How to Sew a Quilted Tote Bag

Use a combination of fabric remnants for an interesting design.

Making a quilted tote bag is a fun and simple sewing project. It is a great project for beginners as it only requires straight stitches, and there is very little cutting involved. You can use any pattern of cotton fabric or a combination of coordinating designs for your bag. Patterns are available for a variety of sizes and styles of tote bags, but are not necessary to make a simple tote. Quilted tote bags make wonderful gifts for your family and friends.

Things You'll Need

• One yard of cotton fabric - this can be a combination of fabrics
• Quilters batting
• Thread
• Scissors
• Pins
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Cut the individual pieces of fabric for the components of your bag. You will need two 15-inch by 17-inch pieces of fabric for the outside of your bag, one 32-inch by 14-inch piece of coordinating fabric for the lining, two 15-inch by 7-inch pieces of quilters batting, and two pieces of fabric 18 inches by 4 inches for the strap. Mix and match the fabric patterns for a one-of-a-kind bag. Lay your fabric on a flat surface, measure the desired lengths and cut the fabric with scissors or a cutting wheel.

2. Place the quilters batting on the wrong side of the each of the pieces of outside fabric. Attach the quilters batting by sewing vertical lines of stitches approximately 1 inch apart along the length of the fabric. You can use a regular or quilting presser foot on the sewing machine.

3. Place the two pieces of quilted fabric with the right sides together. Stitch the fabric along three edges, using 1/2-inch seam allowance, in a U shape, leaving the top end open. Use a zigzag stitch for added strength along the seams. Turn the fabric right side out.

4. Fold the lining fabric in half, right sides together, so that it measures 16 inches by 14 inches. Stitch the lining in the same manner as the outside fabric along three edges in a U shape.

5. Place the lining with the right sides facing each other, inside of the outside fabric bag. The top end of the tote bag should be open where the lining meets the outside fabric.

6. Fold the fabric for the straps right sides together in half lengthwise. You should have a piece approximately 18 inches in length and 2 inches wide. Stitch along the length of the fabric with a 1/2-inch seam allowance leaving the ends open. Turn the strap right sides out. Press the strap along the edges for a smooth finish. You will need two straps.

7. Measure 3 inches inward from each edge at the opening of the bag and place one end of the strap between the lining and the outside fabric at each point. Pin the strap in place. Repeat this on both sides. At least one inch of the strap should be tucked in between the lining and the outer shell. Fold the edges of the lining and the shell inward.

8. Stitch along the top edge of the bag to join the edges of the lining and the outer shell. This will also secure the straps to the bag. Stitch two rows of stitching one quarter inch apart for added strength.