Scrappy Patchwork Tote Bag Tutorial – Made with Fat Quarters

I firmly believe you can never have too many tote bags. And I know you're going to love this one!
Use a fat quarter bundle to make this scrappy patchwork tote - I chose a Halloween FQ bundle - such a cute trick or treat bag! But you can choose any FQ bundle you like.

Here's how to make the tote:

Cutting:
Tip: Start by cutting the largest pieces first; use what's remaining to cut the patchwork squares. Choose which fabrics you want for each piece.

From fat quarters:
(2) 13" x 14" lining pieces
(2) 5" x 13" tote bottom strips
(2) 2" x 13" tote top strips
(2) 2" x 20" outer handle strips
(2) 2" x 20" inner handle strips
(30) 3" squares

From batting:
(2) 13" x 14" pieces

Make the Tote:

1. Lay out (15) 3" squares into (3) rows of (5) squares each. Sew the squares into rows and join the rows to make the pieced tote unit. Make (2).

2. Sew (1) 2" x 13" strip to the top and (1) 5" x 13" strip to the bottom of the pieced tote unit to make an outer tote unit.

3. Baste a 13" x 14" piece of batting to the wrong side of each outer tote unit. Quilt as desired. I used Madeira Cotona Coral Fish variegated thread to stitch horizontal lines 1/4" on each side of the seams.

4. Place the (2) quilted tote units right sides together, matching horizontal seams, and stitch around the sides and bottom using a 1/4" seam allowance. Backstitch at the top edges.

5. Cut 2" squares out of each of the bottom corners.

6. On one corner, match the side and bottom seams and pin the cut edges together. Stitch using a 1/4" seam allowance, backstitching at the beginning and end, to box the corner. Repeat on the opposite corner.

7. Layer the (2) lining pieces right sides together (13" edge at the top). Stitch around the sides and bottom, leaving a 6" opening along the bottom for turning.

8. Cut 2" squares out of the bottom corners of the lining and box in the same manner as step 6.

9. Layer (1) each 2" x 20" outer and inner handle strip right sides together. Sew along both long sides of the strips. Turn right side out, press, and topstitch 1/4" from both long edges to make (1) handle. Make (2).

10. Choose a length for your handle strips (mine are 17"). Measure in 2" from the side seams and pin handle edges to the outer tote, matching raw edges. Repeat on the opposite side of the tote. Baste each handle edge in place.

11. Tuck the outer tote inside the lining, right sides together. Align the side seams and begin pinning the outer and lining totes together along the top edge.

12. Stitch around the top edge using a 1/4" seam allowance. Turn the tote right side out through the hole in the lining. Stitch the lining hole closed.

13. Tuck the lining inside the tote and press the top edge of the tote. Topstitch along the top edge of the tote for a finished look. Your tote bag is complete!