, Q U I LT E D B A G PAT T E R N S Quilting Arts

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H A N D M A D E Q U I LT B A G S

, Quilted Bag Patterns

H A N D M A D E Q U I LT B A G S from Quilting Arts

& '
)

+
*

& Pretty Purses

MELANIE TESTA
) Purple Evening Bag
+ Easy & Elegant
Quilted Bag SUSAN BRUBAKER KNAPP

' Blue Evening Bag * Mini Messenger Bag , Artful Eco Bag
LINDA & LAURA KEMSHALL

SUSAN BRUBAKER KNAPP LUANNE HEDBLOM

KELLI NINA PERKINS

( Yellow Evening Bag

SUSAN BRUBAKER KNAPP

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We spend so much time honing our art quilting skills, altering a favorite design or picture, printing it on fabric,
what better way to show off our work than by sporting it and showcasing it on the flap of a mini-messenger bag.
when we’re out and about?
If you love embellishment and stitch, but not necessarily
In this e-book we share with you seven stylish quilted the intricacies of sewing patterns, then Linda and Laura
bag designs from some of our favorite QUILTING ARTS Kemshall’s “Easy & Elegant Quilted Bag” is for you. A
artists. If you are planning a night on the town, look snap to assemble, you can spend the brunt of your time
no further than Melanie Testa’s “Pretty Purse” designs. decorating it.
Sophisticated and chic with a sparkling zipper for added
Lastly, you can be the talk of the produce aisle by making
sizzle, this purse will make you a sure-fire fashionista
one of Kelli Perkins’s colorful, eco-friendly grocery
whether you are hitting the coffee house or the martini
bags. Kelli cleverly added ties on the sides of these
bar.
bags so they can be rolled up and stored in your glove
Susan Brubaker Knapp offers three elegant purse designs compartment.
to use those gloriously painted, stamped, and stenciled
Enjoy!
fabrics you’ve been creating and saving for just that
special project. I made one of these classic evening bags
for my mother––who lives in the bling capital of the
world, Las Vegas––and she tells me she is the envy of all
Patricia (Pokey) Bolton
of her fashionable friends!
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Like to print imagery on inkjet fabric? LuAnne Hedblom
shows you how to personalize your bags by digitally

Quilting Arts
MAGAZINE®

& Pretty Purses

MELANIE TESTA ........................................................................... 3 , QUILTED BAG PATTERNS
HANDMADE QUILT BAGS
from Q UILTING A RTS

' Blue Evening Bag

SUSAN BRUBAKER KNAPP ........................................................... 5 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Pokey Bolton
CREATIVE SERVICES
( Yellow Evening Bag
SUSAN BRUBAKER KNAPP ........................................................... 5
DESIGNERLarissa Davis
PHOTOGRAPHER Larry Stein

) Purple Evening Bag

SUSAN BRUBAKER KNAPP ........................................................... 5
Projects and information are for inspi-
ration and personal use only. Q U I LT -
I NG A RTS M AGAZI N E is not responsible

* Mini Messenger Bag

LUANNE HEDBLOM ...................................................................... 8
for any liability arising from errors,
omissions, or mistakes contained
in this e-book, and readers should
proceed cautiously, especially with

+ Easy & Elegant Quilted Bag

LINDA & LAURA KEMSHALL .................................................... 12
respect to technical information.
Interweave Press LLC grants permis-
sion to photocopy any patterns pub-
lished in this issue for personal use

, Artful Eco Bag

KELLI NINA PERKINS ................................................................. 16
only.

S E V E N Q U I LT E D B A G PAT T E R N S : H A N D M A D E Q U I LT B A G S from Q U I L T I N G A R T S Q U I LT I N G A R T S . C O M 2
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QUI CK & pretty

turning wholecloth quilts into sweet little purses
Originally published in
QUILTING ARTS MAGAZINE,
December/January 2009

H ere’s a quick and easy gift idea. These quilted purses

are fun to make. Because they’re made from a quilted
sandwich, there are numerous options for personalizing
them. I like to start with one of my wholecloth painted
fabrics and free-motion quilt it to enhance the painted
design. However, you can use any fabrics of your
choice to create your purses.

