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Our Favorite Crochet Bag Patterns

February 13, 2017 by FaveCraftsBlog

Bags are an ever-popular crochet accessory and a way to elevate your look to the next level. With so many different style options, there’s a bag or purse style for every outfit and occasion: a sturdy messenger bag or backpack for work or school, a large and roomy tote bag for shopping trips or the beach, even simple little handbags big enough for your phone, keys and some money. Sure, you can buy a bag or purse that’s perfectly suited to your tastes and needs, but there’s something about working up that crochet bag yourself. And with so many different types of crochet bag patterns to choose from, you’re bound to find just the perfect bag for you.

Crochet purses or crochet tote bags – you’ll find all sorts of great bag options here. My favorite, listed below, is the Autumn Day Tote – it’s a simple and roomy tote bag that’s worked up with solid-colored crochet granny squares and features sturdy pre-purchased straps and a chic lining for long-lasting durability. It’s so simple, but it looks so classic and timeless. If that just isn’t your style, there are many other crochet bags, big and small, worked in rounds or in granny squares, to choose from in this collection of 22 crochet handbags from our friends at AllFreeCrochet.

handbag-blog

22 Crochet Handbags to Make

  1. Quirky Crochet Handbag
  2. Pretty Purple Purse
  3. Pretty Crochet Butterfly Bag
  4. Indigo Bag
  5. Handmade Crochet Bag
  6. Autumn Day Tote – Editor’s Pick
  7. Floral Granny Square Crochet Purse
  8. Festival Crochet Purse Pattern
  9. Eco Cotton Blend Crochet Ruffled Bag
  10. Easy Bobble Stitch Purse
  11. Deep Blue Sea Purse
  12. Crochet Hexagon Handbag
  13. Busy Girl’s Crochet Handbag
  14. Boho Tassel Crochet Bag
  15. Boardwalk Bag
  16. “Suzette” Tote Bag for Beginners
  17. Seed Stitch Summer Purse
  18. Smell the Roses Crochet Tote
  19. Summer Hobo Bag
  20. Sweet Summer Crochet Handbag
  21. Twilight Woods Tote
  22. Wildflower Shoulder Crochet Bag

For even more crochet handbags, check out this little pattern collection!

 

What’s your favorite style of bag?

Filed Under: Crochet Tagged With: allfreecrochet, bags and purses, crochet bags, free bag pattern

21 Ways to Crochet, Knit or Sew a Bag

November 25, 2014 by FaveCrafts

I have a confession to make: I simply love bags. Big totes, small pouches – I don’t care how big it is. If a bag catches me eye, I simply HAVE to have it. While it’s fun to go shopping and check out the latest style, it’s not so fun to watch my bank account dwindle. I’ve realized that I must seek out the best possible DIY projects to recreate my favorite bag patterns.

When you learn how to knit, crochet and sew your own bag, you have the world at your fingertips. Who needs fancy designers when you can bring your own homemade bag to life? My favorite way to make a statement is by upcycling old items like jeans and turning them into memorable handmade bags. Get inspired and get to work – you may never spend money on a handbag ever again!

 

Free Crochet Purse Patterns

Crochet Tote Bag – Super simple but so much fun to make.

Extra Large Bellagio Tote – Carry all of your essentials plus a few extras.

Beginner Tote Bag – If you’re new to crochet (or just don’t feel like working too hard), try this free crochet pattern.

Mini Knitting Tote – It’s teeny, it’s tiny and it’s PERFECT.

Smiling Sunflower Bag – Rain or shine, this bag will always make you happy. Little kids will also love this pattern (it’s perfect for traveling).

Felt Flower Mini Tote – It’s small but mighty! Who wouldn’t feel glamorous with this purse on their arm?

Little Red Crochet Bag – Get fired up! How cute is this free crochet pattern?

Striped Tote Bag – A bag that’s anything but basic, you’ll want to take this with you everywhere.

