Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Summer of Sewing: Quilt-As-You-Go Tote

Welcome back to our Summer of Sewing tutorials here at Inspired by Fabric! 

We'll be featuring regular tutorials as part of our Summer of Sewing series, all using our newest fabric lines that you can find at your local quilt shop! Our tutorials will include a chance to win a bundle of the fabric line being used, so make sure to enter each time!

This week's tutorial features Ro Gregg's new Sophisticates line and we couldn't wait to turn it into a project! Black, white and red prints make a stunning log cabin design in this quilt-as-you-go tote bag. 

A wreath of black, white and red prints

Let's get started!

You'll Need:
12 fat quarters or 1/4 yard cuts of black, white and red prints
1/2 yard white print for lining
1/4 yard each of a black print and white/black stripe for handles
Fat quarter large black floral for tote back
25" x 40" piece of batting

Cutting:
From the fat quarters:
A variety of 2-1/2"-wide strips

From the white print:
(2) 14-1/2" x 17-1/2" pieces

From the black print:
(1) 3" x 42" strip
(1) 3-3/4" x 14-1/2" strip

From the white/black stripe:
(1) 1-3/4" x 42" strip

From the large black floral:
(1) 16" x 19" piece

From the batting:
(1) 20" square
(1) 16" x 19" piece
(1) 1-3/4" x 40" strip


Notes about Quilt-As-You-Go: 
  • Finger press each added piece open before stitching on it.
  • Quilt each piece by stitching several lines parallel to the seam line. Our lines are approximately 1/2" apart.
  • Use a longer stitch length for the quilting.
  • If an added piece is slightly longer than the patchwork already there, no problem! It will be covered by a later piece.
  • When using 2-1/2" wide strips, simply add 2" to the length of every other strip. No other math needed!

Make the Bag:
1. From each of (2) 2-1/2" strips, cut (1) 2-1/2" square. Find the center of the 20" batting square. Lay the squares right sides together in the center and stitch down one side. 

2. Fold open, finger press, and then stitch 3-4 vertical lines down the squares. 


3. Cut a 2-1/2" x 4-1/2" strip, pin to the top edge of the two squares, and stitch with a 1/4" seam allowance. 

4. Press open and quilt lines to secure. 

5. Add a fourth piece (measuring 2-1/2" x 4-1/2") in the same manner, working around the center square. 

6. Continue adding strips. You'll add a second 2-1/2" x 4-1/2" strip and then a 2-1/2" x 6-1/2" strip. You'll add two strips of each length, and then add 2" to achieve the next strip length.

7. Add strips until the block measures 14-1/2" square.

8. The last strip you add should be the 3-3/4" x 14-1/2" black strip. This will be the bottom of the bag. Trim the bag front to measure 14-1/2" x 17-1/2".
9. Baste a 16" x 19" large black floral piece to a 16" x 19" batting piece. Quilt as desired. Trim to 14-1/2" x 17-1/2" for the tote bag back.


10. Layer the bag front and back right sides together. Stitch around the side and bottom using a 1/4" seam allowance. 

11. Cut 1-1/2" squares out of the bottom two corners. 

13. Fold the bag so the side and bottom seams line up and pin the edge. Stitch using a 1/4" seam allowance. Repeat on the opposite corner to box the bag bottom. Turn right side out.

14. Lay the (2) 14-1/2" x 17-1/2" white print pieces right sides together and stitch around the sides and bottom, leaving an opening for turning. 

15. Box the corners in the same way as for the outer bag. 
16. Sew the 3" x 42" black strip and 1-3/4" x 42" white/black stripe strip together lengthwise. 


17. Fold and press the stripe strip over the black strip, wrong sides together. Fold in the long edge of the black strip so it touches the stripe strip, approximately 1/4", and press. 
18. Tuck the batting strip inside so it is nestled between the seam line and the folded black edge. 

19. Fold the striped strip over the batting, and then fold the folded black edge again so it covers the striped raw edge. Pin in place and topstitch down the black edge. Topstitch down the other black edge as well to finish the handle strip. 