DIRECTIONS did, create a fabric collage,

1. Create cloth for the face of your or use commercial fabric.
purse. (The 9" × 15" rectangle You could also piece fabrics
includes seam allowance, plus together, if you wish.
about 1" additional fabric on all 2. Sandwich the face, batting, and
4 sides to allow for shrinkage backing and quilt the layers
during quilting.) You may choose together using free-motion stitching. BY M ELANIE T ESTA
to paint a wholecloth design as I
3. Trace the purse pattern onto the
quilt sandwich and cut it out. Do not
cut the notches in the middle of the M A T E R I A L S
pattern as these will be cut later.
UÊZipper, 7" closed bottom
4. Fold the fabric in half to create the UÊFabrics for top and backing
purse shape so that the inside of the (9" × 15" rectangle each)
purse is facing out. Set the zipper UÊBatting (9" × 15" rectangle)
and sew it in place. (Fig. A) UÊSewing machine with free-motion
capabilities
5. Trim the face, batting, and backing
UÊHand-sewing needle and thread
below the zipper tape to half the
original seam allowance.

6. Open the zipper half way. Fig. A

7. Using a ¼" seam allowance, straight

stitch down each side of the purse.
Then zigzag stitch the raw edges to
finish.

Left: This painted wholecloth design was

free-motion quilted and used as the fabric for
the purse shown above.

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8. Cut a notch on each side of the

bottom edge.

9. Pinch the cutouts open, sew a

¼" seam, and then machine zigzag
stitch to finish the raw edge.
(Fig. B)

Fig. B

10. Hand sew the zipper tape to the

inside to conceal the raw edges of
PURSE PATTERN
the quilt sandwich. (Fig. C)
Enlarge pattern 141 percent.

Fig. C

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permission to photocopy this
11. Turn it right-side out and voilà: pattern for personal use.
you have a pretty purse!

resources
Z IPPER
zipperstop.com/id22

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CL ASSI C
evening
BA GS
Originally
published in QUILTING ARTS
G IFTS, Holiday 2008/2009

T hese little evening bags make great accessories,

as you can construct them in any fabric
to match your holiday ensemble, whether
it’s funky or elegant, artsy or casual. Add surface
design elements to dress up your bag, or go without
and keep it simple and speedy. Then choose from a
long strap, a short one, or none at all.

DIRECTIONS Trace around the pattern

with a water-soluble marker
M AT E R I A L S
S URFACEDESIGN or chalk marker, but do not UÊFat quarter of fabric for purse
cut out yet. This is the finished exterior and straps
AND EMBELLISHMENT
1. Enlarge the patterns provided
size. Cut a piece of batting and UÊFabric for purse backing (can be
backing fabric slightly larger than the muslin or ugly fabric, as it will not
here to the desired size, or draft show in the finished product)
top fabric.
your own. My blue and purple
UÊFat quarter of fabric for purse lining
bags measure about 11" at their NOTE: Keep any hand stitching or
UÊThread for piecing and quilting
widest point; the yellow print bag beading slightly within the marked lines
UÊFeather stencils (I used ones from
is about 10" wide. (If you enlarge for your bag, since you will be cutting out
Stewart Gill.)
the patterns here by 315 percent, the pieces for the bag before stitching it
UÊStiff-bristle paintbrush
those are the approximate sizes together and you don’t want to cut through
UÊMetallic fabric paints, such as
you’ll get.) any stitching or be sewing over beads. Any
Alchemy by Stewart Gill or Lumiere®
quilting should go past the marked lines. by Jacquard®
2. Cut a piece of the exterior fabric
that is 2"–3" larger in both For the purple bag, I started with a UÊSmall seed beads
directions than the purse pattern. hand-dyed fabric. Then I stenciled a UÊSilamide beading thread
This gives you room for the seam feather motif onto it with blue, white, UÊBeading needles
allowance and provides some extra and silver fabric paint. Once the paint UÊVelcro®
for draw-up during the quilting was dry, I heat set it. After layering this UÊPerle cotton
and embellishing. fabric with the batting and backing UÊButton(s) or other closure accent
fabric, I quilted around the feathers UÊBatting
3. If you want to embellish your bag,
and then beaded the areas between the
do it now. First, place the fabric UÊWater-soluble or chalk marker
stenciled designs with purple and blue
you are using for the exterior
beads in a feather design.
right-side up on a flat surface.
BY S USAN B RUBAKER K NAPP
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For the blue bag, I used a fabric from Lonni Rossi’s

Paintbox Brights collection by Andover Fabrics™ and
simply quilted around the white vine motifs.

For the yellow bag, I took several dotted fabrics from

BasicGrey’s™ Urban Couture line by Moda, sliced
them into strips, sewed them back together, quilted
them with a square motif, and then hand stitched
with perle cotton in a simple “chicken scratch” PURPLE EVENING BAG
pattern.

