Isabelle made this bag to show off Purl Patchwork's beautifully embroidered linen/cotton fabric from India.  The bright colors and reversible construction are an ideal blend of pragmatic and pretty. 

Note:  This should be enough for two bags. 

 
1 yard each of two different Globalweave Textiles fabric

1 yard Stabilizing Interfacing to line the bag

machine sewing thread in a natural linen shade like 3260

glasshead pins

From both fabrics, cut:
2 strap pieces, 2 x 30 inches
1 bag piece, 13 x 25 inches

From the interfacing, cut:
1 bag piece, 13 x 25 inches
   

Layer the fabric and interfacing like this on your work table:  

First, set out the interfacing.  Place one piece of the first fabric right side up on the interfacing.  Place one piece of the second fabric wrong side up on top.  Pin these three layers together. 

Sew a 1/2-inch seam around all four sides of the layered stack, leaving a 6-inch wide gap on one side.

Trim the corners and excess fabric.  Then turn the bag right side our and press it flat.

At the opening, fold and press the fabric 1/2-inch so that it matches the sewn edge.  Edge stitch a scant 1/4-inch along the top and bottom edges, sealing the opening and creating a clean edge. 

The body of your bag should look something like this, with different fabrics on either side and clean edges all around. 

Turn and press a 1/4-inch hem on the long sides of all four strap pieces (If you have a bias tape maker, it helps for this step).  Pair up one strap of the first fabric with one strap of the second fabric. Pin them wrong sides together. 

Measure 2 inches in from the each end and make a mark.  Stitch a scant 1/4-inch edge seam between these two marks, then repeat for the other side. Be sure to backstitch at each end.  Make the second strap in the same way.

Measure 2 inches in from the edge of the bag along the short side and make a mark.  Open the end of the strap and place one half on the bag on the inside of this mark.  Pin the strap in place through the bag so that it captures the other end of the strap. The strap ends should be aligned one on top of the other, with the bag fabric in between.  It may help to baste the strap in place rather than just pin it.

Sew the straps in place, stitching around the U of the base of the strap to reinforce it.  Turn it over and make sure the other side of the strap is secure.

Attach the second strap to the other short side the same way. 

Now you have to decide which side will be the outside for a moment.  Fold the bag in half widthwise so that the handles are on the same side.  Pin together the long side seams.  See the pretty fabric peeking out?  I think this photo (above) looks like a face. 

Sew a 1/4-inch edge seam along both side seams to complete the bag.  Don't forget to backstitch at each edge.  

I hope you enjoy working with this simple, elegant fabric as much as I did. -- Isabelle