Patchwork tote with pockets

Tutorials
Written By Martha Remsen

I was given a huge pile of upholstery scraps last summer (it is a bit intimidating). One of the first things that I wanted to make was a patchwork tote. Since it was spring when I started, I was drawn to greens, so that is the color I started with. I will probably make several versions of this bag and am trying out different variations.

IMG_20200609_135436203.jpg

For this one, I am keeping it simple. 9 patch, outside pocket on both sides, webbing straps, and a liner. I am not cutting the squares to make it the size I want, I am using the already made squares and will get the size of bag they want to make. I am an efficient (lazy) sewist whenever possible.

I love, love, love my industrial Pfaff walking foot. I have been using the machine for 6 years. It is like a comfortable, old friend. I exhale when I sit down to use this machine. These bags could be sewn on a straight stitch, but I chose to use my walking foot.

IMG_20200609_140040890.jpg

First I laid out the squares to find my favorite color combo and make sure the squares were close in size.

Next, I sewed the sides together, linking up where ever I could. One of my goals in production sewing is to try my hardest to never cut the thread. I also folded over the pocket top twice and top-stitched the part that you will see.

Next, I sewed the sides together, linking up where ever I could. One of my goals in production sewing is to try my hardest to never cut the thread. I also folded over the pocket top twice and top-stitched the part that you will see.

Match up the seams and sew the rows of patches together. I inserted the pocket into the middle bottom seam as I went (I didn’t take a picture).

Match up the seams and sew the rows of patches together. I inserted the pocket into the middle bottom seam as I went (I didn’t take a picture).

I sewed the pocket sides down then sewed the straps (66 inches of webbing) on covering the seams and pocket sides. I didn’t take a picture of this, but look at the final picture to see it.

I sewed the pocket sides down then sewed the straps (66 inches of webbing) on covering the seams and pocket sides. I didn’t take a picture of this, but look at the final picture to see it.

I cut the liner to match and added pockets on both sides. One side an old shirt front, the other side a denim pocket. I sewed the shirt front in the middle and around the outside. I’d make it a bit smaller the next time I use the same technique.

I cut the liner to match and added pockets on both sides. One side an old shirt front, the other side a denim pocket. I sewed the shirt front in the middle and around the outside. I’d make it a bit smaller the next time I use the same technique.

I sewed the sides of the liner, then cut 2.5 inch squares out of all four corners.

I sewed the sides of the liner, then cut 2.5 inch squares out of all four corners.

I sewed the box corners down, then wrong side, bottoms together sewed the liner corner to the bag corners. This way the liner doesn’t come out of the bag when they are done.

I sewed the box corners down, then wrong side, bottoms together sewed the liner corner to the bag corners. This way the liner doesn’t come out of the bag when they are done.

I turned the bag right side out with the liner inside. Then I sewed around the top of the bag attaching the liner to the bag.

I turned the bag right side out with the liner inside. Then I sewed around the top of the bag attaching the liner to the bag.

I am lucky to have a bar-tacker machine and used that to tack down the tops of my handles.

I am lucky to have a bar-tacker machine and used that to tack down the tops of my handles.

One side of the finished bag

One side of the finished bag

other side.

other side.

inside.

inside.

Martha Remsen
Previous

Fanciest apron I will ever own
Next

Tote bag