C ONSTRUCT THE BAG

1. Take the pattern and place it face down on the
wrong side of the piece you have prepared for the
front of the evening bag. Using a water-soluble or
chalk marker, trace around the pattern and mark
the fold line. Then mark a second line 1⁄2" outside Interweave Press LLC grants permission to photocopy
this pattern for personal use.
the first line for the seam allowance (this is the
cutting line). Cut out on the cutting line.

2. Fold the bag on the fold line, right sides

together, and pin. Starting at the folded edge,
and backstitching, sew 1 side of the bag together

on the traced line. Proceed

until you are 1⁄2" from the top,
and backstitch. (This 1⁄2" is left
unstitched because the lining will
attach here.) Repeat for the other
side. Trim seams and clip curves
to eliminate bulk and make curves
smooth.

3. Turn the bag right-side out and use

a blunt-tipped tool to poke out the
corners and smooth the curves.

M AKE THE LINING

1. Take the pattern, cut it on the
line marked “Bottom (fold)” and
place both pieces face down on
the wrong side of the lining fabric.
Trace around both pieces. Then
mark a second line 1⁄2" outside the
first line for the seam allowance
(this is the cutting line). Cut out
on the cutting line.

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this pattern for personal use.

YELLOW EVENING BAG

BLUE EVENING BAG

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photocopy this pattern for personal use.

2. Place these 2 pieces right sides 4. Turn the bag right-side out and use F INISHING UP
together with the piece for the a blunt-tipped tool to poke out the
1. Make the strap: Cut or piece a
front on top. Sew up the sides of corners and smooth the curves. Put
strip 11⁄2" wide by 2" longer than
the lining in the same manner the lining inside the bag exterior.
the desired length. Press the strip
that you sewed the outside of Press the edges and then topstitch
in half lengthwise, right-side out.
the bag, leaving 1⁄2" at the top of very close to the seam line. Take
Press each edge in to the center
the sides, and leaving the bottom care and go slowly through the
fold, then fold in half on the center
unstitched. (You will sew this bulky seams.
fold to tuck the raw edges in.
seam at the very end, after the bag 5. Pull the lining out and then fold Topstitch each long edge. Turn the
and lining are stitched together.) raw edge under 1⁄4" on each end
under and press the bottom raw
3. Leave the lining inside out. edges about 1⁄2". It is best if the and sew by hand to the inside of
Place the bag exterior inside the lining is just slightly shorter than the bag at the seam line.
lining, so that the right sides the inside of the bag so it will not
2. Create closures: Each of my bags
are together. Match the side bunch up inside. Pin and sew a
is held closed with a small piece
seams (finger pressing the seams very small seam (1⁄8" or so) along
of Velcro hand stitched to the
open) and pin along the top and the bottom to close. Put the lining
underside of the flap and the front
flap edges. Sew together on the back inside the bag.
of the bag. Attach a button or
marked lines. Trim the seams and 6. You may need to tack the lining to accent piece to the front of the flap
clip the curves to eliminate bulk to add interest, if desired.
the inside of the bag in a few places
and make the curves smooth. so it will lie flat on the flap.

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M I NI
messenger
BA G
inkjet fabric collage
Originally published in
QUILTING ARTS GIFTS, Holiday
2008/2009

D on’t you love it when

someone makes you a
special gift? Something unique,
personal, and perfectly suited
to you? Well, the best way to
inspire that creative spirit
in others is to make
something special for
the people on your
gift list.

I enjoy making
bags that feature
my own nature-
themed collages,
which combine antique
flower or bird images
with vintage text. I print my
collages on inkjet cotton sheets
and combine these prints
with commercial cotton fabrics
for a one-of-a-kind handmade gift.

The mini messenger bag featured

here is a quick and simple project.
However, you may need to print your
inkjet collage a day ahead of sewing
to allow sufficient time for the ink to
dry, depending on which type of inkjet
cotton sheet you use.

