Hey everyone. Today you will learn how to turn a pack of fat quarters into a bright, useful tote bag.
Here we go.
The fabric is the Aloha Fat Quarter Packs, 12 Colors, made by Dear Stella. The designer is Clara Jean Design. The collection is Aloha.
The product details list the content as 100% cotton, digital. They also list 44 inches and a weight of 150 gm/sq m.
This is a fat quarter bundle, not yardage. You get 12 colors in the pack. A standard fat quarter measures about 18 inches by 22 inches.
The tags call out floral and floral pattern. They also list the colors as multi, multi color, and multicolor.
So you get the whole Aloha floral mix together. Somebody already matched these prints for you, y'all.
I really like that for a tote. A bag shows off several prints at once. Every panel gets to be a little different.
The project: a fat quarter tote bag
A fat quarter tote bag is a simple, sturdy carry bag. We are making one that finishes about 14 inches wide, 15 inches tall, and 4 inches deep.
That size holds groceries, books, or a small quilt project, and it sews up in an afternoon.
This pack suits the project really well. Twelve fat quarters give you plenty of choices. Pick four prints for this bag and you still have fabric left.
Use two prints for the front and back panels. Use a third for the gussets and handles. Use a fourth inside, where a cheerful floral is a fun surprise.
You could patchwork each side instead. That looks super duper cute. I prefer big panels, so the florals shine. Completely up to you.
Materials
- 1 pack of Aloha Fat Quarter Packs, 12 Colors
- 4 to 6 fat quarters from the pack for the outer bag, lining, gussets, and handles
- Fusible fleece or medium interfacing, about 1 yard
- 50-weight cotton thread for construction
- Size 90/14 needle for sewing through the layers
- Rotary cutter, mat, ruler, pins or clips, iron, and your sewing machine
Brief steps
First, pick your prints and press every fat quarter. Spread the busy florals and the calmer prints out evenly.
Cut two outer panels at 15 inches wide by 16 inches tall. Cut two lining panels the same size. Cut two gusset pieces at 5 inches wide by 16 inches tall.
Cut two handle strips at 4 inches wide by 22 inches long. Fold each strip in half lengthwise. Then fold the raw edges in to the center fold and press again.
Stitch both long edges of each handle, about 1/8 inch from the edge. Use a stitch length of about 2.5 mm. That is roughly 10 stitches per inch.
Fuse the fleece to the wrong side of the outer panels and gussets. Follow the product directions. Let the pieces cool flat before you sew.
Sew a gusset to each side of the front panel with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Then sew the back panel to the free edges of the gussets. Press the seams open as you go.
Sew the lining the same way, but leave a 5-inch opening in one side seam. You will turn the bag through that opening later.
Pin the handles to the top edge of the outer bag. Center each handle about 4 inches in from the side seams. Baste them in place first.
Slip the outer bag inside the lining, right sides together. Match the side seams. Sew around the top with a 1/2-inch seam.
Turn the bag right side out through the lining opening. Push the lining down inside. Press the top edge nice and flat.
Topstitch around the top edge about 1/4 inch down. That keeps the handles secure and the edge crisp. Then hand stitch the lining opening closed.
Practical tips
Go slow through the thick spots at the handles. Slow down or the needle can deflect and snap. A fresh 90/14 needle makes a real difference here.
Backstitch at the start and end of every construction seam. A tote gets tugged and loaded up. Those little reinforcements are cheap insurance.
I have sewn a handle twisted on a bag before. It happens. Lay both handles flat and check them before that final top seam. A thirty-second check saves a seam ripper session.
And here is the important part. Your tote does not have to be perfect. You are your own worst critic. A slightly wobbly seam will not stop this bag from working hard.
Take your time. It is not a race. If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Thanks for sewing along with me today. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Aloha Fat Quarter Packs, 12 Colors at Linda's Electric Quilters.
