Reusable bags are a valuable resource. Some of the ones you can pick up at the grocery stores are attractive, but most of the time the logos on them take away from the design. Instead, try making a reversible knot bag to add a bit of custom chic to your day. They are sturdy, can be customized to your taste and, as an added bonus, can be used as a stylish accessory.

Supplies

• paper (to print out the pattern)
• 1/2 yard of patterned fabric
• 1/2 yard of solid fabric
• pencil
• fabric scissors
• pins
• sewing machine (not shown)
• coordinating thread (not shown)
• iron (not shown)
• pattern template

Some notes on fabric and sewing terms:

Fabric has two sides: the “pretty” or patterned side and the back where the fabric pattern and/or color is less brilliant. Right side of the fabric refers to the pretty side. If you are going to use cotton or quilting fabric for this project, it’s best to pre-wash and dry the fabric before use. This prevents any surprise shrinking when it comes time to wash the bag.

Download and print out the knot bag template. Cut out the pattern and assemble the pattern. The lines of the curves should touch with no overlap. Tape the pattern together. Pin the pattern on top of the fabric, then trace the template twice on each fabric and cut out. You should have four pieces all together. Two from the patterned fabric and two from the solid fabric.

Align and pin the two solid pieces together and the patterned pieces, right sides facing.

Using 1/4-inch seam allowance, sew along the top of each handle and along the bottom curve of each pinned piece. Be sure to leave both sides of both handles and the neckline (bag opening) open.

Turn the solid piece right side out (it should look like a finished bag), and insert the solid piece into the inside-out patterned piece. Line up seams, raw edges, and handles. Pin around the neckline of the bag and sew with a 1/4-inch seam.

Going through the longer handle, turn the entire bag right side out (patterned fabric on the outside). Press all seams.

Fold raw edges of "armholes" in 1/4 inch and press. Pin together. Topstitch 1/4 inch around bag handles and neckline to finish.

To make the “knot,” insert the long handle and pull it through the small handle. The bag is ready to fill with goodies.