A Roomy Fat Quarter Tote Bag in Black, White and Bloom

Hey everyone! Today you're going to learn how to turn a fat quarter bundle into a roomy tote bag you'll actually use every day.

Here we go.

Meet the fabric first

This is the Black, White and Bloom 20 piece Fat Quarter Bundle.

It is from Benartex.

The collection is Black, White and Bloom.

These are cotton fat quarters.

You get 20 pieces in the bundle.

And oh my goodness, the idea here is clever.

What is better than black and white fabrics?

One with some trendy colors added in!

Each of the prints features both versions.

You get a monochromatic version.

And you get a color version, too.

That gives you infinite creative possibilities.

The line features modern floral motifs.

They come in all scales.

Big blooms, smaller blooms, all of it.

Plus there are a few unique geometric coordinates.

Those geometrics add some extra pizzazz.

The overall effect is fresh and exciting.

It is super duper perfect for this project.

A tote shows off fabric beautifully.

You see two big panels, front and back.

So those larger florals get real room.

Black and white gives you strong contrast.

Then the color versions wake it up.

Try a color floral on the front.

Use its monochrome twin on the back.

Just like that, the bag tells a story.

We're not reinventing the wheel here.

A standard fat quarter is about 18 by 22 inches.

That is plenty for a generous tote panel.

And with 20 pieces, you have choices.

Pick six favorites for this bag.

Completely up to you, folks.

Our tote will finish about 16 inches wide.

It will be about 15 inches tall.

And about 4 inches deep at the base.

Big enough for supplies or groceries.

1 Black, White and Bloom 20 piece Fat Quarter Bundle — pick 6 fat quarters: 2 for the outside, 2 for the lining, 1 for pockets, and 1 for handles and trim
1 yard of fusible fleece or medium interfacing, to give the bag body
Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler
Sewing machine with a size 80/12 universal needle
Pins or clips, iron, and a marking tool

Choose your six fat quarters. Lay color and monochrome versions side by side. Decide which print leads on the front.
Press everything. Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of the two outside fat quarters. Let them cool flat.
Trim each outside piece to 17 by 16 inches. Trim the two lining pieces the same size. Cut two handle strips 4 by 22 inches from your trim fat quarter.
Make the handles. Fold each strip in half lengthwise and press. Fold the long edges to the center, then fold in half again. Topstitch both edges with a 2.5 mm stitch length, about 10 stitches per inch.
Add a pocket if you like. Cut a 7 by 8 inch piece, hem the top, then stitch it to one lining piece on the sides and bottom.
Sew the outside pieces right sides together with a 1/2 inch seam. Do the same with the lining, leaving a 5 inch opening in the bottom for turning.
Box the corners. Flatten each bottom corner into a triangle. Measure 2 inches in from the point, draw a line, and sew on it. Trim the point away. That gives you the 4 inch base.
Pin the handles to the outside top, about 4 inches in from each side seam, and baste. Slide the outside bag into the lining, right sides together, match side seams, and sew around the top with a 1/2 inch seam.
Turn the bag right side out through the lining opening. Push the lining inside, press the top edge, and topstitch around it about 1/4 inch from the edge.
Close the lining opening with a few close stitches. Press once more, and you are done.