Hey everyone! Today you are going to learn how to make a sturdy, music-lover's tote bag that shows off a fun print.
Meet the fabric
This one is the Blue Patch Perfect Music cotton from PBS Fabrics.
It is 100% cotton.
The width of fabric is 43/44 inches.
It was made by Paintbrush Studio Fabrics.
It is part of the Patch Perfect collection.
It is also listed as OEKO-TEX CERTIFIED.
The color named in the title is blue.
And the motifs are all about the music, folks.
Think microphones and music.
Think stars and tapes in the mix.
The product notes call it a lightweight quilting cotton.
It tends to hold its shape even after being washed.
That makes it perfect for quilting and crafting structured garments.
It is sold by the yard, so you can order what your project needs.
Why it suits a tote bag
A tote bag is made to be used hard.
It hauls books, fabric, and market finds.
You also want big, flat panels.
Those panels let the whole print show.
No tiny piecing chops up the microphones.
The stars get room to shine, just like that.
I like a finished tote about 14 inches wide.
Make it about 16 inches tall, with a boxed bottom.
That size swallows a notebook and a water bottle.
It also fits a few yards of new fabric. Alrighty.
Materials list
- Blue Patch Perfect Music Cotton — 1 yard for the outside panels and handles, with room to center your favorite motifs
- A coordinating solid or blender cotton — 3/4 yard for the lining
- Medium-weight fusible interfacing — 1 yard, for the outside panels and handles
- Thread — I reach for a 50-weight cotton for construction, in blue or a neutral that blends
- A fresh needle — a 90/14 quilting needle handles the layered seams well; an 80/12 works for the lighter steps
- Pins or clips, a ruler, a marking tool, and a rotary cutter or scissors
Brief steps
Step 1: Press and plan. Press the fabric well. Lay it flat and study the print. Decide which microphones and stars you want front and center on each side.
Step 2: Cut your panels. Cut two outside panels, each about 15 by 17 inches. Cut two lining panels the same size. Cut two handle strips, each about 4 by 22 inches.
Step 3: Add the interfacing. Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of both outside panels and the handle strips. Press, do not slide the iron.
Step 4: Make the handles. Fold each strip in half lengthwise and press. Fold both long edges to the center crease, then fold in half again. Topstitch both edges, about 1/8 inch in, with a stitch length around 3.0.
Step 5: Build the outside. Place the outside panels right sides together. Sew the sides and bottom with a 1/2-inch seam. Box each bottom corner by sewing across about 2 1/2 inches from the point. Trim the corner triangles, leaving about 1/4 inch.
Step 6: Build the lining. Sew the lining the same way, and box those corners too. Leave a 4-inch opening in the bottom seam for turning.
Step 7: Attach the handles and finish. Pin each handle to the top of the outside bag, ends about 4 inches from each side seam, and baste in place. Check neither handle is twisted. Slide the outside bag, right side out, inside the lining, right sides together. Sew around the top with a 1/2-inch seam. Turn right side out through the opening, stitch it closed, press the top edge, and topstitch all the way around.
Practical tips from my sewing table
Fussy cut with patience, folks.
Center one great microphone on the front.
Slow down at the thick spots.
The handle ends and boxed corners stack up layers.
Slow down there, or the needle can snap.
I like to sew a small square where each handle meets the bag.
Then I add an X inside that square.
Here is the permission part.
It does not have to be perfect.
You are your own worst critic.
If a topstitch wobbles a little, leave it.
Nobody at the market is inspecting your seams.
They are admiring that super duper fun print.
Take your time. It is not a race.
If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Thank you so much for sewing along with me today.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Blue Patch Perfect Music Cotton 43"/44" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
