Friday, October 10, 2008

Great Big Tote Bag!



Front


Back

Sew a seam along the line highlighted with the blue yarn to make box corners.

Handles are padded for comfort.



Posted by PicasaThis large tote bag is simple to make. First, make a selvage quilt. This one is 21" wide x 38" long. I decided to add some selvages on an angle, as you can see in the bottom photo. When you have finished binding your quilt, fold it in half, selvage sides together, and sew the side seams together. Make box corners by sewing a seam in the spot highlighted by the blue yarn in the photo above.
I like to insert a stiff piece of cardboard in the bottom of the bag to give it some support. First, cover the cardboard with batting then with fabric, to give the "floor" of your bag a nice feel. This floor is removable.
The two handles on this bag are 33" long. To make the handles, selvages were sewn onto 5" wide strips of foundation fabric. Then batting was added to make the handles feel padded (not thin and whimpy). Fold the handles lengthwise (folding in the raw edge) and sew using a quilter's walking foot to accomodate the bulk.

This bag is sure to be a hit at your next guild meeting or quilt show! Hold on tight:)
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4 comments:

  1. BrendaOctober 10, 2008 at 8:11 AM

    great bag. any idea how much I'd have to collect before starting a project?

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  2. Selvage QuilterOctober 10, 2008 at 10:12 AM

    Brenda, that depends on things like how close you arrange your selvages on the foundation. (Closer rows mean more selvages, of course.) Also, do you plan to use the plain part of the selvage, or just the part with the writing and the color windows? Judging by all the great quilts you have made, I'm sure you have more than enough selvages in your stash right now! But, if not, just tell your quilty friends what you need, and you will have plenty.

    But, to finally answer your question, I would say a plastic "sandwich bag" full of selvages will do the job.

    TRIVIA FACT: Did you know there is a town in Massachusetts called "Sandwich?" It's on Cape Cod. When I was little I was astonished, and thought that was so inappropriate! Now I like it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Carrie P.October 10, 2008 at 5:11 PM

    Love the tote bag. I always love to see what ideas come up next.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Exuberantcolor/Wanda S HansonOctober 16, 2008 at 4:45 PM

    there is also a Sandwich, IL and I live there.

    ReplyDelete