BY L U A NNE H EDBLOM

S E V E N Q U I LT E D B A G PAT T E R N S : H A N D M A D E Q U I LT B A G S from Q U I L T I N G A R T S Q U I LT I N G A R T S . C O M 8
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M A T E R I A L S
UÊInkjet cotton sheets (EQ Printables
Cotton, Jacquard® Inkjet Printing
Cotton, etc.) for inkjet collage for
the bag flap
UÊ 1 ⁄2 yard Fabric A*: cotton fabric for
outer bag body and shoulder strap
UÊ 1 ⁄2 yard or 1 fat quarter Fabric B*:
cotton fabric for bag and flap lining
UÊ 1 ⁄2 yard Pellon® Fusible Fleece
987F (This is what I prefer; the
fusible is not necessary, but it’s
easier to handle fused components
when stitching.)
UÊThread for machine stitching and
quilting
UÊComputer
UÊScanner
UÊInkjet printer
UÊSewing machine
UÊSteam iron
* Instead, you can use assorted
fabrics, as I did; the strap requires
a 42" fabric length; otherwise,
several fat quarters will provide
variety.

M AKINGYOUR INKJET
COLLAGE PRINT
1. Choose or design a collage to
use in your 7½" square. You can
scan a traditional cut-and-paste
paper collage to print or, if you’re
familiar with Photoshop® or similar
computer art programs, you can
scan various vintage images from
your collection into your computer
to layer into a digital collage, as
I have done. If you don’t collect
antique prints, most bookstores sell
clipart books with CDs that offer
many beautiful vintage images you
can use for your digital or paper
compositions.

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Note: In sewing, you will lose the outer

¼" of your collage image for the seam
S EWING THE BAG side, across the bottom, and up
the other side. Leave the top edge
1. When your inkjet collage print is
allowance all around, so make sure no open, remove your marking pin,
dry, ironed, and ready to use, cut
critical artistic elements fall within the and turn the flap right-side out,
out all your pattern pieces:
outer ¼" of your collage image. Note being careful to make sure your
my use of striped fabric border strips UÊ Bag body: Cut 2 pieces corners are fully turned and crisp.
around the edges of the bag’s collage; 7½" × 10½" each of Fabric A,
Note: Your flap should now be about
text, plain, or textured backgrounds Fabric B, and fusible fleece.
7" wide by 7¼" long, with raw edges at
around the border work well, too, to UÊ Bag flap: Cut 1 piece 7½" × 7½" the top.
help keep your design intact without each of inkjet collage, Fabric B,
worrying about where the seam line and fusible fleece. 4. Press the flap, making sure the
falls. edges are all even and straight.
UÊ Strap: Cut 1 piece 4½" × 42" of
With the right-side up, topstitch
2. Print your collage on an inkjet Fabric A. Cut 1 piece 2¼" × 42"
¼"–½" from the side and bottom
cotton sheet, following the of fusible fleece.
edges. Finally, stitch across the top
manufacturer’s instructions. For TIP: If your inkjet collage image on the very close to the raw edge, just to
printing, I usually increase the fabric has shrunk a bit to slightly less than
keep all the layers together neatly.
image contrast and saturation, a 7 1⁄2" square, don’t panic. Just be sure to
because fabric absorbs more ink leave enough plain fabric around the image 5. Machine quilt the 2 Fabric A
than paper would. Also, I have equally, then cut the full 7 1⁄2" square with main bag pieces as desired.
found that on my Epson® C120 your image centered. Straight stitching is easy and it
printer, using the “best photo” 2. Following the product always looks good. For quilting
and “premium matte paper” print instructions, fuse the fleece pieces guidelines, I use tailor’s chalk to
settings works best for me. to the wrong side of the inkjet draw a line down the center of the
print flap and the 2 Fabric A main pieces lengthwise, and then I draw
TIP: Inkjet cotton sheets are a bit costly, so
to avoid waste, first test print your image bag pieces. Set the bag pieces a line every 1" or so to either side,
(on matte cardstock if possible) at these aside. but no closer than ¾" to the edges.
“best” settings to see how it looks. With my After stitching the quilting lines,
printer, if the cardstock print seems a tiny
Note: Fusible Fleece is not supposed to brush away any remaining chalk.
bit bright, the fabric version will likely be shrink. However, just before I fuse it in
TIP: For a subtle effect, choose a matching
right. place, I hold the steam iron about 1⁄2"
quilting thread. For fun, choose a
above the surface and steam well over
3. Allow the sheet to dry according contrasting color, taking your thread color
the entire surface of the piece I’m about cues from your inkjet collage. Changing
to the product directions.
to fuse. It only takes a few extra seconds threads on different fabrics is a good way to
4. Rinse the sheet well to assure and assures that any miniscule potential add interest.
all excess ink is removed. Once shrinkage occurs before I fuse the fleece
6. Place the 2 quilted main bag
it’s dry, I always press it on the to my fabric piece. I think it gives a
pieces right sides together and sew
wrong side at the cotton/full steam nicer finish to my fused pieces.
with a ¼" seam allowance: down
setting to make sure that any
3. Put a pin in the top edge of your 1 long side, across the bottom,
shrinkage occurs before I cut my
fused inkjet collage to temporarily and up the other long side, leaving
7½" square for the bag flap.
mark it as the top. Place the Fabric the top open. Turn right-side out,
Note: It’s best to follow the B flap lining and the inkjet collage corners crisp, edges straight and
manufacturer’s instructions for rinsing, flap right sides together; they even, and press.
drying, and ironing your printed image. should be the same size. Using a
7. Center the 2¼" strip of fusible
¼" seam allowance, sew down one
fleece on the wrong side of the

