Jolly Braid Totebag
I was invited by the Fat Quarter Shop to join in the Jolly Braid Totebag quilt along. Today is reveal day and I’m excited today to show you my tote.
This pattern is very easy to make and can be used in several different colorways. The downloadable pattern is available here.
Quilted bags and totes are some of my favorite projects. Patterns that are easy and quick appeal to me and this pattern is no exception. I made this totebag in a day and you can too!
Love those Jolly Bars!
The tote is made using one Jolly Bar pack, and two other coordinating fabrics for the side panels of the tote and for the lining. Are you familiar with Jolly Bars? The Fat Quarter Shop offers this versatile pre-cut pack that measures 5″ x10″. Using the Jolly Bar for the tote makes quick work of the cutting time for this project.
I chose to use Zen Chic’s fabric True Blue. The colors in this fabric line are blues, grays, and soft whites. From that same line, I used Steel Bud for my coordinating fabric. For my lining, I chose Zen Chic’s Modern Background Paper Graphic on Fog.
The Triangles on a Roll paper foundation method of sewing the strips together goes very quickly. I found it helpful to use my mini Wonder Clips to hold the roll while I went along. Another little hint — when you start with that first triangle, use a little swipe of a glue stick to hold it in place (keeps me from sewing over pins).
Of all the stabilizers I’ve used in bags, I think this is my new favorite. It is just what the name says — soft yet stable. I spray basted it and used my walking foot to make some freehand wavy lines. It gives a nice definition to the quilting. It held the spray baste well and was easy to move as I quilted.
Just How Much Stuff Can I Get In There?
This bag is roomy. Just for fun, I tucked a few things in the bag to give you an idea of how much it holds.
You can see I have 4 large books, a little journal, two reading books and a water bottle inside. There’s still room to tuck in a few more small things.
With Christmas coming soon, this totebag would be a great gift for someone on your list. Or it’s a fun bag to make for yourself. I hope you join in and give it a try!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Wendy
15 Comments
Vicki in MN
Very cute and roomy:) I approve of your choice of fabrics also.
piecefulwendy
Thanks, Vicki!
nanacathy2
What a super bag, the colour choice makes it look rather smart/
piecefulwendy
Thanks! It is so easy and quick!
lorieast2
love it!! I always swear I am not making any more bags but then SOMEbody (ahem, Wendy) shoes a cute one…
piecefulwendy
Well, always happy to help, Lori! After all, what’s one more bag??? (And you’ll have it done in a snap!)
Sherry @ Powered by Quilting
Love this bag!!! So cool, it’s going on my list to make!
Judy Biggerstaff
Cute tote, and good job on the color combo.
piecefulwendy
Thank you!
somethingrosemade14
I love this tote bag especially since it doesn’t involve a zipper. Very interesting to see how much this bag can hold. It looks like a great pattern, love the quilting and I’m going to check it out now.
Sandra Walker
Ah so THIS is what you made with those gorgeous fabrics! Good idea to show some stuff stuffed inside for an idea of size.
Louise Hornor
Your bag really turned out well, Wendy! Love those clean, modern fabrics and the blue and grey together. Beautiful!
Nancy @ Grace and Peace Quilting
Cute bag. Love the Zen Chic. And it stands up so nicely!
Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts
Your bag is cute made in those fabrics – good choice! It looks big enough to hold all the stuff I’m always toting around. Good job!
Kathleen McCormick
Great tote and fabrics! I love the new soft and stable, but haven’t had a chance to use it. I’m sure I’ll find one.