 

Knitted Purse Patterns

BeeBopper Knitted Tote Bag – The bold colors and wide strap make this pattern a unique delight.

Uptown Tote Bag – No matter where you’re headed, you’ll be glad you made this practical bag.

Shetland Cable Knit Bag – Who wouldn’t fall in love with knitted bag patterns like this?

Thrifty Market Bag – Take your bag to the farmer’s market or carry it when you travel. Either way, you’ll be able to fit all of your essentials!

 

 

 

 

Free Bag Sewing Patterns

Funky Jeans Bag – What do you do when your old jeans don’t fit anymore? Don’t get depressed – make a purse instead (and buy new jeans, of course).

6 Old Jeans Purse Patterns – Once you make the bag above, you’ll want to upcycle all of your old pairs of jeans and make more sewn bags.

Sew Easy Skirt Tote – Save a skirt, make a bag! This fashionable project will help you cut closet clutter.

Upcycled Denim Tote Bag – Go green and save your denim from the trash can. You’ll love the look of this fashionable sewn bag pattern.

 

 

 

BONUS – FREE EBOOK!

How to Make a Purse: 20 Patterns for Sewing Totes, Bags and More – Once you start making your own purses, you might not be able to stop! Luckily, there are a ton of fun and exciting bag patterns in this free eBook. Purses can get super expensive, especially if you plan to buy a fancy handbag. Stay away from that department store and step away from the computer – this free eBook will help you save money and look like a million bucks. Whether you want to make a fancy clutch or a large crossbody bag, we’ve got you covered. Download a copy today.

 

 

What is one item you have in your bag right this second?

 

 

 

Filed Under: Wearable Crafts Tagged With: bags and purses, crochet bags, Favecrafts, free bag pattern, free knitting pattern, free sewing patterns, Julia Litz, tote bag

Fashion & Function: Cute Quilted Bag Patterns for Making Life Easier

November 2, 2013 by FaveQuilts

Prada. Chanel. Louis Vuitton. Vera Bradley. These classic designers dominate the fashion world through their highly coveted bags and purses.  While couture handbags look posh, they are not exactly the most functional (or frugal) accessories when you’re grocery shopping with cranky toddlers or cleaning the kitchen while making dinner.

Does needing a practical bag mean you have to sacrifice having a fashionable bag?  FaveQuilts doesn’t think so! We believe that every quilter can put their skills to good use by making their own free quilted tote bag patterns or free purse patterns. To help each busy crafter find their ideal quilted bag pattern, we’ve compiled a list of our most stylish DIY bag patterns for simplifying errands and chores.

Cute-Quilted-Bag-Patterns-for-Making-Life-Easier

Quilted Bag Patterns for Home Organization

Bumblebee Project PouchLets face it — crafters are messy! If you need help keeping scrap quilt fabric and applique patterns organized, then the Crafty Caddy is the perfect tote bag quilt pattern to safely store a wide variety of crafting materials. For storing sharp sewing supplies, the Cutting Mat Caddy is ideal for creative moms in need of a place to stash their tools away from the little ones.

If you love keeping recipe and quilting magazines around your house, but don’t love how cluttered they can get, check out the Darling Dollhouse Case and the Bumblebee Project Pouch (shown). This vintage house quilt design and adorable applique bag allow you hold sewing kits, various magazines, and unfinished quilt projects in both of their tidy pockets.

 

Quilted Tote Bag Patterns for Errands

Easy to Sew Market Tote BagA bigger bag is usually necessary for trips to the grocery store or farmers market. Add style to your weekend errands when you sew a reusable tote bag like an Insulated Market Tote or this Easy to Sew Market Tote (shown). Not only are both of these DIY bags great for going green, they also provide enough room to fit a large amount of food within their sturdy interiors.

