most welcome Unick. Thank you😁

[@MadeByTriniLena]

Awesome 🧵✅

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Arlene😁

[@KatiFalk1]

You look especially nice with your hair up and pulled back.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you Kati. I'm 5 months post shoulder reconstruction, and am looking forward to the day I can raise my arm up high enough to put it all up again😁

[@kaypatterson1378]

Very attractive bag. Thanks

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Kay😀

[@vickisparks5612]

Thank you

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You're welcome Vicki. Thank you😁

[@mareedempsey9390]

Great tutorial! You make it look so easy! How long roughly does it take? Would make great Christmas gifts! I was just going to make simple tote bags without the base, but I like the durability of this style!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

This certainly is very sturdy Maree. It's been a while since I made these ones, but you should get it done in under an hour or so😀

[@janetsheehan6983]

Great Christine!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Janet😀

[@CrypticConversions]

I am loving your vids! I have an idea for a hidden pocket in a tote. Make an inside zip pocket that is set within the lining, Within that pocket, facing the outside of the purse, make a welt pocket with a large 'flange' of material covering it very well, using the same material that was used for the rest of the inside of the zippered pocket. This welted, flanged pocket would be virtually invisible to anyone that might open the zipped pocket. Just a thought. I hope it's not confusing. LOL😂😂💕💞

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

I love this idea. I've been mulling it over, and have a plan for a video. I'm going to make a start on it tomorrow😊 Thank you

[@CrypticConversions]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs Awesome!

[@bevschutt848]

Thanks Christine

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You're welcome Bev😀

[@danielgower9039]

Another great video - thanks!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Daniel😀

[@gigiflame6454]

Love the bag. We could use a little of the wash away tape to keep the base edges lined up, right?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Yes you can Gigi. I did that with the second bag 😁

[@giovannacasadio9600]

Love your videos, but I have a complaint. There are too many ads. I got around 6 different ones, and in 21 minutes, it is a lot. I just want you to know. Great video. I love the bag.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Giovanna. The ads can be a pain, unfortunately I don't get to choose how many they put in a video😀

[@SherrieYeo]

I just made this bag and had to unpick the lining twice 🤦🏻‍♀️ I was following on with the video and I am a newbie, only had my machine a couple of weeks. I put the video back on so that I didn’t mess it up a 3rd time I thought I’d pay close attention this time! My husband noticed that at 13:37 in the video you say ‘turn the lining inside out’ which is what I did the last 2 times when I was more listening than watching… BUT… your lining is not inside out, it is the right way round, only the outside piece of the bag is actually inside out! That’s how I kept getting it wrong 😑

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Oh, I'm so sorry Sherrie. I've just rewatched that part of the video. I must have been distracted by all that thunder clapping about in the background. I was meant to say, "put the lining inside the bag". I'm glad you're husband was there to notice it for you. Once again I do apologise😊

[@vickisparks5612]

Hi Cristine it Vicky from U.S. can you tell me what stabilizer i should use for the bags please Thanks 😊

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Hi Vicki. I've always used whatever I have at hand. It also depends on the fabric I'm using at the time😁

[@catjones2684]

On. A. Roll!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Cat😀

[@christinecalpin1950]

I have seen you make a small draw string bag from a square and it folded from corner into centre.sadly can’t find it now. Any chance this makes sense and you can show it again please.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Christine, I think you mean this one 😀 th-cam.com/video/Gl8HjYvFJwA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=4-THzvXcSyN4kLxq

[@sandrahawks5616]

What size needle and is a regular sewing machine okay to use often? I ordered some free canvas left overs and one piece seems very thick.

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Sandra, on my domestic machines, I would use 90/14 or 100/16 needles😁

[@grannyscookies6140]

Hi Christine can i ask where did you get your sewing table from please

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

It came as part of the machine. Most industrials come that way 😄

[@fivenations2003]

I so want to make this with the upholstery fabric I've been given as I have a friend who works for a furniture restoration company (lucky me), but I don't have a long enough piece to make the main section. Would the bag still be strong if I sewed two pieces together? Thanks in advance

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

It sure would be. I am forever sewing small swatches together, and making giant bags with them. I'd double stitch the seams though. I have a playlist with videos I've been creating with the smaller swatches that will give you some ideas😊

[@fivenations2003]

@@ChristinesHomeAffairs Thanks Christine. Yes I’ve seen your videos- best instructions of any craft video on TH-cam!!

[@lorysteinberg2535]

Can you show how to put zipper in this bag, please?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Lory, try using the zipper tutorial in this video I did a few weeks back 😀
th-cam.com/video/CiLeiB2bzlM/w-d-xo.html If it doesn't suit, let me knw what you'd like

[@EmilyHuckabey]

May I ask what the measurements of the completed bag are? Wanting to make 6 inch boxed corners, would I just add 2 inches to the width of the decorative piece?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Emily, the finished measurements are approx 15" W x 33" H. Every inch you add will decrease the height by that amount, and make it that much more narrow too😀

[@orientbayerin]

😊 Dankeschön

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

You are very welcome😀

[@lorrainenel8185]

Please let me have measurements thanks Lorraine South Africa

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Hi Lorraine. The full list of measurements are in the videeo at 1.00 min 😄

[@barbaramason7636]

Was $65 the right price for this bag?

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Yes it was Barara. I sold it a while back😀

[@joyfuljoy5711]

🪡🪡🪡🪡🪡🪡🪡🌼🌼🌼🌼🙂🙂🙂💓💓💓

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Joy😀✨

[@oly6912]

Thanks!

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thank you so much Shasta😊

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

I like this one as well. You always have great ideas. Thank you

[@ChristinesHomeAffairs]

Thanks Cynthia. I really should make these more often😀