20. Cut the handle into (2) 20" lengths. Pin one handle to the front of the bag, measuring in 2" from each side. Stitch to secure and repeat on the back side of the bag.

21. Tuck the outer bag inside the lining, right sides together, and pin the raw edges along the top together. 

22. Stitch around the top edge of the bag. Turn the bag right side out through the opening. Stitch the opening closed and tuck the lining inside the bag. 
23. Topstitch 1/4" from the top edge of the bag.

Your bag is done! Enjoy!

Bag back:

For a chance to win a FQ bundle of Sophsticates, make sure you follow our blog! Leave a comment below letting us know that you do, as well as telling us which print you like best in this collection. The giveaway is open through Sunday, August 14th at 11:59 pm EST. We'll draw a winner and share it next week. 

Congratulations to the winner from last week's Vintage 30s bundle: Margaret
We'll be emailing you!

63 comments:

  1. 120-12981 is my favorite. I follow your Blog, I have never made a bag, but may have to try!
    cork@pa.rr.com

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  2. 120-12934 large red floral is my favorite but I like them all. I follow the blog by e-mail and on FB.

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  3. 120-13001 is my favourite! and I am follower via email.

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  4. I follow you on Facebook and through e-mail. My favorite fabric in this collection is 120-12934 the red is lovely! I have always wanted to try quilt as you go. Thank you for the detailed tutorial. Thank you for the generous giveaway!

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  5. I follow you by email. My favourite print is 120-12951. I love the rich red with black background. Beautiful colours!

    lin.web.28 at gmail dot com

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  6. I follow by email and Facebook. My favorite is the deep red print 120-12934, love the intensity of it.

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  7. So beautiful and thanks for the tutorial.I do follow by email and like on Facebook.
    My favorite is 120-12934

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  8. I love this whole collection. Ro's prints are always beautiful. I love the largest prints, especially 120-12934. Great project, too. I follow via email. Thanks.

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  9. I like the 12932 or 12934 floral. Love that floral print!

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  10. Red, black, and white have such a draw. I am always surprised at the appeal they hold. It is shocking and beautiful all at once for me. I like them all. My daughter likes 120-12942, it looks pinkish. I follow your blog. The emails make it easy to check in.

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  11. Red, black, and white have such a draw. I am always surprised at the appeal they hold. It is shocking and beautiful all at once for me. I like them all. My daughter likes 120-12942, it looks pinkish. I follow your blog. The emails make it easy to check in.

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  12. My favorite print is 120-12933. The entire collection is lovely.

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  13. I follow by e-mail and bloglovin.

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  14. I follow by email. I had drooled over the other blog post about her new fabric and would be over the moon to win-thanks for the chance!

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  15. OOPs! Forgot to include my favorite print: 120-12934.

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  16. I follow your blog by e-mail. I really love the tote. Thank you for the tutorial. My favorite print is the black with white florals that was used on the back of the tote.

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  17. 120-12981 is going to be my official favorite! But, in reality I love each and every one of these fabrics! All sorts of quilts patterns and quilting projects are bouncing around in my head. I will definitely be creating this spectacular tote bag for myself and a few more for gifts for Christmas! I follow you by email! Thank you so much for sharing everything that you do and the chance to win this gorgeous fabric!

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  18. My favorite print is the fourth in the log cabin part of your bag.
    Mdmn08 @ Gmail dot com

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  19. My favorite print is the fourth in the log cabin part of your bag.
    Mdmn08 @ Gmail dot com

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  20. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  21. 120-13001 is my favorite print. I follow via email.
    Ohioholman at all dot com

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  22. I follow by email and I love the print 120-13001 a great blender.

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  23. 120-12933 is my favorite. I love red and white. I follow by email.

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  24. I like the large floral print, the white on black one on the back of the tote. Reminds me of a toile. All are lovely. I follow by email.

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  25. I follow via e-mail. The black and red is beautiful!! :)
    craftyccain@gmail.com

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  26. So pretty! My favorite is 120-12933 I follow by email!