If you’re looking for an easy quilted bag pattern to hold many items, you’ll be impressed by the lightweight material and cute coffee pattern featured in Angie’s Big Quilted Tote Bag. When you’re carrying just a few items, like a stack of books, you’ll be glad you made the exquisite Expandable Library Tote for keeping all of your books organized and compact.

 

Homemade Quilted Handbags

Classic English Flex Frame Small quilted pouches and purses make the best presents! For example, the Really Simple Wristlet is one of the most popular quilted gift patterns for a trendy teenager. Similarly, the Quilted Make-up Travel Bag looks just like a Vera Bradley design and is great for holding valuable beauty products. For even smaller and chicer fun, check out this Classic English Flex Frame Pouch (shown) for small coins and keys.

 

 

Remember fellow quilters — any quilt project can be functional, frugal and fashionable if you use creativity.

If you’re interested in more quilted bag patterns, check out these 11 free quilted drawstring, messenger, and tote bag patterns.

 

 What would you use a quilted bag for?

 

 

 

Filed Under: Quilting Tagged With: bags and purses, Claire Hawkes, fashion, FaveQuilts, free bag pattern, handbags, quilted tote pattern, Quilting, tote bag

National Sewing Month 2013: Watermelon Pencil Case Tutorial from Creating My Way To Success

September 27, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

It’s Day Twenty-Seven of National Sewing Month! Too see the daily blog posts, projects of the day, and more National Sewing Month details, click here.

National Sewing Month 2013

Hi – I’m Jill from Creating my way to Success and I’m thrilled to be here for National Sewing Month.
Today I want to show you how to make this very cute watermelon pencil case. My girls love pencil cases and it seems you can never have too many!
So here goes. You’ll need scraps of red, white and green fabric, a zip, some black buttons and some paper and pencil.
To make your pattern – simply draw a slice of watermelon. Don’t worry about getting it perfect – fruits are not all exactly the same size and shape! Here’s mine on an A4 sheet of paper:
 
You cut out this whole slice you have drawn and use it as the pattern to cut your inside fabric – two pieces. Remember for each piece you cut – cut a little wider than your pattern to allow for the seams:
To cut the pieces for the outside of the pencil case, cut along the lines of your pattern for the red, white and green parts to be separate. Then use these 3 pattern pieces to cut your colored pieces of fabric for the outside of your pencil case – again remembering to cut wider than your pattern piece to allow for seams. Cut two of each color.
 
Now you need to pin then sew each colored piece together in turn. Remember to pin the right sides of the fabric together – and use plenty of pins to keep the curves in line!
To add the seeds to your watermelon slice – simply stitch on some black buttons in random spaces. Remember to do this for both sides of the pencil case!
The Zip
My zip was about 24cm (9″) long. You can use a longer or shorter one, and use scrap fabric to cover both ends to make it the same width as your watermelon slice. Here’s how:
Take rectangular scraps of whichever fabric you like – I chose my inner red fabric.  Place 2 pieces right sides together on either side of the zip, pinning where you want the zip to end. Stitch these pieces in place, and trim the very end of the zip off.
Repeat this with the other end of the zip – then trim the edges of the fabric in line with the zip.
Putting it all together
Lay one side of your watermelon slice face up. Place your zip face down on top, then one of your inner fabric pieces right sides down on top of that. Pin them using your zipper foot stitch close to the zip teeth.
To prevent the fabric from catching in the zip, open out the fabrics and pull back from the zip. Top-stitch along the edge of the zip.
Now the other half of the watermelon slice. Place your other inner fabric piece face up. Then the part with the attached zip face up on top. Finally your other watermelon slice face down on the very top – face down. Pin and stitch with your zipper foot, and once again pull the fabric back from the zip and top-stitch the other side.
Now open out your pencil case with the zip in the middle. Make sure the zip is open. Then flip over fabrics so you have both inner fabrics on one side and both outer fabrics on the other side. Pin these pieces together around the curved edges. Leave a gap of a few inches on the inner fabric side. You’ll need this to turn the pencil case out.

