Reversible Hobo Beginner Bag Pattern

15 Jan

I have been meaning to make a quick grab and go tote where I can just toss what I need and rush out the door. I thought what better style than a hobo tote! These are so simple to make and having it be reversible is really versatile. This tote measures about 15″ across so its not too big and not too small. I think I can get all my daughter’s sleep over stuff or my gym gear in it. It doesn’t have a closure which goes with my desire to have it be a toss and go kinda bag. The pattern is free and you can scale it up or down based on your needs. I hope you guys enjoy the pattern and tutorial!

The fabric used for this bag is an owl/bird pattern I picked up at Joanns Fabric Store as well as a dark denim.

The pattern is not really meant to go on the shoulders but it can be worn as such. I have found similar patterns online but some of the them have too long of a strap piece or a bit rounded. I really wanted this bag to be somewhat square with a short handle.

I used a denim material for the other side of the bag which ended up matching my owl fabric pretty well. I added some featherlight interfacing to the cotton print fabric to give it some heaviness. Since I used denim on the other side, I really didn’t need to use interfacing on both sides.

The bag has a standard box shape which is super easy to sew. This bag literally took me about 30 mins from start to finish! Gotta love quick sewing projects.

You can DOWNLOAD the FREE PRINTABLE PATTERN AND TUTORIAL HERE!

Thanks for visiting and happy sewing!

« Sewing for Beginners: Learn how to sew

Pattern Review: Heart Tree Pillow »

Comments (47)

Logging you in...

Dashboard | Edit profile | Logout

Logged in as

+1 Vote up Vote down

Linda · 547 weeks ago

I like the size and that its reversible. It would be easy enough to add a zipperpocket should you want one. Thank you for the free tutorial, Remona!

+2 Vote up Vote down

Layla Mansergh · 542 weeks ago

Lovely post by you. I really liked it and want some more design ideas by you. Thanks

0 Vote up Vote down

Cindy · 542 weeks ago

Looks easy for beginners. I teach a sewing class and this would be perfect for the ladies that
are in it. Thanks. And you could add Velcro to the opening if you wanted a little closure.

+1 Vote up Vote down

Gill Forrester · 541 weeks ago

Hi Ramona,
What a lovely bag!
I can't seem to be able to open up the pattern - can you email it to me instead?
I can't wait to get started...I have a stash of material at the ready.
With kind regards,x

1 reply · active 404 weeks ago

0 Vote up Vote down

Jill · 541 weeks ago

Thanks for this tutorial - three questions...first, is there any reason you can't fully sew three of the handles before turning inside out? Second, should I top-stitch all the way around? It seems like this will be tricky because of my boxy corners. Third, did you do anything special when sewing the handles together (to strengthen)? My first bag is taking me much longer than 30 minutes, but maybe I'll get faster :)

1 reply · active 540 weeks ago

0 Vote up Vote down

Angela · 540 weeks ago

Hi I am a little bit confused if there are 4 pieces to this bag should there be a seam to connect the halves of the bag? Or should I be cutting on the fold and getting two large pieces?

2 replies · active 540 weeks ago

+2 Vote up Vote down

Bonnie · 540 weeks ago

I am not able to download the pattern, could you email to me? It is a cute pattern, can't wait to try it. Thanks

0 Vote up Vote down

Pieceful1 · 540 weeks ago

I understood that I need to place the pattern on the fold of the fabric but for beginners I think you should have included that information with a picture just to clarify it for a beginner. other than that, AWESOME tote!

0 Vote up Vote down

Janet · 540 weeks ago

Hi
Not printing download properly, could youplease email me a copy. Bag looks awesome. Thanks

+1 Vote up Vote down

Andrea · 540 weeks ago

Do you have a printable version of this bag? Or do you have a downloadable copy of this pattern that can be printed. This would make a really nice project for me and my 11 yr. old daughter. Thanks in advance.

-1 Vote up Vote down

yvonne · 540 weeks ago

I am in the process of making this bag, but I like watching things been made on you-tube. thanks

0 Vote up Vote down

Kulsum · 537 weeks ago

I am confused about the handles you joined the outer straps , what about the denim ones how do you join them to the outer straps also I cannot download the pattern would you be kind to email me Thank you very much I am trying to make a shopping bag with nylon like fabric so I can fold it do I use interfacing ?

+2 Vote up Vote down

Helen · 526 weeks ago

Just what I was looking for!!!!! I will be making it in a solid on one side as I have a premade applique,,, an owl that has been begging to be used Your designs show a very exclusive talent and your kindness in sharing them is greatly appreciated Thanks so much SMILE Heleni

-1 Vote up Vote down

natalie · 525 weeks ago

hi. i have a question. For when you say to put the bags you made one inside the other ( i am using 2 patterned pieces. do i turn one right side in and have one right side ou or both need to be right side out. This is my first time sewing, i am a bit confused

0 Vote up Vote down

Sheila · 519 weeks ago

Hi can you email me a pattern please my email is 305 dixie@ gmail.com
Thank you
Sheila

+1 Vote up Vote down

Taylor rodriguez · 504 weeks ago

I'm having problems turning it inside out .... :"( can you help?

0 Vote up Vote down

longchamp boutique · 494 weeks ago

longchamp boutique,,Longchamp Pliage Pas Cher Taille L,,Acheter Longchamp Le Pliage,,sac de cour longchamp,

,Sacs Longchamps Soldes,,Prix Des Sacs Longchamps,,

, , ,

5 replies · active 445 weeks ago

+2 Vote up Vote down

Kim · 488 weeks ago

I loved this pattern. I just made one and plan on using it as a knitting project bag. I will be making more for sure!

-1 Vote up Vote down

Tina · 479 weeks ago

Great bag! I would appreciate a copy of this Hobo Bag pattern. Greatly apprecited. Thanks!

+1 Vote up Vote down

CathyB · 477 weeks ago

Hi Remona,
First, I love your patterns! I am formerly a Nuclear Med Tech, and also appreciate the systematic 'flavor' to your patterns/instructions. I was thinking about the coregarding closure ideas for this bag, and I think that a thin fabric tube shaped into a loop and combined with a really interesting button to hook the loop over may be something to try. I am also thinking of a horn toggle, a funky lampwork bead/button, or a Czech glass button. Thank you again for your patterns/tutorials!

+1 Vote up Vote down

Jessica · 475 weeks ago

Today I tried this for my first sewing project and after a few idiotic blunders, it turned out pretty well! I'm excited!
Thanks for the easy-to-follow tutorial and pattern. :)