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  27. Sophisticates is a lovely combination of fabrics! Perfect for a tote! My favorite is: 120-12982....those pinks!! I am a Bloglovin' follower.

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  28. I follow with GFC and email. It is hard to choose, but 120-12941 is my favorite.

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  29. LOOOOVE #120-13001 Thank you for the Tutorial!! Love the Tote!! :) I follow you thru Email, Bloglovin & Pinterest too.

    Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way! :D

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  30. I follow via email. I love all of the reds.

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  31. 120-12962 is my favorite. I follow the blog by email, and thank you for the tutorial and opportunity to win.

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  32. I love all the prints but 120-12981 is my favorite. Thanks for the tutorial. I follow by E-mail.

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  33. Especially like 120-12952 and could see a lot of ways to incorporate that. I follow by email.
    basaran.family@rogers.com

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  34. I follow your blog with bloglovin. 120-13001 is my favourite print. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  35. I follow your blog via email and 120-12961 is my favorite of 23 choices. Thank you.

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  36. Very good tutorial for a handy tote. Thank you for explaining the quilt as you go process.
    I follow via email and think print 120-12941 is just gorgeous!

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  37. I like 120-13002, with the lines and squares best. I subscribe via GFC.

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  38. 220-12931 is my favorite. Following on Bloglovin'. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  39. I like all the reds, and #120-12962 is my favorite tho.
    I follow via email and Bloglovin. Thank you so much for the QAYG tote tutorial. Love that method as it finishes a project to quickly.

    bluestarof2(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  40. Follow by e-mail, I really like the whole collection, as I love the color red - favorite is 120-12982. Thanks for a chance to win!

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  41. Oh, I love this! 120-12934 I love making bags too. I'm always making them for my daughter who is a teacher. I follow you by email.

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  42. I really like 120-12933 and 129-12934. They would be awesome together in this tote with the black on the bottom and back. I follow via bloglovin.

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  43. I like 120-12933-and I follow your blog on bloglovin.
    Very cute tote!

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  44. I like 120-12971 for the combination of black red white. I've made several bags and would love to make this one using your fabulous collection. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  45. I follow you on Blogloving.
    cathylouwilson@gmail.com

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  46. I like all of these prints but my favorite is the stripe you used on the handle. I can't wait to try this bag!

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  47. I follow via e-mail. I really can't choose a favorite print -- if you make me choose, I'll select the fine stripe with the little red diamonds used in the handle of this tote.

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  48. I love all the Reds and I follow with bloglovin x

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  49. I follow via e-mail. There are too many to choose just one, so I did a blind point and pick and chose 120-12941.

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  50. I am a follower w/ bloglovn and this is the red print i love:
    120-12962

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  51. Lovely collection! I like the grey print with red diamonds, 120-13001, the best!!

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  52. Beautiful fabric collection! I have been planning to make a red, black, and white quilt for a few years now. I keep buying individual fat quarters when I spot them that I like for that quilt. This collection would get me so much closer to having all the fabrics I could use.

    I am a follower of your blog via Bloglovin' and also via email notification.

    My favorite from the collection is tough to pick because there are about 4 that I just absolutely love. I think the top favorite is 120-12971.

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  53. I follow you on bloglovin' as Jen Barnard. My favourite print is 120-12962
    jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

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  54. I follow by email and on Instagram. My favourite is 120-12932!

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  55. My favorite is 220-12933. What a beautiful rich red print! Thanks for the great giveaway. I follow you on Bloglovin.

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  56. I love the tutorial and the fabric. My favorite is black with white flower 220-12931 I follow on Blog and email
    gandn74@ymail.com

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  57. I follow you via bloglovin and like 120-12981

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  58. I follow on Bloglovin. It it hard to choose a favourite, but if I had to it would be 120-12932. Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  59. Great tutorial on how to do the 'Quilt as you Go' method. I love black, red, and white fabrics. I enjoy following your blog.

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  60. Great tutorial on how to do the 'Quilt as you Go' method. I love black, red, and white fabrics. I enjoy following your blog.

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  61. Our decorator fabric will make an excellent addition to any home with its character and style.
    Stout trim Copenhagen

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