 

 Stitch all the way around the edges – just leaving the gap for turning out.  Turn the pencil case right sides out, pin, and stitch the opening closed.
Done! Congratulations, you’ve made a cute watermelon pencil case!
I hope you liked this tutorial. There are heaps more on my blog so please do come and visit me at
Creating my way to Success.
Happy National Sewing month to all!

 

Do you still use a pencil case – even if you aren’t in school?

 

 

Filed Under: National Sewing Month Tagged With: bags and purses, free bag pattern, Guest Post, guest project, Kids Crafts, National Sewing Month 2013, pouch, sewing tutorial, sewn bag

Trend Alert: The Best New Free Quilted Bag Patterns of the Season

August 30, 2013 by FaveQuilts

One of the trendiest topics that’s causing a real buzz in the quilting world is bag patterns. Not only are they stylish and fashion-forward, but they’re also incredibly handy. Best of all, there are so many different styles out there that quilters can choose exactly what works for them, whether it’s a small handbag (such as the Bella Fashion Clutch) or a big quilted tote bag (like Angie’s Big Quilted Tote). Our friends on Facebook have been letting us know that quilters are ready for all the hottest trends in bag patterns, so we’re helping out by rounding up some new patterns that are already getting some major attention.

Trend Alert: The Best New Free Quilted Bag Patterns of the Season

 

 

 

Monday: Clutches

Caliti Convertible ClutchOne of the smaller homemade quilted handbags that’s always a go-to when it comes to being practical and fashionable is the clutch. On Monday, we got a two-in-one treat with the Caliti Convertible Clutch from Sew Sweetness. Not only is this a classic-looking quilted bag pattern the perfect size to carry around when you’re on a night out, but it’s also got the potential to hold more than it looks. Simply unhook the buckle and unfold this clutch into a super cute quilted tote bag with a magnetic snap.

 

 Tuesday: Cosmetic Bags

Vera Bradley Quilted Zipper BagAnother handy bag for everyday use is the cosmetics bag. It’s small and easy to carry, and has plenty of storage space for your must-haves. If you want to make something that looks like it came straight off of a runway in New York, make the Vera Bradley Quilted Zipper Bag from LuAnn Kessi with feminine floral fabric.

 

 

Wednesday: Shoulder Bags

Indie Rich BagFor something a bit smaller that you can still throw under your arm and go, there’s the Indie Rich Bag from During Quiet Time. Choose your most luxurious-looking fat quarter quilt patterns to make the pleated design really pop. You can easily make a statement, but also keep your valuables safe and secure.


 

 

 

Thursday: Totes

Chic Chevron ToteQuilted tote bag patterns are such big hits because they’re fairly simply and come in a variety of sizes depending on what a quilter is looking to use it for. Present a functional flair that also models your favorite fabric, try the Chic Chevron Tote from Maureen Cracknell Handmade. Chevron fabric is naturally eye-catching, and it has a certain retro appeal, making it the perfect fabric choice for a quilted tote bag pattern that you can take anywhere.

 

 

 

Friday: Messenger Bags

The Madeleine Bag

Another style that’s popular with people of all age is the messenger bag. Its size and durability are matched by an informal look that easily conveys personal style depending on the fabric used. A sweet design that is slightly different from the standard messenger bag is The Madeleine Bag from Imagine Gnats. This bag comes with a pocket, a zipper, and a magnetic closure, but still has a simple look that isn’t too busy or complicated.

 

 

 

 

 

Find all of this week’s featured bags on Facebook, and be sure to visit our site for our full list of quilted bag patterns. If there’s an upcoming trend in quilting that you think we should know about, leave a comment!

 

What’s your favorite kind of bag?

Filed Under: Quilting Tagged With: bags and purses, FaveQuilts, free bag pattern, Kathryn Wright

On the Road Again: The Best Crafts to Sew for Traveling

August 1, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

With summer coming to a close, it’s time to squeeze in those last trips and vacations. As a college student, the summer before my senior year of high school was an important travel time for me because it was when I visited various universities. No matter where you’re traveling, it’s always good to be prepared. Check out these crafts to make your summer travel smooth sailing.

