Sewing a Patch Bag

Make a whimsical patchwork bag using basic fabric supplies.

When you carry personal items in a canvas tote bag, you may feel frustrated by how plain and uninteresting the bag is. One alternative is to use a more creative, decorative bag, such as a patch -- or patchwork -- bag. Although you can buy a patch bag from a department store, they can often be costly, and may not feature the colors or patterns that you prefer. One solution is to sew your own patch bag using fabrics that you pick out yourself.

Things You'll Need

• 1 yard of different fabrics
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Straight pins
• Sewing needle
• Thread
• Woven ribbon, 2 inches wide

Instructions

1. Cut 12 squares from any type of fabric you like. Each square should measure 6 inches on each side.

2. Place two of the squares with the front sides together and line up the edges. Pin along one edge using straight pins, leaving a half-inch seam allowance. Repeat this process to pin all the squares into pairs.

3. Sew along all of the pinned edges using a chain stitch. Remove the straight pins.

4. Place two pairs of squares with the front sides together. Pin along one of the long edges using straight pins. Leave a half-inch seam allowance. Pin the remaining pairs of squares together in the same manner.

5. Sew along the pinned edges using a chain stitch. Remove the straight pins.

6. Place two of the sewn forms with the front sides together along one of the long sides. Pin the edge, leaving a half-inch seam allowance. Pin all the forms together into one long rectangle of squares.

7. Sew along the pinned edges using a chain stitch, then remove the straight pins.

8. Fold the entire rectangle in half lengthwise with the front sides together. Position the folded form vertically on a table with the fold at the bottom. Pin along the right and left sides, leaving a half-inch seam allowance.

9. Sew along the pinned sides using a chain stitch, then remove the straight pins. Turn the bag right side out.

10. Turn the top edges of the bag opening inward by a quarter-inch, then turn the edges inward another quarter-inch. Pin along the turned-down edges using straight pins. Sew along the pinned edges, then remove the straight pins.

11. Cut two 18-inch pieces of woven ribbon.

12. Pin both ends of one of the ribbons to the inside of one edge of the opening. Position the ends so they are 8 inches apart and 2 inches below the top edge of the patch bag. Sew the ends in place with a needle and thread, then remove the straight pins. Repeat the process to attach the other ribbon to the other side of the opening.

13. Cut off any excess thread before use.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep sharp scissors, straight pins and sewing needles out of the reach of children.

References

• The Family Homestead: Make a Totebag
• And Sew It Is: How to Make a Tote Bag