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Fabric A strap piece and fuse it in 11. Slip the inside-out Fabric B lining 13. Press the lining section and then
place. Fold the unfused fabric on tube up over the bag/strap/flap tuck it neatly all the way down
either side of the fleece strip in, so assembly, so the raw top edges match inside the bag. The seam that joins
the lengthwise edges meet in the and the side seams align. The right the outer bag to the lining should
center, right sides up and press. side of the lining should be facing form the top edge of the bag now.
(The fleece is now completely the right side of the bag underneath Take care to press the top of the
enclosed by fabric.) Fold the strap on 1 side, and the flap lining on the bag so that this top edge is neat
in half lengthwise, pin the folded other side. Pin as needed to secure and even, and pin as needed to
edges together as needed to secure, the raw edges. Sew with a ¼" seam secure. Then, with the flap and
and stitch ¼" from the edge all the allowance all the way around this top strap extended above the bag body,
way along both long edges. Press. edge of the bag/lining. right-sides out, topstitch around
the top edge of the bag body, ¼"
8. Match each raw end of the strap 12. Pull the lining up over the top
below the top edge/flap seam.
with the raw top edge of 1 side of the bag, turning the lining
of the Fabric A bag back, right right-side out, but keep the bag flap 14. Touch up the outer bag with a
sides together and about ¼" away and strap with the Fabric A bag steam iron, taking care to flatten
from the side seams. (If you’ve section for now. Flatten the lining any bulk at the top of each side
used assorted fabrics, this is the section, with seams to each side, and seam. The flap should fall down
intended back.) Take time to stitch the previously pressed-under over the outer bag body to form
double-check and make sure the edges together, close to the edge. the front of the bag, proudly
strap is not twisted before you displaying your beautiful inkjet
TIP: If you wish, take a moment now to sign
stitch. Stitch close to the raw edge collage.
your name on the lining with a fine permanent
to secure, taking care to stitch marker.

texture
through only 1 layer of the bag.

9. Match the raw edge of the collage

bag flap with the raw edge of
Fabric A bag, right sides together, PUT
on top of the strap layer you’ve MORE
just sewn. Pin as needed to secure,
and stitch all the way across the
top, close to the raw edge, again
IN YOUR LIFE
stitching through only 1 layer of QUILTING ARTS MAGAZINE® explores
the bag. Set aside.
ideas, textiles, and techniques related
Note: The flap, lining-side out, should to embellished and contemporary
now cover the strap and should just
barely meet each side seam of the bag.
art quilting. Inside, you’ll find
design inspiration, step-by-step
10. On 1 short end of each Fabric B directions, gorgeous photography, and
lining piece, press a generous ¼"
toward the back side, but do not
motivation for developing your
personal style, at all skill levels.
sew along the pressed edge yet.
Place both Fabric B bag lining

quiltingarts.com
pieces right sides together, with the 800.406.5283 (U.S. & Canada)
pressed under ends matching. Sew 760.291.1519 (International)
¼" seam along each long edge.
QUILTING ARTS MAGAZINE®, P.O. Box 469087, Escondido, CA 92046-9350

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E ASY &
elegant
QUILTED
BA G
BY L INDA & L AURA
K EMSHALL
Originally published in
QUILTING ARTS GIFTS, Holiday
2007/2008

