Ricochet and Away!: totes

Showing posts with label totes. Show all posts

Friday, January 25, 2013

Quilted Tote Bag Tutorial

My Curved Seams Challenge project is finally done! I posted about the beginning stages of my project HERE. I used a great tutorial by Leanne at She Can Quilt. Leanne also includes a video--how nice is that!!!

So I made my own template, followed Leanne's instructions, made 8 drunkard's path blocks, sewed them into 2 big blocks, and then bordered the blocks with 4 inches of grey fabric. Here's a pic of my 2 panels:

They were rather large 20" square panels, one for each side of my tote.

Now, I have blogged about quilted totes before HERE. I gave pretty good instructions on how to assemble the totes, but I came up with some new tricks in constructing this newest tote, so I thought I'd share them with you.

If you'd like to have a flat bottom on a tote without adding a separate gusset, you have to match the side seams to the bottom center and stitch through the corners. I explained this step in detail on my previous quilted tote tutorial. You can see from the pic below that the overall shape of the bag changes drastically according to how much corner you cut off:

When you start with square or rectangle front and back panels, the resulting shape of the bag is no longer square or rectangular after you create the bottom this way. The top opening will always be wider than the width of the bottom. HOWEVER, if you start with a trapezoidal (triangle with it's head chopped off) you can end up with a rectangular tote bag with a nice flat bottom!

So, I trimmed each of my panels so the top width was 4 inches shorter than the bottom width. Or more simply put, I cut from the bottom corner to a mark 2 in. from the top corner on each side. Was that simpler? Perhaps this picture will be more helpful:

I made the sandwich of the top panel, the batting, and the lining panel for each side, and then I machine quilted through all the layers. The first panel I quilted in concentric circles. I loved the effect, but all the stopping and starting was tedious. On the other side I made one big spiral instead. The effect was just as good and the quilting went much faster:

Another something new I tried with this tote was to add an interior pocket. You can see the stitching on the outside of the bag, but I didn't think it was too distracting. The alternative was to stitch it in by hand and I wasn't up for that. Here's a couple pics of the pocket:

Next, I trimmed up the panels and attached them right sides together with bias tape. I finished the top edge of each panel first, and then placed the panels together and finished the side and bottom seams. I didn't bother with neat finishes on the bottom corners because I was just going to cut them off later anyway:

Here's some pics of how finished the corner seams. Let me know if you have questions:

I added the handles, and the tote was done! The most trying part was the quilting. I have no patience for quilting and it ruins my back. The best part was finally getting to try out some curved seams! So here are the glamour shots of the finished tote. I even pulled it inside out so you could see the inside. I love the pallet and the mix of patterns. I was into black and browns for a while, but grey is definitely my new favorite neutral. I just love it with everything!

Here's a good shot taken by Mr. Ricochet. You can see that starting with the trapezoidal shaped front and back panels resulted in a very rectangular-shaped bag:

You can learn about the Curved Seams Sewing Challenge here:

Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,

Before you click away, I'd like to invite you to join in my current sewing/craft challenge.

Since this whole curved seams thing is new to me, I'm linking up to Celtic Thistle Stitches' New to Me in 2013 link-up party! It's a great party to share what you've learned and get inspired by others' projects.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Pattern Review: M5822

I needed to make a diaper bag to be auctioned off at a charity benefit. This lime green tote bag is what I came up with. I started with a pattern by designer Kay Whitt. You can see another Kay Whitt review I wrote HERE. I love her clean designs that just cry out for bold fabric choices. Here's a pic of the pattern I used for the diaper bag:

Kay Whitt Designs
Tote Bag in Three Sizes
M5822
[source]

This pattern from McCall's Fashion Accessories line allows you to make a tote bag in 3 different sizes. The tote features a recessed zipper, an interior pocket, and two exterior pockets. The pattern suggests you use novelty cotton fabrics or cotton blends, plus buckram (Coarse linen or other cloth stiffened with gum or paste and used typically as interfacing and in bookbinding. [dictionary def.]) and fleece for interfacing.

