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tgif quickie :: fat quarter purses
2 fat quarters + 2 cute buttons = 2 super sweet purses. I know, my math skills ain't what they used to be. I love fat quarters. A lot. They go on sale and I get all hoardy, snatching them up only to feel like they're not big enough to make anything substantial. Well, here I am proving myself wrong. It happens a lot.

Posted by goody-goody::Lauren Brandy Published See goody-goody::Lauren Brandy's 7 projects »
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  • How to make a tote bag. Fat Quarter Purses - Step 1
    Step 1

    Get it:

    2 Fat Quarter fabrics, in contrasting patterns or colors
    2 buttons, cuteness required
    pins and a little patience

  • How to make a tote bag. Fat Quarter Purses - Step 2
    Step 2

    Do it:

    Unfold your fabrics. Wash them if you want. Iron nice and flat. (Psst--I've been known to sew with fabric without washing it first. I know, it's scandalous!) If it's musty stuff from the thrift store, be prepared to wash it. A lot. Stink likes to stick around. Fold it in half widthwise (should measure approx. 9 x 22") right sides together. My pictures show it right sides out. Oops. Sorry.

  • How to make a tote bag. Fat Quarter Purses - Step 3
    Step 3

    Cut a two inch strip off the top. These will be your two handles.

  • How to make a tote bag. Fat Quarter Purses - Step 4
    Step 4

    Cut the remaining piece in half, lengthwise, leaving you with two rectangular pieces (folded) measuring 7 X 11". Make sense?

  • How to make a tote bag. Fat Quarter Purses - Step 5
    Step 5

    Sew each rectangle along the bottom and side seam (right sides facing), leaving a small seam allowance (.25" or less). You should have two inside out pouches now. Turn one out and iron. See below.

  • How to make a tote bag. Fat Quarter Purses - Step 6
    Step 6

    Iron each handle. Fold a little of both the top and bottom edges towards the middle and iron all along the length. Fold in half with little ironed edges tucked in. Iron flat. See the picture..words just don't jive.

  • How to make a tote bag. Fat Quarter Purses - Step 7
    Step 7

    Stitch up the edge, making sure you're catching all the layers. Ta-da! Handles.

  • Step 8

    Repeat all the above steps with the other fat quarter. I know. *Sigh* --again? But you'll get two purses at the end. Eyes on the prize, kay?

  • How to make a tote bag. Fat Quarter Purses - Step 9
    Step 9

    Alright. You've got four purse pieces, four handles. Lock and load. This is the part where I reveal just how lazy I am.

  • How to make a tote bag. Fat Quarter Purses - Step 10
    Step 10

    All in one step we're going to sew the lining to the outside and sandwich the handles in there, too. Crazy. Fold down the top edges of linings about .75" and iron. One of each fabric pattern. These are the ones we left inside out. Fold inside the top edges of the bag outsides (the ones we turned out after sewing) the same amount and iron. Take one lining and, mitt-like, stuff it in the contrasting outside. Repeat for other. P

  • How to make a tote bag. Fat Quarter Purses - Step 11
    Step 11

    in along upper edges of both bags. This can be a bummer if both pieces aren't really close in size. In that case, adjust the side seam of the lining or outside, whichever one is too big. I've had to rip out a few top seams because there's a burble of a gap between the two layers. No biggie. Embrace the seam ripper. It's your friend.

  • How to make a tote bag. Fat Quarter Purses - Step 12
    Step 12

    Before you sew the top edge, insert handles between the layers on each side. I usually put them around 1.5" in from both side edges. Make sure they get inserted at least an inch. You don't want them popping out.

  • How to make a tote bag. Fat Quarter Purses - Step 13
    Step 13

    Take a deep breath and, starting at one side edge, sew all around, doubling back over the handles so they're nice and strong. Sometimes you might have a teensy gather at the end. You can usually coax that flat with the iron.

  • Step 14

    Iron it all again and attach buttons. Pat yourself on the back! You rocked those fat quarters! The best part? No scraps. For being so wordy, I hope my instructions are somewhat clear. If not..ah, well. I'll do better next time. Have a great weekend. See you at happy hour!

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Comments

Jane D.
Jane D. · Llanilar, Wales, GB
Lovely bags! I have the same problem with fat quarters! Hoard them like mad and never do anything with them! Thanks! Happy

P.S. A fat quarter is a term for how fabric is often cut, it means a quarter of a yard, which is a piece of fabric measuring 18" by 22".
Reply
Carin
Carin · 4 projects
Love this project!
Reply
Sunny
Sunny · 1 project
I love the bag but what are fat quarters?
Reply
mamachka
mamachka
So cute...wish I could sew! Happy
Reply
Rae Rae The Jet Plane
Rae Rae The Jet Plane · Los Angeles, California, US · 1 project
Very cute..thank you!...But what are fat quarters?
Reply
corrie w
corrie w · Columbus, Ohio, US · 7 projects
very cute you shoulda joind our tote swap missy Happy
Reply

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