S E V E N Q U I LT E D B A G PAT T E R N S : H A N D M A D E Q U I LT B A G S from Q U I L T I N G A R T S Q U I LT I N G A R T S . C O M 12
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B ags can be such complicated things! They

nearly always involve lots of pieces. What with
all those front panels, back panels, side gussets, linings, pockets, flaps,
M A T E R I A L S
UÊA square of cotton fabric to act
straps, buckles, and zips, it would be understandable to think you as a foundation (Unless you have
need to be an engineer more than a quilter to make one. So, if you’re a specific size in mind, 14" is
generally a good size to work with
a lover of gorgeous stitched bags but the thought of constructing one
to make a medium-sized bag. This
seems daunting, this example might be just the answer you need. Our fabric can be any color, as it will be
embellished, triangular bag is inspired by the traditional, tribal hanging covered with fabric scraps.)
bags of India. These sturdy, hanging bags held precious belongings and UÊ Lots of small scraps of different
colored fabrics (We love to
made perfect sense for people who followed a nomadic lifestyle. They
use loosely woven scrims and
have the simplest possible pattern, meaning that after you have enjoyed cheesecloth that we have hand
creating the appliqué, embroidery, quilting, and embellishment, they can dyed. Silk and polyester chiffons
are also ideal.)
be constructed in a matter of minutes.
UÊ A square of fine-gauge net
or tulle, the same size as the
Basically the bag is just a square of decorations. We like to hang our foundation
textile the size of which can easily embroidered bags around the house as UÊ A square of batting, the same size
be adapted to suit a number of beautiful objects for display. as the foundation
uses. The stitched and embellished UÊ A square of backing fabric, the
Because the shape is so simple, you
square is folded envelope-style by same size as the foundation
can relax about the construction
taking three corners into the center UÊ A square of lining fabric, the same
and feel free to concentrate your
and stitching them in place. The size as the foundation
talents on creating a glorious color
remaining, unstitched corner is
scheme. Focus all your creativity on UÊ Embroidery and quilting threads
extended to become the top point UÊ Fabric strip for binding
the stitching and surface decoration
of the narrow triangle. The opening UÊ Fabric paints (We use Jacquard’s®
techniques and of course the
of the bag can be partially stitched Lumiere® paints.)
decorative embellishments to make
together if you want to close the UÊ Small beads
your bag unique.
lower section. This increases the
capacity of the bag and also ensures Our example here uses free appliqué
techniques with quilting, embroidery, density of the stitching. For our
that the contents are held more
fabric painting, and beading. The purposes, however, a firmer result
securely. It can be designed as a
quilting is worked by hand in a is preferable, so we added a layer of
decorative object for display or
Kantha style. This Indian technique batting and backing before finally
as a functional container. You could
traditionally made use of multiple lining the bag with an embroidered
make a medium-sized bag to hold
layers of worn sari and dhoti silk fabric in colors to complement
a sewing project to keep you
fabrics—an early recycling of precious the appliqué.
occupied on a journey or while
resources! The quilting, parallel lines
waiting for an appointment. You
could just as easily scale the size of running stitches, was worked DIRECTIONS
down to make smaller versions through several layers of soft cloth
as gift bags or holiday season to make a strong fabric with a new S URFACE DESIGN
decorations perfect for holding a lease of useful life. Because no batting & EMBELLISHMENT
little gift or a chocolate treat for was involved in traditional Kantha 1. Lay out your backing fabric,
someone special. Really tiny bags quilting, the stitched textile remained right-side down, place the batting
look wonderful as Christmas tree incredibly soft and fluid despite the on top, and lay the foundation

