Let’s sew a charm square tote bag! This gorgeous bag showcases all your fabric prints and is super simple to make!
Since we are starting with charm squares, this project requires very little cutting! We can just dive right into sewing!
Charm squares are so fun to use and easy to grab at the fabric store. Here are 10 more projects that start with these precut 5″ squares!
Charm Square Tote Pattern
- 24 charm squares or 1 charm pack, I’m using Albion
- 1/2 yard fabric for lining
- 1/2 yard lightweight fusible interfacing
- 1″ nylon webbing/strapping for straps
- Fray check
How to Sew a Charm Square Tote Bag
Use a 1/4″ seam allowance when piecing the patchwork and a 3/8″ seam allowance when constructing the bag.
Cut 2 pieces of nylon webbing measuring 24″ each. Use fray check on the ends to prevent fraying. Let the ends dry while you sew the bag.
Choose 12 charm squares for the front and 12 for the back.
Sew squares together in rows of 3. Decide how you want to lay out the squares for your tote panel and then press the seams from each row in opposite directions.
Sew the 4 rows together, nesting the seams to get crisp intersections.
Fuse interfacing to the back of the panel. Trim up the edges.
Repeat the process with the other 12 charm squares to make the back panel.
Cut 2 lining pieces 14″ x 19″ or use the patchwork panel to trace the lining fabric.
Quilt the panel
Topstitch the panel however you want. I sewed vertical lines about 1/8-1/4″ from the seams.
Sew the front and back panels together with right sides together with a 3/8″ seam allowance, leaving the top open. Then sew the lining pieces together the same way, leaving the top open AND a 3-4″ opening on one of the long sides.
Clip the corners. Turn the main piece right side out but l leave the lining inside out. Slip the main inside the lining.
Pin pieces together along the top edge. Then sew all the way around the top edge. We don’t have to leave an opening since we have an opening in the lining for turning.
Turn the bag right side out and sew the opening in the lining closed. Then push the lining inside the main tote. Press and topstitch around the top edge at 1/4″.
Sew the straps to the top of the bag, 2.5″ from the side seam and 1.5″ down. Sew in a rectangle pattern with an X through it to hold the strap on. Repeat with the other sides and the second strap.
And your adorable charm square tote bag is done!