Of course it is almost painful for me to follow a pattern exactly without tweaking it just bit. I'm the same way with recipes--it must be a personal defect. Anyway, the alterations I made were:

Skip the zip. The zip would be nice for a purse, but diaper bags need to be accessible. The tote is tapered so the opening is already small. A zip would have made the opening even smaller. It would have been very difficult to find important things like binkies and nail clippers in this deep dark bag.
Exchange novelty cotton fabrics for vinyl and corduroy. The lime green vinyl and funky corduroy print were dying to be used together! Plus, I had this soft brown vinyl that I used for the handles that went perfectly.
Customize the interior pockets. One single patch pocket for a diaper bag is not optimal.
Exchange buckram and fleece for Peltex heavy interfacing.

Here's some pics of my customized interior pockets.

You can really tell which pics were taken in natural light and which were taken in my craft dungeon:

I made a patch pocket that mimicked the shape of the bag. The pattern included a similar pocket, but I didn't feel like going through the trouble of cutting it out. I added some bias tape to the top edge of the pocket. With the excess bias tape, I attached a toggle clasp that I stole from a used purse. This was a fast and easy way to include some handy hardware. I attached the pocket to the lining with a double row of stitching in a light pink thread.

For the pockets on the other side, I simply cut a panel exactly the same shape as the lining, but about 5 inches shorter. I finished the edge with bias tape again and basted the edges that would eventually be enclosed in the side seams. I divided the pocket in half with row of stitching. I knew the top of the center stitching needed to be very secure because it would experience a lot stress with regular use. So instead of sewing a little square on the bias tape, I stitched a couple big hearts. I didn't stop there either. I took ended up adding some embroidery as well. You can also see I added a row of my Ricochet ribbon that I blogged about a loooooooong time ago.

In straying from the recommended fabrics, I had to do some things differently.

You can't iron vinyl and Peltex sucks up glue. Since I couldn't iron-on the Peltex to the vinyl I decided to glue it on. I used regular old Tacky Glue in the gold bottle. The Peltex sucked it right up and it didn't stick a lick. So I took some Mod Podge and coated a side of the Peltex with it, effectively sealing it up or priming it to take the glue. After it dried, I used the Tacky Glue with great results!
Regular polyester thread and 80/12 needles weren't going to cut it. To effectively sew the vinyl I switched to a heavy-duty 110/18 needle, heavy-duty top-stitching thread, and increased my stitch length to 4. [I sew on a Singer 4411 HD]
Watch out for bulky seams! The curved sides and the thickness of the vinyl and corduroy were hard enough to sew without adding the bulk of the Peltex into the seams as well. To remedy this, I trimmed all the Peltex to fit within the seam allowances.

In conclusion, here are the pros and cons, IMHO, of M5822:

Pros:

Cute shape.

Simple design.

Easy to follow instructions.

Easily customized.

Comes in 3 sizes. I used the largest size.

Cons:

Finishing the top with a strip of binding was tedious. I couldn't risk making extra holes in my vinyl so I ended up hand sewing the binding to the lining. I prefer the method were you stitch the lining to the bag, right sides together, and then pull the whole thing through a opening in the lining.

The smaller 2 sizes don't appeal to me. I would have preferred a even larger size though.

The recessed zipper would make the opening very small, even in the largest size. I suggest an inner tab with a magnetic clasp instead.

The tote is easy enough to sew that a reasonably knowledgeable sewist could duplicate it without having to buy the pattern. Once you made the front/back panel, all the rest of the pieces are rectangles. Easy, right?

I'm thinking about making my own tote based off this pattern from the brown vinyl I used for the handles. I have enough of the green vinyl to use as an accent. Neon colors are so "in" right now. I hope I can finish and use my tote before they are "out"!!!

Hope you all find this review useful. I would love some more pattern suggestions for large tote bags, if you have any. Are any you Kay Whitt fans like myself? What's the last pattern you've sewn?

Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,

Thursday, June 7, 2012

DIY Quilted Tote Bags

In appreciation for all their hard work, I made tote bags for my kids' teachers. I was proud of how they turned out and wanted to share with you how I made them.
While looking rather detailed,
these tote bags are very simple in design.

There are:

no pockets,
no zippers,
no adjustable straps,
no clasps or buttons,
and no lining!

Sewing techniques I used:

Log cabin style patchwork,
basic applique,
free motion quilting,
and applying bias tape.

Supplies I used:

Fabric,
batting or fleece,
bias tape,
free motion quilting foot,
and basic sewing supplies.

The totes are made from 2 rectangular panels that comprise the front and back. Each panel is like a mini quilt consisting of a layer of batting sandwiched between a top and backing:

The dimension of the panels is up to you. I made mine around 18"X20". The finished tote was a few inches thinner an shorter because I added a bottom. When you add a bottom to a tote it's like putting on 3D glasses. All the sudden your tote has depth, literally! :-)

I spent the most time creating the top layers (green in the graphics). You'll need a 2 top layers for your tote. These will make up the outside of the bag, front and back. My totes have definite fronts and backs, utilizing patchwork on one and large appliqued petals on the other.

You'll need 2 pieces of backing fabric (blue in the graphics) and 2 pieces of batting (gold in the graphics).

Sandwich the batting between the wrong sides of top and backing fabrics. Line up the edges and pin or baste through all the layers. Then you start quilting:

Here's some picks of the quilting on my totes. Click on the pics to see them enlarged:

Square up the quilted panels and trim to the same size. Finish the top edges of each panel with bias tape. I made my own bias tape for the black tote and used ready made tape for the brownish one. After the top edges are finished, match up the panels front sides together and sew around the sides and bottom to form a pouch:

Next, finish the remaining edges with bias tape. To make the bottom you'll need to match up one side seam with the bottom seam. Then you have to cut off the corner, stitch it closed, and finish it with bias tape:

How much corner do you cut off? Take a look at the photos below. The "As" show you where the corners were cut off in correlation to the bottom seam "B". If you cut off a large amount of corner like in the left pic, you get an almost square shaped bottom and the overall tote shape is kind of like a trash can (but prettier!). If you cut off less corner like in the right pic, you get a thin rectangular bottom and an overall cereal boxy shape. There are pros and cons to each shape. The trash can shape stands very well on it's own--perfect for loading up with groceries. The cereal box shape is more traditional and lays flat against your side when you carry it--perfect for books and files.

The final step is to construct and add handles:

I like how fast the tote comes together once you finish the quilting. I love how the sides are stiff enough to allow the bag to stand on its own, yet soft enough that you can roll it up and stuff it into a drawer. I love not having to mess with a separate lining. The downfalls are that adding inside pockets is challenging unless you don't mind the stitching showing through to the outside. Adding pockets to the outside is much easier.

So what do you think? Easy enough? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Solids-Only Tote Challenge Winners!!!!

The Solids-Only Tote Challenge has come to an end and before I announce the winners (don't scroll down!) I'd like to review all the lovely totes that were submitted. Let's give a big round of applause to all the Tote Challenge participants!!!!! Woo-hoo!!!

Pam of Threading My Way:

Gwen of The Bold Abode

Tori of One Eleven:

Gray of Gray in Berlin:

Tanya of Wee Little Birds

Tanya of Craft Couture by T.C.:

June of Creations By June:

Adrianne of Happy Hour Projects:

Jennifer of Finding My Way In Texas:

Kristin of pritty tings:

Gia of One Perfect Day:

Christie of Describe Happy

Jill of Creating My Way To Success:

Eddie of The Arkansas Man Quilter:

Stephanie of Toastie Studio:

Juanita of Beyond Island Hopping:

Rikka of Ricochet and Away!

Keren of sew la vie!

So cool and gorgeous and different, aren't they? It's crazy cool how we all tackled the exact same problem in so many differents ways. Great job ladies and gentleman!

And now, without further ado, the winners of the poll are as follows (insert drum roll):