Crafts for the Car

Car Book Holder DIY

Car Book Holder DIYOn a long road trip, it’s important for you to concentrate while driving, which means your kids need to be entertained. This book holder is the perfect craft to sew for when you travel by car so you can store a collection of books. Easy sewing projects like this are perfect for families of avid readers — just make sure the driver keeps his or her eyes on the road. Safety first!

 

 

 
Car Caddy

Car CaddyJust because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you have to take a break from crafting. Check out this tutorial to learn how to sew a car caddy that will hold all of your crafting supplies on your next road trip. This is a great sewing project for any crafting enthusiast who doesn’t want to part ways with her sewing kit while traveling.

 

 

 

 
iPad Headrest Holder

iPad-Headrest-Holder-blogThis easy sewing project is the perfect travel craft for any family with young children. After you hang up your iPad Holder, insert your iPad and let your child watch a movie on a long car ride without straining his or her neck. The holder is also a great place to store an iPad while you travel if it’s not in use.

 

 

 

 

Simple Bags to Sew For Your Next Trip

Easy Duffle Bag Set

Easy Duffle Bag SetRetail luggage is difficult to identify on the airport carousel. Make your luggage stand out by sewing your own set of monogrammed duffel bags. Check out this sewing tutorial to learn how to sew these simple bags for your next vacation. You can make matching sets for your whole family.

 

 

 

 
Embroidered Reusable Snack Bag

Embroidered Reusable Snack BagNo one wants to go hungry when you are on the go. Sew this Embroidered Reusable Snack Bag to hold some goodies for your next trip. The bag secures with Velcro, so you don’t have to worry about any food spilling. This green craft is the perfect way to make sure your family never travels hungry.

 

 

 

 
Zippered Travel Tote

Zippered Travel ToteA dual-use tote bag is a great way to economize on space next time you travel. This Zippered Travel Tote can be used for packing and as a carry-on, and it also makes a stylish tote bag for everyday use. Check out this sewing tutorial to learn how to make a bag that slides onto your luggage handle so it can sit securely on top of your suit case as you roll it  through the airport.

 

 

Which travel craft will you make first?

Filed Under: Sewing Tagged With: DIY bags, free bag pattern, go green crafts, Green Crafting, Sari Lesk, sewn bag, summer sewing, tote bag

It’s All In the Bag: The Best DIY Purses and Bags to Sew this Summer

July 1, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

With all the places you’ll go and the things you’ll see this summer, you will need something cute to carry your belongings. There’s no better way to keep your wallet, keys, cell phone, lip balm, tissues, pen and notepad, umbrella, and banana (maybe some of these are just me) nearby than with a homemade bag. DIY purses and bags are perfect for anyone who loves to stay high fashion but wants to keep the cost low. Check out the free patterns below to learn how you can sew a bag you can’t wait to show off.

Refashioned Bags

Stylish Upcycled Pocket Purse

Stylish Upcycled Pocket PurseAdding a new purse to your collection is as thrifty as can be with this refashioning project. Grab anything with a pocket you no longer wear and transform it into this adorable purse. Check out this sewing tutorial to see how you can sew this DIY purse that will grab everyone’s attention.

 

 

 

 

Upcycled Denim Tote

Upcycled Denim ToteIf you have an outgrown pair of jeans, you’re all set to sew this fashionable denim bag. This free tote bag pattern will show you how to make a green craft will thrill any young girl as a gift. When you’re done sewing, embellish the bag with any ribbons and decorations you like.

 

 

 

 

 

 Messenger Bags

Two Pocket Messenger Bag

Two Pocket Messenger BagIf you’re in need of a good messenger bag, look no further than this sewing project. Learn how to make a messenger bag that you will love to show off using this free messenger bag pattern. This stylish bag is perfect for any student who has lots of books and folders to carry. The bag is sturdy and has plenty of pockets for organization.