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square of fabric on top of that to layer over yellow will appear green. With Note: When we quilt in a Kantha
create a basic “quilt sandwich.” experience it becomes easier to predict style we usually space our lines around
1
these effects and exploit them to create ⁄16"– 1⁄8" apart. If you prefer to quilt by
2. Arrange small patches of
a much wider range of colors than the machine, try dropping the feed dogs and
different colored fabrics onto
original fabrics would suggest if viewed free-motion quilting across the patches
the foundation square until a
separately. The beauty of instead.
pleasing composition is achieved.
this technique is that you can keep
Overlap each shape to cover the Your free-appliqué quilted square
auditioning different fabrics until you’re
foundation completely without could be considered finished at this
happy with the effect.
leaving any gaps. Don’t turn stage, but we love to layer processes
any seam allowances; this is 4. Although the top layer of tulle will and techniques. For our example we
raw-edged appliqué. In fact, try help in holding the patches in place, added embroidered motifs over the
fraying your patches of fabric you’ll need to baste through all the top of our hand quilting.
first to really soften the edges and layers to hold them while you quilt.
6. Embroider on top of the quilting
help to blend the colors. The rows of basting will need to be
to introduce yet another
spaced according to the size and
TIP: Keep the shapes of the patches element of visual interest. We
simple; squares and rectangles work well. number of the fabric patches used.
used a sewing machine with an
Use sheer and semi-sheer fabrics for really It’s important to secure every patch
embroidery unit and a digital pear
subtle color overlays. Metal organza adds or they will shift during quilting.
design created with 4-D Sketch
a glamorous gleam and chiffon creates Keep the knots of the basting threads
software. If you don’t have an
glorious colors without adding noticeable on the top of the piece so that they
embroidery machine with this
bulk. In some areas you might want to can be pulled out easily as the area is
software you can create a similar
build up depth of color by layering 2 or quilted.
more layers of semi-sheer fabrics.
effect using free-motion quilting.
5. You are now ready to quilt the piece,
TIP: Try doodling with a pencil on
3. When you are happy with the as desired. We worked our square paper or in your sketchbook to work out
arrangement, cover the square of by making small running stitches free-motion ideas before working on your
fabric patches with a layer of net by hand with a hand-dyed, single quilted piece. After you’ve invested all that
or tulle. Be aware that the color strand, cotton embroidery thread time in the stitching it’d be a real shame to
of the tulle will slightly modify and a quilter’s size-11 between spoil it with a mistake at this stage! Simple
the colors of the fabrics beneath needle. The thickness of the thread fruit shapes work really nicely, but you
it. This is a great opportunity for will dictate the needle size to a could also try flower shapes, leaves, or
experimentation. You could enjoy large extent, but a between needle maybe something more geometric.
auditioning several different has a large eye for its size and can 7. With all of this stitching, the back
colors of net to assess the effect accommodate a thicker thread than of your work might be looking
they have on the fabrics below. is conventionally used for quilting. a little untidy. Adding a lining
It’s also a chance to demonstrate
The density of the stitch pattern is layer to disguise the back of the
your understanding of color
a personal choice, but the closer quilting and embroidery will also
theory.
the lines of quilting are worked the prevent items you put in your
Note: Much like when mixing paint, more texture is produced, especially bag from getting caught in the
layering sheer fabrics creates optical if the stitches are a little tighter stitching and pulling the threads.
mixes. For example, a layer of black than the norm. We particularly like Place your lining fabric on the
sheer adds depth, creating shades of the rippling texture that Kantha back of your quilted square with
colors (such as bright red to burgundy) quilting produces because when we the right side facing out. Secure
and white makes pastel versions of paint the surface (after quilting), the around the edges with basting
colors. Placing red over yellow will paint emphasizes the texture of the stitches until you are ready to
result in orange, and a sheer blue quilting. attach the binding. We used a

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pretty embroidered silk to line our 2. Turn the square “on point” with the with every stitch. We used little
bag, but you can use any fabric corner that will be the top of the cube-shaped beads as they seem
that coordinates with your outer bag facing north. to sit particularly comfortably on
design. a bound edge.
3. Draw east and west corners to the
8. The embroidered motifs create center of the square and catch with 6. Hang the bag for display from
enclosed shapes that can be filled a couple of tiny stitches to hold. the top corner with the binding
in with paint. Apply paint to Bring the bottom, south corner in extended to form a loop or attach
selected areas to draw attention to to meet the other 2 and stitch to a narrow ribbon or cord.
these shapes or to single out one hold. You could really go to town with this
motif for your focal point. Use the idea. This might be the opportunity
4. Close the seam along the 2 short
paint sparingly if you want the to play with all those decorative
open edges using an invisible ladder
colors of fabric to be visible rather fabrics you’ve been hoarding for
stitch, just taking each stitch into
than completely obscured by the a rainy day. To say nothing of the
the edge of the binding. Aim to do
paint. We painted the narrow paints, beads, and buttons that have
this as invisibly as possible using a
channel of the embroidered been lurking in cupboards waiting for
matching thread color.
pears with a small watercolor their chance to shine!
paintbrush. Allow the paint to dry, 5. Embellish the opening edge of the
then set it as recommended by the bag with beads. We used small
manufacturer, bearing in mind the beads and applied them with a
nature of the materials involved, blanket stitch, popping 1 bead on
i.e. don’t melt the net layer! If in
doubt, don’t iron.
/&&%
'3&4)
* / 4 1 * 3 "5 * 0 /
Note: We used Jacquard Lumiere
LOOK inside
cloth paper scissors
paints; they are fairly opaque and can
completely cover the color of the fabric ˆ
beneath. They also have a fantastic
metallic gleam that adds richness to where you’ll find:
the piece.
Quilting with
9. If during the quilting and mixed media
embroidery stage your piece has Fabric books
moved a little out of square, trim Working with Lutradur®
the edges of the piece as necessary Creative sketchbooks
& Visual journaling
and bind the edges with a strip of
Paper quilts
suitable fabric. We extended the
Monoprinting
strip of silk to make a hanging
Fun with digital collage
loop at the top corner of the bag. Altered books
Alternatively you could add a Creating layered
hanging loop separately, made Available on backgrounds
from cord or ribbon. newsstands And more...
worldwide
C ONSTRUCT
BAG
THE and through
subscription. clothpaperscissors.com
1. 1. Lay the finished fabric square 800.406.5283 ­1°-°ÊEÊ
>˜>`>®ÊUÊ760.291.1519 (International)
on a table with the lining CLOTH PAPER SCISSORS MAGAZINE, P.O. Box 469087, Escondido, CA 92046-9350
facing you.

