Patchwork tote

By Spotlight

Embrace the new season with fabrics that reflect the beauty of spring.

Final Result

Materials

• 42cm x 112cm cotton fabric for lining
• 30cm x 112cm cotton fabric - A (& straps)
• 20cm x 112cm cotton fabric - B
• 15cm x 112cm cotton fabric - C
• 15cm x 112cm cotton fabric - D
• 42cm x 72cm lightweight iron-on pellon
• matching sewing thread
• rotary cutter, quilting ruler & cutting mat (optional)
• scissors
• pins
• sewing machine
• tape measure

Step 1

Front & back - cutting.
All strips are cut across the width of fabric unless otherwise stated.

From fabric A cut 2 strips 9cm wide for handles, one 4cm wide and one 6.5cm wide.

From fabric B cut one strip 4cm wide, one 9.5cm wide and one 5cm wide.

From fabric C cut one strip 6.5cm wide and one 8.5cm wide.

From fabric D cut one strip 7.5cm wide and one 6.5cm wide.

Step 2

Joining
Arrange the strips in the order as shown in the diagram below. Sew strips together using a 1cm seam allowance.

Press seams open and topstitch 3mm on each side of seam line. Cut created fabric into 2 pieces 42cm high x 36cm wide. Place extra aside for inside pockets.

Cut pellon into two 42cm x 36cm rectangles. Iron onto wrong side of each of the fabric pieces. With right sides together, sew side and bottom edges together using a 1cm seam allowance.

Mitre bottom corners by 6cm. Turn right side out. Press the top raw edge of bag under 1cm.

Step 3

Lining
Cut lining fabric into two 42cm x 36cm pieces. For pocket cut a piece 19cm x 22cm from extra quilted fabric cut and create a double hem along the top edge. Press remaining sides under 1cm. Pin to right side of one of the lining pieces, 10cm from top edge and centered widthwise. Topstitch side and bottom edge of pocket to lining fabric.

Pin right sides of lining together and sew side and bottom edges together using a 1cm seam allowance. Mitre bottom corners by 6cm. Press under 1cm along top raw edge of lining. Place lining inside bag and pin top edges together matching side seams.

Step 4

Straps
Press long sides of each strip under 1cm. Then press each strip in half lengthways, matching pressed side edges. Top stitch both edges of straps 3mm in from the edge.

Trim straps length to 95cm or desired length. Measure 6cm in from each side seam of bag and insert ends of straps 1cm into the top pinned edge of bag (between bag and lining). Pin in place then top stitch around the top edge of bag, 3mm from edge, making sure handles are secured within seam.

Handy Hint

Sew two strips together then sew the next strip from the opposite direction. Keep alternating the direction to prevent the strips curving.

Variations

Design your own variations by using an unusual fabric for one or two of the stripes, by making the stripes vertical or diagonal or by making each side different. Cut the fabric into squares or rectangles. Create your own fabric by stitching together random pieces of fabric until you have the necessary size.