Hope Blossoms Tote Bag Tutorial

In a world where things can be a bit chaotic, we need hope to remind us of a brighter tomorrow. The Hope Blossoms quilt was a fun quilt to design and make. Made from two different block constructions which are set on point, this quilt transforms HSTs into fun floral blocks.

And what better way to carry the message of hope with you than through a beautifully handcrafted tote bag?

I was reminded this early spring while teaching some 10 year olds how to sew, how easy and enjoyable it is to make tote bags! I didn’t have the girls quilt their tote bags, but I want to give you all a free tutorial on how to make one!

This can be done with any fabric choice or quilt block. We all have some orphan quilt blocks hanging around right? Turn one of those into a beautiful tote! Or better yet, make a new one from the Hope Blossoms quilt pattern.

Grab your copy of the Hope Blossoms quilt here. There are not directions on making a single block, but it was pretty easy to figure out which fabrics needed to be cut and included to make a single block. I also added extra material on all four sides so the block would equal 18” x 18”.

Materials:

• Quilt block measuring 18” x 18”. I used a block from my Hope Blossoms quilt that can be purchased here.
• Fabric for backing measuring 18” x 18”
• (2) batting pieces measuring 18” x 18”
• (2) pieces of fabric for lining measuring 18” x 18”
• Handles, I used these ones here
• Thread and needle
• Sewing machine
• Basting spray if preferred

Steps:

1. Baste the quilt block to a piece of batting using your preferred method. I spray-basted mine, since that’s what I prefer to do with small projects. Repeat this step with the backing material and other piece of batting.

2. Quilt using your preferred method. I used a serpentine stitch, but hand stitching would look beautiful with this bag as well.

3. Take the two pieces of quilted exterior bag panels and pin them RST. Stitch three sides together using a ¼” seam allowance. Leave the top of the panels open.

4. Take the two pieces of lining RST. Stitch three sides using a ¼” seam allowance. Leave the top of the lining pieces open.
5. To make a boxed bottom to the bag: Take the exterior of the bag and flatten the bottom corner so the side seam and bottom seam touch and align. It will look like a triangle. Measure 2” from the point of the triangle and mark with a fabric pen. Repeat on the other bottom corner. Also, repeat with the lining bottom corners. Sew on the marked line, and cut ¼” away from the marked line. I back-stitch also to reinforce the bottom corners of the bag.

6. Turn the lining right side out. Place the lining inside the exterior bag with the right sides facing each other. Make sure to align the side seams.
7. Stitch around the top of the exterior and lining, leaving a 3” gap. Back-stitch at the beginning and end of this opening so stitches don’t get pulled out in the next step.

8. Pull the lining and exterior of bag right sides out through the opening. Push the lining back down into the tote bag.
9. Press the top of the tote bag so the lining is neatly aligned inside the bag and the opening is pressed shut.

10. Topstitch ⅛” away from the top of the tote bag, all the way around the tote bag making sure to close the opening that was previously left there.
11. Add the handles making sure to align them on both sides.

Your tote bag is finished! But this tote bag is more than just a pretty accessory. It’s a reminder to embrace hope in our daily walk.