Turn an Extra Quilt Block into the Cutest Quilted Tote Bag with Ruffle

Cutting Instructions

• From Back of Bag Fabric: 1 piece 12 1/2" x 12 1/2"

  From Quilt Backing Fabric: 2 pieces 13" x 13"

  From Strap Fabric: 2 pieces 3" x 22"

  From Ruffle Fabric: 2 pieces 4" x 38" (sew together along the short sides to have one piece 4" x 37")

  From Bag Lining Fabric: 2 pieces 12" x 12"

  From Shape Flex: 2 pieces 12" x 12"

How to Make the Ruffle:

If using the Ruffler Foot;

• Fold the 4” x 74” strip in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides together, and press along the fold to create a crisp edge.
• Set the Ruffler foot at 6. Fold under the end of the piece 1/2” inward so you have a clean edge. Sew using the Ruffler foot.
  

If using Standard Foot:

• Fold the 4” x 74” strip in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides together, and press along the fold to create a crisp edge.
  
• Next, set your sewing machine to a long stitch length and sew two rows of basting stitches along the raw edges, about ⅛” and ¼” from the edge.
  
• Gently pull on the bobbin threads to gather the fabric until the ruffle matches the length of your tote bag panel.
  
• Evenly adjust the gathers, then secure the threads by tying a knot at each end. You can now baste or pin the ruffle in place before attaching it to your bag.

How to Quilt The Bag:

• Mark the center of the 12 1/2” x 12 1/2” piece of fabric or quilt block in both directions.
• Layer the 13” x 13” piece of backing fabric with the batting and quilt block (or solid piece of fabric).
  
• On a sewing machine with a walking foot attached, sew one of the lines. Sew another line 1” away from the first line. Keep sewing lines 1” apart until you get to the edge of the fabric.
  
• Rotate the piece 90 ° and sew 1” lines using the same method, working in the other direction on the bag.
• After both the bag front and back pieces are quilted, trim all layers even.

Attach the Ruffle:

• Pin the start of the finished end of the ruffle 1/2” down from the top of the front of the bag on one side. Keep pinning all the way around until you get to the other side of the bag. Trim the ruffle even with the top of the bag.
  
• Unpick the ruffle and fold the raw edges under, and pin so that the finished top of the ruffle is 1/2” from the top of the bag.
• Sew the ruffle place with 1/4” seam allowance.
  
• Sew the bag front and back pieces together with a 3/8” seam allowance. Make sure you backstitch at the start and end of your seam.
  
• Turn the bag right side out.

How to Cover Canvas Straps

• Cut two pieces of 1” webbing 22 long.
• Sew the webbing to the strap fabric piece with a 1/4” seam allowance.
  
• Bring the fabric around to the other side of the strap
  
• and turn the fabric under 1/4” on the raw edge.
  
• Pull the folded edge of the strap and secure it with binding clips and glue.
  
• Topstitch the strap so that you catch the folded edge as you sew.
  
• Top stitch on the other side of the strap as well.
  
• Pin the straps to the front and back of the bag 3" in from the outside edge. Stitch in place.
  

Lining:

• Apply the Shape Flex interfacing to the wrong side of the two 12” x 12” bag lining pieces.
  
• Sew the two lining pieces together right sides facing.

Finishing:

• Slip the completed bag outside piece into the sewn bag lining piece. Match the side seams and pin all the way around the top of the bag.
  
• Sew with a 3/8” seam allowance, leaving a 4” opening on the back of the bag to turn it right side out.
  
• Turn the bag right side out through the opening. Press the top seam of the bag well (you may need to use steam), turn under the raw edge of the opening, and pin in place.
• Top-stitch around the top of the bag, making sure to catch the opening as you sew.
  
• Enjoy your bag!