Flickr group
If you have made a tote bag using this tutorial, why don’t you share your pictures on this Flickr group?
16 charms – I used Verna by Kate Spain
1/3 yard matching fabric for the bottom of the bag and the handles and the inside pockets
1/4 yard of matching fabric for the gathered strip and the loop closure
1/2 yard of matching fabric for the lining
1 self covered button with the bottom fabric
2 pieces of batting
medium weight fusible interfacing
Seam allowance is 1/4 inch.
For each side of the bag, stitch 2 rows of 4 charm squares each and then 2 rows together. Iron with seams open to get a flatter look. You will end up with 2 rectangles measuring measuring 17.5in x 9.5in.
From the matching fabric cut 2 more 8in x 17.5in rectangles to form the bottom of the bag.
Handles
Cut 2 pieces of 21in x 4in for the handles.
Cut 2 pieces of fusible interfacing slightly smaller than the handles and iron to each piece of fabric.
Fold as per picture below and iron.
Fold again and pin.
Stitch very close to the edge on both sides of the handle.
Gathered strip
Cut 2 strips of fabric measuring 2.5 in x 23 in.
Using basting stitch, sew along the sides of the strip.
Pull from the top thread while you hold the strip of fabric.
Pull from both sides and distribute the folds along the whole strip.
When the folds have been evenly distributed, iron the folds a bit, though this steps is not necessary.
You are now ready to piece the bag.
Pin the gathered strip of fabric to the charm packs which have already been pieced and stitch.
Pin the other side of the gathered fabric to the bottom fabric and stitch.
Now you have one side completed.
Do the same with the other side.
Adding interfacing
Cut a piece of fusible interfacing (medium to heavy) 1/2 in smaller than the sides of the bag. Iron to the back of each side of the bag as per instructions.
Make loop closure
Cut a rectangle measuring 6.5in x 4in for the loop closure. Make a tube as per handles instructions. Fold and stitch as per picture.
Stitch loop as per picture.
Batting
Cut a piece of batting slightly larger than the sides of the bag and pin. Stitch across the sewing lines from the right side of the fabric.
Put both sides together with right sides facing together and stitch around 3 sides leaving the side up open.
Fold the bag as per picture and make a 2 1/4 wide cut across.
Stitch along the cut.
Turn inside out. You have finished the bag.
Lining
Cut 2 17.5in x 17.5in squares.
Place both pieces right side together and sew around the sides and bottom. Leave 4in opening on one of the sides to turn bag inside out.
Then do as for the outside bag: cut across the corner 2 1/4 inches as per picture and stitch again.
Pin loop closure and handles to the bag as per photo.
Place the lining over the outside bag as in the photo. The opening showing is the photo is about 4inches wide and will be used to turn the bag inside out once the lining and the outside a sewn together.
Stitch lining and bag together.
Turn bag inside out through the opening in the lining.
Stitch the lining opening.
Stitch across the top of the bag as per picture.
The bag is finished.
See also my other tote bag tutorial with charm squares.
Tags: charm pack tote bag, free pattern, purse, tote bag tutorial
How big are “charm” squares in inches?
I have been resistant to buying a charm pack, thinking I can pull colors together on my own, this lovely bag shows me why a coordinated collection is superior! Very clear tutorial, may I link to my site? Thanks!
Cham squares are 5 inches.
Your tutorial is excellent!
Very cute tote. I plan on making one, but unclear on what size the gathered strip is and do you also make 2 of these?
Bev, sorry about that. I didn’t realise I didn’t include the sizes of the gathered strip.
You need to cut 2 strips of fabric measuring 2.5 x 23 inches each.
What are the finished dimensions of this bag?
The finished bag measures about 17 in x 18.5 in.
Definitely will try this some day, just one question – once the bag has been turned the correct way by pulling it through the gap in the lining, how do you stitch the lining? I can’t figure this out (very new to this). Thanks.
Hi, to close the lining I use a ladder stitch.
Love this tote! Just wondering, do you use the interfacing on the loop closure tube?
Courtney
The loop closure doesn´t use interfacing.
This is the clearest online tutorial I have followed! Love the bag I’ve made from this. Many thanks.
Thank you so much for a great tutorial. I just finished making this, and I must say it is the first successful tote I’ve made that I am really proud of.
Angela, please add a photo to http://www.flickr.com/groups/1863334@N22/
Hello,
You have been featured at the Wednesday WordPlay for your amazing handmade bag idea.
See yours and some other great ideas here http://craftionary.blogspot.com/2012/01/wednesday-wordplay-handmade-bags-and.html Thanks so much for the awesome idea! 
I would really appreciate you linking back and sharing the featured button on your blog somewhere.
Take care!
Just wondering if the interfacing is necessary if you are using batting and quilting the outside part of the bag…Beautiful tote and wonderful tutorial. Thanks so much!
Hi Karen
You can do without the interfacing if you like. I added some stiffness. I had made another bag earlier without interfacing: http://mypatchwork.wordpress.com/2010/09/05/charms-tote-bag-with-inside-pocket-tutorial/. I stipple quilted that one but I thought the result wash´t stiff enough. So you decide! Cheers
Teresa
Great tutorial! You’ve been featured on the Quality Sewing Tutorials blog.
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