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H A N D M A D E Q U I LT B A G S

ART F UL
eco bags Originally published in
QUILTING ARTS GIFTS, Holiday
2008/2009

M A T E R I A L S
UÊ1 yard printed cotton fabric
UÊ2' matching grosgrain ribbon
UÊMachine thread
Optional
UÊPlain canvas
UÊFabric paint and paintbrush, if you
want to paint, stamp, or stencil
BY K ELLI N INA P ERKINS your own designs onto your bag

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H A N D M A D E Q U I LT B A G S

I n the past year, we’ve all

become more aware of the
impact of plastic grocery bags on
the environment. The kindest
thing we can do is to replace
them with a reusable alternative.
Why not make a boodle of fabric
replacement bags, customized for
your recipient? Everyone from
moms to students can appreciate
these little bags, with lots of room
for groceries, library books, or
art supplies. You can whip them
up in no time, so plan to make a
few for yourself as well. The best
part is that you can roll them up
and tuck them into your purse or
glove box, so they’re always handy 4. Fold the ribbon in half, locate the 7. Secure the facing to the inside by
for impromptu market strolls. If center of one bag side, and pin stitching down each side seam
they get soiled, pop them in the the ribbon to the bag body (fabric from the top of the bag to the end
washing machine and they’re right-side up) so that the long of the facing, using a zigzag stitch
ready for the next trip. pieces are toward the center of the and coordinating thread.
bag and the folded edge aligns with
8. With the bag turned right-side
the raw edge.
out and the facing on the inside,
DIRECTIONS 5. Place 2 bag bodies right sides
together with the facing flipped up
sew straight across each pair of
handles, 1½" down from the top.
1. Cut 2 each of bag body and facing.
and pin. Stitch around the entire Trim one of the 1½" flaps to ¼",
2. Turn under ¼" along the long perimeter of the bag, from the edge and fold the raw edge. Fold the
bottom edge of a facing piece 2 of the facing piece, down the side, raw edge of the other flap under
times and zigzag stitch to finish it. bottom, other side, and through to 1
⁄4", and pin it over the trimmed
Repeat with the other facing. the end of the other side facing. edge. Topstitch around the created
3. Place a bag body and facing right rectangle.
6. Make a gusset in each bottom
sides together and pin in place. corner by aligning the bottom seam 9. To add letter blocks, cut some
Using a ½" seam, stitch around with a side seam and opening the pieces of plain cotton canvas to
the bag top, from side seam to seam allowances flat. Sew straight whatever size you’d like. With
side seam (but not sewing the side across the corner about 1½" in black fabric paint, stamp block
seams), leaving the very top of from the tip. Repeat for the second letters onto the canvas, then
each handle open. Repeat with the gusset. Zigzag stitch the interior highlight them with a coordinating
other bag body and facing. Clip seam allowances to finish. Turn the color of paint in a random stipple.
all curves and turn each piece bag right-side out and press. Allow the paint to dry and then
right-side out, then iron. iron to set.

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10. Dab the letters with a glue stick
to temporarily® hold them in
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place while you position them.
H A N D M A D E Q U I LT B A G S

When you’re satisfied, zigzag

stitch around the canvas to
attach the fabric blocks. With
a coordinating color of thread,
free-motion stitch around each
stamped letter.

11. To roll up a bag, lay it out on

a table, text-side up. Fold the
handles down, fold the top down,
and then fold the bottom up so
that the ribbon is centered on the
side. On the side opposite the
ribbon, begin rolling up the bag
jellyroll style and then tie it with
the ribbon.

Facing

(top portion of template)

Cut 2

Body

(entire template)
Cut 2

Enlarge pattern 246 percent.

Interweave Press LLC grants permission to photocopy

this pattern for personal use.

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