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Quilted Tote

© Jeanne Walsh

Practice your machine quilting skills while making this tote in an afternoon, or evening. Any size, any fabric. I made this one in an afternoon, which included the time I spent deciding on fabric - - and looking for my rotary cutter!

Supplies needed:

1/2 yd fabric for outer shell
1/2 yd lining fabric
Fabric for pockets, if wanted
Two 20 inch squares pellon for batting
Two 20 inch squares of backing to quilt outer shell
Thread to match outer shell
Safety pins
Large head straight pins

Tools needed:

Cutting mat and rotary cutter or scissors
Acrylic ruler
Sewing machine
Even feed foot for quilting

How you will use this tote bag will determine the choice of fabric. Denim is good for heavy duty, any cotton for lighter use. Stripes can be quilted easily, florals can be quilted by following the design or just simple grid lines. Upholstery squares can be used without quilting or lining.

Cut two 18 inch squares for front and back. This size can be adjusted to meet your requirements

Cut two 18 inch squares for lining
Cut two 6 1/2 x 18 inch for handles

If you would like a pocket on the inside or outside of your bag, determine the size needed and cut these pieces allowing for turn under on all sides

Now for the quilting: Sandwich an 18 inch outer shell square with the pellon and backing. (This backing can be any scrap fabric as it will not show in the finished tote.) Pin securely all four corners, midway on all four sides, and several spots in the midsection of the sandwich. Machine quilt as desired, removing the pins as you approach them.

Form pocket: Turn under the top edge of the pocket piece 1/2 inch and stitch down. Turn under sides and bottom of piece, finger press. Pin to desired area on the OUTSIDE of the outer shell for an outside pocket. Stitch around sides and bottom of pocket, reinforcing at the top of each side of the pocket. Go back to your dressmaking skills to make a neat pocket.

The handles: Lay strip of pellon inside the handle as shown. Finger press 1/2 inch on long side and fold over the pellon.
Finger press 1/2 inch on the other side and fold over.

Machine stitch both edges and twice more inside that row of stitching to reinforce the handle.

Outer Shell: Trim the batting and backing to the edge of the outer shell pieces. Place the shell pieces together, right sides facing and stitch around 3 sides.