 

 

 

 

 
Basic Messenger Bag

Basic Messenger BagSewing a messenger bag doesn’t get easier than this. Check out this messenger bag tutorial to learn how to make a simple bag that is perfect for carrying books to class. After you sew the basic bag, decorate the flap with any design you like. Don’t spend money at the store when you can easily sew a messenger bag all by yourself.

 

 

 

 

 Everyday Purses

Pleated Madeleine Purse

Pleated Madeleine PurseYou don’t have to sort through retail merchandise to find that perfect, trendy bag. Check out this sewing tutorial to learn how to make a DIY purse that will make everyone’s head turn. Grab your favorite patterned fabric and give this project a whirl. You’ll love how spacious and strong your new purse is, and you’ll love how budget-friendly it is too.

 

 

 

 

Leather Belt Purse

Leather Belt PurseThis DIY purse will be a load off your shoulders — literally. This free purse pattern will show you how to remove the shoulder strap from a leather purse and convert the purse into one that threads through your belt loops. Nix the annoyance of a purse bouncing off your leg as you walk around by comfortably wearing it right on your hip.

 

 

 

 

Which thrifty DIY purse do you want to make first?

Filed Under: Sewing Tagged With: bags and purses, DIY bags, DIY sewing projects, free bag pattern, free sewing patterns, Sari Lesk, sewing crafts, sewn bag, tote bag

In Case You Missed It: “How to Quilt a Bag With Style: 7 Free Bag Patterns and Purse Patterns” eBook

June 16, 2013 by FaveQuilts

Not every quilt project involves making patterns as part of your home decor or as gifts. Such a rewarding craft can also be a great way to update your style in a very economical way. The editors at FaveQuilts noticed how many chic and fun homemade quilted handbags were on our site, and with summer here in full swing, wanted to give you some options for ways to stay organized and fashionable for a smaller price. If you’re ready to say no to designer prices and use your quilting skills in a practical way, download a free copy of How to Quilt a Bag With Style: 7 Free Bag Patterns and Purse Patterns.

How to Quilt a Bag With Style: 7 Free Bag Patterns and Purse Patterns eBook

You’ll be so excited to see all of the different ways you can turn your best fabrics into your new favorite purse! The styles range from small accessory bags to strappy messenger bags, and even some big quilted tote bags. We chose these free bag patterns and purse patterns from some of our favorite bloggers so that you could learn as much as possible with results that you can proudly show off anytime you go out. The same techniques you use when it comes to making quilt blocks, patchwork quilt patterns, and strip patterns will all come in handy here in ways you may have never expected.

What you’ll find in this eBook:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classic English Flex Frame Pouch – The smallest bag in our eBook uses the always-stylish hexagons of an English paper piecing pattern to make a nifty little bag similar to a coin purse. You’ll learn how to add a sturdy flex frame to this little quilted handbag so it’ll securely snap shut and keep its contents safely inside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Angie’s Big Quilted Tote – On the other hand, the biggest bag in this eBook is a simple quilted tote bag that’s perfect for the quilter on the go. You can use it to carry your fabrics and tools, or use it when you’re going on a trip (which makes this the perfect time to make one).

Download a copy of How to Quilt a Bag With Style: 7 Free Bag Patterns and Purse Patterns – It’s free!

If you like this eBook, you’ll love:

  • 4 of the Best Homemade Quilted Handbags and Free Quilted Bag Patterns
  • 20 Scrap Quilt Patterns: Ways to Make a Scrappy Quilt with Leftover Fabric

Filed Under: Free eBooks Tagged With: bags and purses, FaveQuilts, free bag pattern, free eBook, handbags, Kathryn Wright, tote bag

How to Make a Reusable Grocery Bag from Sheets

April 22, 2012 by FaveCrafts

This guest post was written by Karen Lee from ecokaren.

