In this blog post, I give you step-by-step directions to make your own quilted, canvas tote bag. This bag is very functional, being able to hold heavy loads of groceries, your kids’ diapers, and so much more. The quilted patchwork block on the front also makes it very fashionable. Show off your favorite block, fabrics, or your best creative endeavors. I promise this bag is going to get plenty of use; I have been using two of mine for years every week and they are still going strong.
My First Tote Bag
The idea for my first quilted canvas tote bag came about accidentally. After piecing together a pillow-sized quilt block from the Northern Sky Quilt pattern, I discovered I did not have a pillow form on hand. I certainly did not want to run to the store, (it was 2020, after all) and to be completely honest, my couches were quite full with quilted pillows. Having some leftover canvas in my fabric stash, I decided it would be best to make a tote bag from my quilt block instead of a pillow. The finished quilted, canvas tote bag became my favorite beach bag. After a few uses, I decided I would need another, and it is certainly something to share with other sewists. Follow the steps below to make your own quilted, canvas tote bag you will love for years to come.
To create a quilted, canvas tote bag, you can use a pillow or wall hanging size quilt block from a quilt pattern, an individual quilt block from a quilt pattern with repeating blocks, or a whole piece of fabric with your favorite print. Here are some great pattern ideas for you:
- Northern Sky Quilt Pattern
- Blossom Moon Quilt Pattern
- Converge Quilt Pattern
- Scrappy Lines Quilt Pattern
For this tutorial, I used the small wall hanging size from my Blossom Moon quilt pattern (linked above).
Directions
Supplies:
-A finished quilt block or piece of fabric: The size is up to you, my quilt block size is 18” x18” so I will refer to these measurements in this tutorial.
-1 piece of cotton Batting, 1 piece of backing fabric, and 1 piece of canvas all measuring 18” x 18”
-2 strips of canvas 4” wide by 30”.
-2 pieces of lining fabric, measuring 18″ x 18”
-2 pieces of pocket fabric, measuring 8” x 8”
1. Start by quilting your quilt block in a “quilt sandwich”. Place the backing fabric on the bottom with the right side facing down, batting in the middle, and quilt block on the top with the right side facing out.
2. Prep your straps. Press each strip in half vertically. Open up and press 1/4 “ of each edge in toward the crease on both sides. Press the strip vertically on the crease again with the pressed ¼” sides facing inward.
3. Sew ⅛” along the vertical edge on both sides of the strip to create each strap.
4. Pin each strap onto the outside of your outer fabric. Your outer fabric is your quilt block and the piece of canvas. The strap should be pinned with the raw edge of the strap matching the raw edge of the quilt block and canvas piece of fabric. Measure 1.5″ – 2″ from left and right side to find the placement of each strap. Make sure it is the same distance on the quilted block (front) and the canvas fabric (back). The handle should be facing down.
5. Sew the straps on 1/4″ from the top and another stitch line 3/8″ from the top. Sew several lines back and forth for durability.
6. Place the quilt block on top of the canvas piece of fabric with right sides together. Using a 1/2” seam allowance, sew along three sides leaving the top open. Make sure not to sew your straps into your seam. This is your outer bag.
7. Take the 2 pieces of pocket fabric and sew together with the right sides together. Start sewing in the middle of one side and end 2″ before you reach your starting place. Flip this piece right side out and press. On the side opposite of the opening, sew a topstitch ¼ inch from the top.
8. Place this piece for the pocket onto one piece of your lining fabrics. Center this piece between the left and right sides, so it is in the middle and 3″ down from the top of the lining fabric. Starting at one of the top corners, sew three sides of the pocket onto the lining fabric using a ¼” seam allowance.
9. Sew your two lining pieces together on three sides with the right sides together using a 1/2” seam allowance. Leave the top side open. Start at a corner, proceed on one side, turn at the corner, and sew only 4″ in. Stop and leave a 6″ hole. Start sewing again, sew around the corner and to the top. On the bottom, you will have a 6” wide opening.
10. With the outer bag right side out and the lining wrong side out, place the outer bag inside of the lining. Right sides should be together. Match up the seams of the outer and lining of the bag. Make sure the handles are tucked inside between the two bags. Pin around the top edge.
11. Using a ½” seam allowance, sew around the top edge of the bags, sewing the outer and lining together.
12. To reverse the bag so it is right sides out, pull the outer bag out from the hole in the bottom of the lining. With the lining still out, either machine stitch or hand stitch the opening closed. Tuck the lining inside of the bag.
13. Press along the top edge on the inside of the bag to ensure all of the lining is tucked inside. Topstitch along the top edge using ¼” seam allowance.
I would love to hear your feedback if you try this tutorial. Leave a comment below or send me an email.
