Patchwork Tote Bag

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• 6 coordinating flannel fabrics (1/4 yard each)
• Canvas fabric (1 1/2 yards)
• 1 set of purse handles
• Iron
• Basic sewing supplies
• Scissors or rotary cutter and mat

DIRECTIONS:

1. To create patchwork:
2. Cut 56  3 1/2" squares from coordinating flannel fabric, at least 12 of each fabric.
3. Lay out 20 squares for the front and back sides of the tote and 8 squares for each side, making sure that you do not have any squares of the same fabric next to each other.
4. Placing right sides together, sew using a 1/4" seam allowance the squares for the front, back and 2 sides. Sew all 4 pieces together, this will create the outside of the tote.
5. Cut a piece of flannel for the bottom of the tote 6 1/2" x 15 1/2".
6. Sew bottom to the sides and front of the patchwork pieces to create the outside of the tote.
7. To create the lining of the tote:
8. Cut 2 pieces of canvas fabric 15 1/2"W x 12 1/2"H for front and back.
9. Cut 2 pieces of canvas 12 1/2"H x 6 1/2"W for sides.
10. Cut 1 piece of canvas 15 1/2" W x 6 1/2" L for bottom.
11. Sew the sides to the front and back pieces using 1/4" seam allowances. Sew bottom to the sides and front to make the lining of the tote.


12. Assembly of tote:
13. Cut 4 pieces of canvas material 2" x 5" to make the 4 tabs for the handle Fold in half right sides together, sew using 1/4" seam allowance. Turn right side out and press with seam in the middle of the tab.
14. Attach the lining and patchwork outer tote right sides together and sew along the upper edge leaving an opening on the front and back sides 3 blocks wide (9" wide) to attach tabs and to turn tote.
15. Turn tote right side out and press.
16. Attach tabs to handle and pin 3" from sides of the tote. Topstitch along upper edge of to close opening and attaching handles.
17. Press side seams of tote and topstitch edge where the sides meet to finish the tote.

JOANN HACKS:

• Lay out squares and take a picture to help with positioning of colors and squares for sewing.


• Make sure seams are pressed in one direction and opposite for easy nesting of seams for the patchwork.