Hey everyone. Today we're making a handy everyday tote bag, and you'll learn how a free charm pattern turns a stack of squares into a bag you'll actually use.
Let's Talk About the Pattern First
Here we go. The star today is Charm Monday (Digital Download).
This one is a little different, folks. It is not a cut of fabric. It is a free digital download pattern from Linda's Electric Quilters. You download it, print what you need, and you are ready to sew.
The listing tells us exactly what you get. Step-by-step instructions. Fabric requirements. And cutting guides. All in one place, y'all.
It is beginner-friendly too. The listing says it is perfect for all skill levels, even if this is your first bag.
And that name tells you the plan. Charm Monday. A charm project. Those 5-inch charm squares are super duper fun for a tote, because every panel shows a different print.
We're not reinventing the wheel here. If I can do this, y'all can do it.
The Project: A Handy Everyday Tote Bag
A tote bag is one of my favorite useful makes. Groceries, library books, a quilting project on the go — it holds it all. And it finishes fast.
Why does this pattern suit it? A tote front is really just a small patchwork panel. Lay charm squares out in rows, sew them up, and you have a front and back with lots of color and not a lot of cutting.
Our plan makes a tote about 15 inches wide by 16 inches tall, plus handles. Want it bigger? Add another row. Completely up to you.
Materials List
- Charm Monday (Digital Download) — download and print the instructions, fabric requirements, and cutting guides first
- 1 charm pack, about 42 squares at 5 inches square, or cut from your stash per the pattern's fabric requirements — you'll use about 24 squares for the outside
- Lining fabric, about 1/2 yard
- Fusible fleece or low-loft batting, about 1/2 yard, for body so the bag stands up
- Handle fabric — 2 strips cut 4 inches wide by 22 inches long, or cotton webbing
- All-purpose thread to blend with your fabrics
- Sewing machine with a size 80/12 universal needle
- Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler; pins or clips; iron
Brief Steps
- Download the pattern and read it through once. Check the fabric requirements and cutting guides before you cut a thing. Ask me how I learned that one.
- Lay out two panels, about 4 squares wide by 3 squares tall for each side. Put favorites front and center, and spread busy prints out.
- Sew each row with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Chain piece where you can. It saves thread, and it saves time.
- Press as you go. Press, do not scrub. Press seams one way on the first row, the other way on the next, so rows nest flat.
- Join the rows for each panel, then fuse or baste the fleece to the wrong side of both panels.
- Make your handles. Fold each strip in half lengthwise, press, fold raw edges to the center, press again, and topstitch both sides.
- Pin a handle to the top of each panel, about 3 inches in from each side, loop hanging down against the right side. Baste it.
- Sew front to back, right sides together, with a 1/2-inch seam. Box the corners about 2 inches for a flat bottom. Sew the lining the same way, leaving a 4-inch gap in one side.
- Turn the lining right side out, slip the outer bag inside it, match the top edges, and sew around the top. Pull everything through the gap, tuck the lining in, press, and topstitch around the top. Just like that, your tote is done.
Practical Tips From My Sewing Table
Tip one: use real numbers. I piece at about 10 to 12 stitches per inch. That holds through a lot of carrying, but still rips out clean if you need a do-over.
Tip two: reinforce the handles. Go back and forth where the handle meets the top edge. That is where a tote works hardest.
Tip three: slow down where layers stack up. At the side seams and boxed corners, it gets thick fast. Slow down or the needle snaps. Ease over those bumps, folks.
And here is the permission part. It does not have to be perfect. You are your own worst critic. If one square sits a hair off, nobody will ever notice. They will just see the pretty bag you made. Take your time. It is not a race.
Oh my goodness, the best part? This pattern is free, and a tote this size really really comes together in an afternoon.
Thank you so much for sewing along with me today. I hope this tote gets years of good use.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Charm Monday (Digital Download) at Linda's Electric Quilters.
