Sew a reversible basket — an easy tutorial

Do you want a practical little basket that’s usable from both sides? With this step-by-step tutorial you’ll sew a reversible basket (also called a “reversible tote” or “reversible pouch”) in no time. It’s perfect for beginners — and easy to embroider or decorate!

1. Prepare materials

• Fabric A: 30 cm × 40 cm
• Fabric B: 30 cm × 40 cm (the second, “inner” side)
• Handles:
  • either 2 fabric strips, each 7.5 cm × 30 cm
  • or 60 cm of webbing (cut 30 cm per handle)
• Sewing thread
• Sewing machine, scissors, tape measure, pins/clips
• Iron

Tip: You can swap full handles for short loops if you prefer the basket as a storage bin without a carrying function.

2. Cutting & handle prep

Cut the fabric pieces

• Cut 30 cm × 40 cm from both Fabric A and Fabric B.

Sewing fabric handles (if not using webbing)

• Press the strips flat.
• Set them aside until it’s time to attach them.

3. Cut the corners

• Fold each fabric piece in half.
• At the fold, cut out a rectangle 3.5 cm × 4 cm.
• Unfold — the corner cut-outs should look like in the photo.

4. Attach the handles

• Pin the handles:
  • Position each handle along the top edge, 8 cm in from the outer edge.
  • Make sure the handles aren’t twisted.
• Sew pieces together:
  • Place fabrics right sides together and stitch across the short top and bottom edges.
  • Remember to leave a turning opening on one of the top edges between the handles.

5. Sew the side seams

• Press seam allowances open:
  • Open up the fabric and press the seam allowances.
  • Now the same fabrics lie right sides together.
• Sew the sides:
  • Stitch both side seams — leave the corner cut-outs open.

6. Box the bottom corners

• Open the corners:
  • Pull the open corner so the cut edges align in a straight line.
  • Stitch across that line.
  • Repeat for all four corners.

7. Join at the corners

• Align the seam allowances at the corners and stitch them together.

8. Turn and finish

• Turn the basket right side out through the turning opening.
• Give the basket a good press.
• Close the turning opening by hand or with a narrow topstitch.

• Decorate as you like: embroidery, fabric paint, buttons or crochet flowers.

Conclusion

With this simple tutorial you can sew a practical reversible basket in no time — perfect as an Easter basket, organiser, tote or small gift. Thanks to the turning opening there’s no visible seam, so both sides look neat.

Have fun sewing and experimenting!