This easy market bag pattern looks so amazing because it is made with patchwork fabric.
But.... you can make your own quilted fabric using some wild quilting or paper piecing techniques.
Lets get to work.
Finished bag size
12" w x 14" h x 4" d
How to Make this Market Bag Sewing Pattern
Step 1. Make your own patchwork fabric
Have yourself some pink lemonade and examine the fabric in the bags in the picture, noting how they created the layered look.
Go over to your fabric stash and make a a stop by the stack of cloths you were planning to give to Goodwill. Choose a base color/pattern and then look for add-ons. It’s simplest if you cut and make a base bag exactly as per the pattern. Very easy sewing pattern.
Step 2. Cut the Fabric
You'll need (to cut)
- One piece 17" x 35.75" rectangle of canvas fabric for the bag body;
- Two pieces of 17” x 4” for the handles; and
- One piece 7" x 17" for an inside pocket (optional).
Step 3. Sew the inside Pocket
It's optional but who would love a nice inside pocket for your phone, keys etc, In fact, I usually like a couple of inside pockets.
On one short end sew a double-turn hem, i.e. turn raw edge under a scant 1/4", then turn under a generous 1/4". Sew a straight stitch through both layers, backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam. Press the finished edges. Fold up hemmed side, with wrong sides together, so rectangle measures 9" x 7". Finish long sides by stitching a double-turn hem on the raw edges of both sides of the pocket, folding the fabric toward the back (figure A).
Step 4. Sew the market bag itself.
Fold tote fabric in half, with right sides together, so fabric measures 17-7/8" x 17". The fold will become the bottom of the bag. Using a 1/2" seam allowance, sew both sides. With bag wrong side out, sew a line of topstitching, 1/4" from the side seam. You’ll be sewing on the right side of the bag, from the inside. Don’t worry if your machine can’t reach the corner, just get as close as you can.
( TIP: To secure seams and add a decorative finish, topstitch your work. It' worked on the right side of the fabric, about 1/4" away from an edge or seam, though all the layers.)
Lay bag flat on a table and finger press the bottom fold as a guide for the next step. Wrong side out, stand bag
upright and flatten the bottom corners, being careful to line up the side seams with the bottom center of the bag.
Sew a 4" line of stitching across the triangle, 2" in from the corner of the bag (figure B). Repeat on other side.
This creates the bottom of the bag. Press triangle to the bottom of the bag, and stitch in place, across the point.
Turn bag right side out. Fold top of bag to inside 1/2", then another 1". Press. Pin prepared pocket in place
underneath the fold, lining up the center of one side of the bag with the center of the pocket. Finish the top of
the bag by stitching along the folded edge, attaching the pocket as you sew.
Step 5. Attach the Handles
Fold under short sides 1/2" each. Press. Fold in long edges so they meet in the center, then fold strap in half.
Press. Around the strap, stitch about 1/8" or closer from the finished edge.
Repeat for second strap. Pin the ends of each strap to the outside of the bag, 2" from the center and 1-1/2" down, and sew in a box shape to attach (figure C).
And there you are: ready to go shopping!
Images, design & information source: DS Quilts.
More Free Tote Bag & Handbag Patterns
For patterns to make quilted striped bags or quilted squares bags, crochet bags, knitted bags and all kinds of other tote & handbags, check our ‘bags’-section at Fine Craft Guild. The patterns also include tips and ideas as well as fun and inexpensive fabric ideas.
