Quilted bags are fun and functional. I use mine to keep my yarn and knitting needles. It keeps my yarn contained while I work on a project. But there are so many other uses for quilted bags.
In this post I will show you the steps to make your own quilted bag. First you need to make two quilt blocks. They could be the same or you could make two blocks that go well together. Just make sure the blocks are the same size.
For this aquatic bag, I made nine-inch blocks using my Anchor and Helm Quilt Pattern. For the penguin bag, I made twelve-inch blocks using my Penguin Love Quilt Pattern.
After making the quilt blocks, choose a fabric for the rest of the bag. Cut a strip to connect the two blocks. This will be the base of the bag, so it needs to be relatively wide. For the twelve-inch block I used a seven-inch strip and for the nine-inch block I used a five-and-a-half-inch strip.
Then sew sashing strips on the top and sides. These will be narrower than the bottom. For the twelve-inch block I used three-and-a-half-inch strips and for the nine-inch block I used two-and-three-quarters-inch strips.
The next step is to quilt the bag. Layer it as you would any other quilt with top, batting, and backing. The backing will not be seen once the project is finished so you can use something like muslin if you choose. Then quilt the bag and trim it.
Choose a lining fabric for your bag and cut it to the same size. Pin both of these up on the sides and stitch. However, leave a large enough gap in one side of the lining so you can pull the bag through to turn inside out once it is complete.
Once the sides are stitched, fold the bag so the seam is vertical and creates a triangle with the sides. Measure and draw a line about two inches up. Sew this line to form the bottom of the bag. Do this to both seams on the bag and the lining.
Make the handles next. For the penguin bag, I made two handles. I cut two five by thirty-two-inch strips and batting. I folded the fabric to face itself with the batting on the outside and pinned it up on the side, sewed it, and turned it inside out using a safety pin.
I only made one cross-body strap for the aquatic bag. For this one, I cut a five-by-thirty-eight-inch piece of fabric and batting. I folded and pressed the edges down about a half-inch, set the batting inside, folded the handle closed, and sewed it together. This method avoids turning the straps inside out which can be challenging the longer the strap gets.
Now it’s time to sew everything together. Pin the handles to the front of the bag. For the penguin, I lined them up with the outside of the quilt blocks. For the aquatic bag, I sewed them to the sides of the bag. At this point, before sewing them, make sure the handles are the length you want them. You may choose to trim them to your desired length.
Now turn you lining inside out and stuff the bag right side out inside it. Pin up around the top edges and sew. Then pull the bag out through the open side seam of the lining. Sew that seam shut and then stuff the lining into the bag.
Your bag is finished!
