Cute Patchwork Tote Bag Tutorial
This patchwork tote bag with its deep sides and base is the perfect size for a grocery bag.
It’s firm and sturdy and also looks pretty chic and sophisticated, I think.
The cotton batting gives some insulation, so you could even use it as a cool bag.
Tools and materials:
- Fabric scraps
- Cotton batting
- Lining fabric
- Fusible interfacing
- 3 inch by 3 inch template
- Ruler
- Pins and fabric clips
- Scissors
- Iron
- Sewing machine
1. Patchwork front
Cut 36 3 inch squares from your scrap fabric.
Arrange the squares in six rows of six.
Join each square to the next horizontally with the right sides together.
Press all the seams open.
Starting at the bottom, join each row of squares to the one above, with the right sides facing.
Press the seams open again.
Cut a piece of batting slightly larger than the patchwork.
Place it under the patchwork and top stitch through both layers either side of each vertical seam.
Trim the front to 14 inches by 14 inches.
2. Bag handle
Cut 7 pieces of fabric, each 4 inches by 4 inches.
Join the pieces horizontally with the right sides together.
Press the seams open and trim to 4 inches by 24 inches.
Iron a piece of lightweight interfacing to the wrong side.
Fold the handle in half lengthways with the wrong side inside and press.
Unfold it and fold each long edge to the center line and press.
Fold it in half again and pin in place.
Sew both long edges.
Make a second handle in the same way.
3. Attach the handle
Find the center of the top edge of the bag front.
Pin the ends of one handle 4 inches either side of the center, extending 1 inch above the top edge.
Sew the handle in place.
Repeat the above steps for the bag back. If you wish, you can top stitch the quilting in a different direction. I sewed mine diagonally.
4. Assemble the bag
Cut three pieces of fabric each 8 inches by 14 inches and 3 pieces of batting to match.
Sew the batting to the wrong side of the fabric with two diagonal lines and trim any excess batting.
Pin and sew one piece to each side of the bag front and one piece to the base, with the right sides together.
Place the back of the bag on top with the right sides facing and sew it to the side and base pieces.
Pin and sew the open sides of the base closed.
Turn the bag right side out.
5. Inside pockets
Cut two pieces of fabric 10 inches by 11 inches.
Sew them together with the right sides facing, leaving a small opening in one of the longer sides.
Trim the corners, turn them right side out through the opening and press.
Top stitch the edge opposite the opening.
Repeat to make a second pocket.
6. Attach the pockets
Cut two pieces of lining fabric each 14 inches square.
Pin one pocket centrally to the right side of each lining piece, 3.5 inches from the top edge and with the opening at the bottom.
Sew in place around the side and lower edges. Sew a line of stitching up the center of the pocket.
7. Assemble the lining
Cut three pieces of lining fabric each 8 inches by 14 inches.
Attach the sides and base to the front and back of the lining in the same way as you did the outer bag, leaving a 7 inch opening in one of the side seams.
8. Attach the lining
Place the bag inside the lining so the right sides are facing.
Sew them together around the top edge.
Pull the bag out through the opening in the lining.
Sew the opening closed.
Tuck the lining back inside the bag and sew two rows of top stitching around the upper edge.
DIY patchwork tote bag
I love coming up with DIY tote bag ideas and this is one of my favorites.
The flat base and sides make it easy to pack with shopping and it stands upright on the counter for unpacking.
If there’s a style of bag you’d like me to make or if you have any questions, please drop me a line in the comments below. I love to read your feedback.
Next, check out my Sustainable Refashion Tutorial: How to Upcycle Pants Into a Cute Tote.
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