Why You Should Refuse Plastic Bags

More than five hundred billion plastic bags are made worldwide each year. Plastic takes thousands of years to biodegrade in landfills and when plastic debris end up in ocean, they harm marine life and pollute the waters. Several cities and towns are banning plastic bags and started charging for paper bags. But paper bags are no better as over twelve billion paper bags are produced annually. That’s a lot of trees!

So it behooves you to bring your own bags but how many times have you gone to the market and realize that you left your reusable bag at home? Lots of times I bet. Me too.

So I started carrying a little pocket size reusable grocery bag that I made from an old fitted sheet awhile ago. Since then, I’ve not been caught without a reusable bag at the supermarket. In fact, I keep a few in my glove compartment and one in my purse just in case i make quick unplanned trip to the store. I use them in all stores, not just at the supermarket.

How to Make Reusable Market Bags

The tote is really easy to make and you can make about five bags from a full size sheet with these dimensions. Again, just like the garment bag tutorial using a fitted sheet, the measurements for the bags are totally up to you. You can make them whatever size you want or need.

Also, you don’t have to use a sheet to make these bags. I happened to have an old sheet that I couldn’t donate, so, wanted to use it up. You can use any fabric you want as long as it’s thin enough to be folded into a little square. My objective was to make as many as I can with a full size sheet, without wasting fabric, so I left the edge raw. But you can finish the edge nicely if you want.

Let’s get started!

You’ll need:

  • Old fitted sheet – I used a full size for this tutorial to make five bags
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread  – I am using a dark colored thread in the tutorial for you to see but use a coordinating thread color as your sheet.
  • Scissors

Instruction:

1. Cut out the elastic pieces from the fitted sheet and open up the corner seams to flatten out the sheet.

2. Fold the sheet in half in any direction and cut two layers of this “Tank Top” shape in approximately these dimensions. Again, the dimensions are up to how big you want the bags to be.

**Note**It is best to use the folded edge of the sheet as the bottom of the grocery bag. But if you have to sew the two pieces at the bottom, double stitch the seam for strength.

You see the little cut out above the bag? You will need that so don’t throw it out.

3. Take the cut out piece and hem the top (straight edge) by folding the raw edge under.

4. Center the cut out piece on the RIGHT SIDE of the bag and pin the sides.

5. Sew three sides, leaving the top edge open. I use small zigzag stitches to prevent the edges from fraying.

6. With the RIGHT SIDES together, sew around the sides of the bag, reinforcing with double stitches. I used zigzag for the second time around to prevent the edges from fraying.

7. While the bag is turned inside out, fold the two sides inward about two inches. Line up the handles to match. As you can see, the shape of the bag is not exactly square or rectangle. Pin down the folded edges and sew the handles and bottom, as indicated.

8. Turn it inside out and voila! You have a reusable grocery bag! A.K.A. T-Shirt Bag!

9. Now, how to you get it to a small compact size that you can fit into your purse? This is the part I wish I video taped but that didn’t happen. But I think you can follow the pictures and see how easy it is.

Now you have a pocket size reusable grocery bags and you’ll never be caught without them at the store! Make a few and give them out as presents! Happy Earth Day!!

Karen lives a simple, frugal, green life and shares her eco tips and news on ecokaren. She sells green goodies in her Etsy shop and writes for various green blogs. When she’s not leading the team or blogging, she is a mom to two greenagers, wife to an accidental recycler, master chef to hungry locavores, seamstress, knitter, and dumpster diver, not necessarily in that order.

Filed Under: Full Project Tutorials Tagged With: Earth Day, Earth Week, eco-friendly crafts, free bag pattern, Green Crafting, Guest Post

Meet and Make: Gayla Carlson

November 18, 2011 by FaveQuilts

This week’s Meet and Make designer is Gayla Carlson. Gayla is the talented rag quilter behind Jubilee Creative Studio. She sells homespun fabric designed specifically for rag quilting on JubileeFabric.com. Her ragged style patterns and tutorials can be found on Jubilee Homespun Inspiration.

