Patchwork Tote Bag

For this Tote Bag project you will need:
1/4 yard each of 4-5 different material
2- 13 ½ inch pieces of material for lining
2- 2 ½ x 24 inch strips of material for straps

~To make a taller bag use 4 strips with 24- 4 ½ x 4 ½ inch squares.

Cut your ¼ yard of material in 4 ½ x 4 ½ inch squares.

Arrange your different squares as you'd like them to be laid out. Sew 6 squares together to make one strip by sewing one end to the next, to the next, etc. Sew them with the right sides together. Make 3 strips of 6 squares. Once your 3 strips are done lay them out again the way you'd like it.

Pin together Row 1 to Row 2, right sides together, matching squares up. Sew together taking out pins as you go. Continue with Row 3. Now you have a rectangle, fold in half right sides together. Measure, if your rectangle is smaller than 13 inches, cut lining pieces to equal size of outside bag. Sew side and bottom together of patchwork tote.

To make lining, take 2 pieces of lining material and put them right sides together. Sew along edges leaving top open. Leave inside out. Turn the outside of the tote so that the right sides are facing out. Insert bags into each other so wrong sides are together.

On the top edge turn 1/4 inch down and 1/4 inch again. Pin in place.
***We pinned our bag with the lining showing out, just for fun, or you can fold it inside also.

Make straps by taking your 2 1/2 x 13 1/2 inch material and place them right sides together. Sew along long edge. Turn inside out. Attach handles to middle of front and back.

Pin in place and sew.

Patchwork tote bag

by Susan Hupkens (Netherlands)



Using all little squares of fabric (10x10cm), you can easily make the nicest patchwork tote bag from any pattern available. My 7 year old daughter made this bag and it is now already her favorite.

1-Sew together 3x4 squares (the front)

2- Sew together 5x4 squares (the back + closure)

3- Sew a long piece of fabric between the front & back (this is the bottom & the sides)

4- Make the same bag from plain fabric (front of the size of 3x4sq, back of size of 5x4sq and the sides/bottom).

5- Fit the bags into each other with the nice sides facing together on the inside.

6- Sew the front top & around the closure. Leave the short sides open

7- Turn the bag the right way through one of the two holes

8- Fit the "strap" in the two holes & sew it to the bag

9- If you like you can add buttons to the closure or just leave it as it is.

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Related Beginning Projects:
~Beginning Lessons, ~Bandanna Tote Bag with an Inside Lining, ~Beach Towel Bag, ~Sew a Simple Belt, ~Bottle Bag, ~Christmas Stockings, ~Circle Pillow,~ Couch Caddy, ~Dinner Placemat, ~Dress Up Your Jeans, ~Gathered Apron,~Hair Scrunchy, ~How to Sew Drawstring Bags, ~How to Sew Tote Bags, ~Jean Purse, ~Jean Apron, ~Lap Desk, ~Pencil Case, ~Neck Pillow, ~Painted Tote Bag, ~Patchwork Tote Bag, ~Patchwork Pillow Cover, ~Pillow Cover with Ties, ~Pillow with Trim,~Pocket Purse,~ Sew a Pot Holder, ~Stuffed Animal, ~ Stuffed Ball, ~Tshirt Drawstring Bag, ~Sew a Card, ~No Sew Projects, ~Sewing Safety, ~Practice stitches sheet, pdf, ~Pillowcase Scarf, ~Felt Tooth Fairy, ~Patchwork pillows, ~Stuffed Elephant, ~Placemat Travel Bag,~Stuffed Monster,~ Pretty Purse, ~Make a sewn bookmark, ~Mini stuffed Dog, ~Stuffed Bear, ~Baby Receiving Blanket,~ Baby doll blanket & pillow,~Patchwork Skirt, ~Reusable Snack Baggie, ~Glasses Case, ~Clothespin Bag, ~Sew Tablecloth

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