Shibori Grocery Tote Bag

Step 2:

Square in a Square -- Make 8 Units

Following the block layout diagram, stitch 2 Royal Blue/Purple triangles to opposite sides of Lemon Yellow/Scarlet 4” square. Stitch Fuchsia triangles to the remaining two sides.

Step 3:

Quarter Square Triangle – Make 8 Units

Following the block layout diagram, stitch Apple Green & Fuchsia triangles together. Stitch Apple Green & LemonYellow/Scarlet triangles together. Then stitch these units together.

Step 4:

Piecing the Blocks

Following the block diagram for color placement, piece the top together, joining block units as indicated:

Row 1 – Square in a Square unit, Quarter Square Triangle & Square in a Square
Row 2 – Quarter Square Triangle, Center Square, Quarter Square Triangle
Row 3 – Square in a Square, Quarter Square Triangle, Square in a Square

Stitch the rows together to create the pieced block. Repeat for other block.

Step 5:

Borders

Stitch the black 2 ½” x 15 ½” strips to opposite sides of each pieced block. Stitch the
black 2 ½” x 19 ½” strips to two remaining sides.

Step 6:

Making the Strap Handles

Press one 4” black strip in half. Then open strip and press each half to the center. Then press folded edges together to create a 1” wide handle. Open the strip, place the 2” batting strip along the center. Fold the fabric over the batting. Fold the whole piece in half and pin. Stitch along the edge to close the handle. Then topstitch the folded seam. Trim the handle to the desired length. Continue topstitching rows ¼” apart, as shown. Repeat for other handle.

Step 7:

Sewing the Tote

Measure in 3” from each side of block and pin one end of strap handle to the block. Then pin the other end to block, with the majority of the handle lying on the block. Stitch 1/4” from edge to secure handles. Repeat by sewing other strap handle to other block.

Pin the black 19” square to the block, right sides together, along the same edge as the handles. Stitch ½” seam from edge of block. Repeat for other block.

Open the block and center the batting on the wrong side of pieced block. Fold the block over the batting and secure with safety pins. Note: The Batting will not cover the entire block; space is being left around the edge for the seam allowance. Quilt by stitching in the ditch along pieced seams with black thread to give the block definition.

Pin the front and back of tote, right sides together. Stitch along three sides using a scant ¼” seam allowance. Turn the tote right side out and press edges. Pin the sides and bottom pieces together; stitch the three sides using a generous ¼” seam allowance to close the seam.

Step 8:

To create the “grocery bag fold” at the bottom, turn the tote inside out. Fold one side seam so it matches up with the bottom seam; this will form a small triangle along the bottom. Measure 2” from the point of the triangle and draw a line. Stitch across the line making sure to backstitch at the beginning, midpoint and end to secure the seam. Repeat these steps for other side. Turn tote right side out and enjoy!