Let’s meet Gayla!

10 Fun Facts about Gayla:

  1. I am a baseball Mom and a basketball Mom.  One of my favorite activities is to watch my son and his friends compete and have fun.
  2. I can tie a cherry stem into a knot with my tongue.  It’s a rare skill.
  3. I have a framed poster of Rod Stewart in my studio and love his Great American Songbook albums.
  4. I was a full-time city postal carrier for seven years and often walked 10-12 miles in one day with a satchel full of mail.
  5. I have a “mug-go-‘round” in my cabinet (the lazy susan in the corner unit) filled with my collection of fun mugs.  I pick my coffee mug each day based on my mood.
  6. We also have a “cereal-go-‘round” in the lower cabinet.  A bowl of cereal is appropriate any time of day in this household.
  7. I collect domain names.  If I think of a good name, I register it “just in case.”  My husband says he can always please me on my birthday by just buying me a new domain name.
  8. We once converted an abandoned, unfinished underground house into a livable space and lived it in for one year while we build a “real” house on top.  The kids still have fun memories of the year in “the cave.”
  9. My favorite tv shows are Storage Wars, Pawn Stars, American Pickers and Swamp People.  I have a t-shirt that says “Choot ‘em, Lizbit.”
  10. I got my first real job in a deli when I was 15.  Had a huge crush on the manager and 32 years later we are still happily married.

 

Here’s Gayla’s Project:

Quilted Homespun Tote Bag

Finished Size: 15 inches wide x 16 inches long

Primary Technique: Pieced

Difficulty Level: Easy


MATERIALS:

  • 144-150 Homespun 4″ Precut Quilt Squares
  • 1 yard stiff, dense quilt batting
  • 1 purchased canvas tote bag, approx 15″ x 16″
  • optional- buttons to embellish tote

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. For the front, set together 36 doubled (two layers) homespun squares to form a panel that is 6 squares wide and 6 squares tall. Do the same to form the back. Use a small, tight stitch and secure the seams with backstitching. Clip all the seam allowances about 1/2 inch deep and about 1/2 inch apart. This is what will make the “fray”.
  2. Backstitching to secure the seams must be done 5/8″ from all edges. Otherwise the backstitching will be lost when the homespun frays.
  3. Iron the front and back panels flat. Trim the edges of the front and back panels to match the size of your tote. The panels should extend about 1.5 inches beyond the tote in all directions. See photo below.
  4. Cut a piece of quilt batting about 1 inch smaller than the front/back panels.  Pin well.
  5. With the fabric side up, stitch from one side to the other across all the squares diagonally to ultimately form an X on each square. The back will have a diamond pattern as shown below when finished.
  6. Stitch front to back with batting sides together. Stitch the sides and the bottom, leaving the top open. Clip the side and bottom seam allowances 1/2 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart.  Be careful that you do not clip into the stitching.
  7. Turn your canvas bag inside out and insert it into the patchwork bag. The homespun portion will be slightly larger/longer than the canvas. This is so that the canvas tote will carry the weight of the contents and protect the homespun seams from stress.
  8. Pin along the top and stitch with a small tight stitch. The homespun will again be larger than the canvas so stitch some small pleats at the side seams. Clip the top seam allowance 1/2 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart.  Be careful that you do not clip into the stitching.
  9. Machine wash on cold with detergent and a liquid fabric softener (optional). After washing, shake loose strings out before drying.
  10. An optional pocket may be added to the inside by stitching it to the canvas bag before the bag is stitched to the homespun. Random buttons may be added for embellishment.

 

Filed Under: Meet and Make Tagged With: free bag pattern, Free Quilt Patterns, Full Project Tutorials, homespun fabric, Quilt Designer, quilted tote pattern

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