Flower Garden Fabric and a FREE Patchwork Tote Pattern

Spring is my favorite time of year.  There is nothing more exciting than anticipating new blooms and having a sunny day to tend to the garden.

When I had the chance to make a project with Flower Garden fabric from Riley Blake Designs I jumped at the chance!  Such a cheery fabric line and the perfect fabric for Spring sewing.

The fabric line is just beautiful with water color florals, ditzy sweet florals and a lovely gingham.

I am  patiently waiting until I can start wearing my Spring clothes as it is still a bit chilly in the Pacific Northwest, and I thought it would be fun to make a tote to complement my Spring wardrobe.

So...... I designed a tote.  The free pattern can be found at the bottom of this post.

 The Patchwork Tote was designed to showcase the lovely Flower Garden Prints.  The patchwork panels make outside pockets and are so handy!  The strap is extra long so it can be worn cross body.

I lined the tote with the largest floral from the collection - Flower Garden Main color Blue.

I love to see the lining peeking out at the top of the tote : )

I used Riley Linen in color Natural for the body and straps of the tote which allows the Flower Garden Prints to shine.

The cute little charm hanging from the pocket loop is from Sunny Day Supply (fun & free gift with purchase)

If you make a project with Flower Garden fabric, be sure to tag your photos on social media with the following hashtags:

#FlowerGardenFabric #ILoveRileyBlake #RileyBlakeDesigns

If you make my Patchwork tote, be sure to also tag your photos with the following hashtags:

#ChariseCreatesPattern #PatchworkTote

Patchwork Tote Pattern 

12" x 12" finished

Fabric - 42" wide

Linen - 1 yard

Body: 2 - 12 1/2" x 12 1/2",  Straps: 2 - 2 1/2" x 36 1/2" ,  Gusset: 1 - 2 1/2" x 35" ,             Pocket Lining: 2 - 12 1/2" x 10 1/2"

Print #1 -  1/2 yard

Lining Body: 2 - 12 1/2" x 12 1/2"

Gusset - 1 - 2 1/2" x 35" 

Print Squares: 7 different prints - F8 (8 1/2" x 22")

56 - 2 1/2" square

2 - A

2 - B

Button Loop:  4 1/2"   x   1 1/4"

Gingham Print -  F4 (18" x 22")

Bias Strips: 2 - 1 1/4" x 13",   2 - 1 1/4" x 2 1/4",  

Fusible Fleece - 1 yard

Pocket - 2 - 12 1/2" x 10 1/2"

Body - 2 - 12 1/2" x 12 1/2"

Gusset - 1 - 2 1/2" x 35"

Medium Wt Interfacing - 1/8 yard

Strap: 1 - 2 1/2" x 36 1/2"

Supplies:

Button - 1/2" or Larger

Charm (for pocket loops)

You can find the pattern for corner pieces A and B [HERE]

1) Make the Patchwork Pocket

Arrange  the 28 print squares,  PLUS 1 - A, and 1 - B pieces that make up the panel, in your desired design.

Stitch each row together.  Press seam allowances in one direction, each row in alternating opposite direction. 

Stitch the rows together, nesting seams. 

Press horizontal seams open.

 Make 2.

2) Fuse the batting to the wrong side of the patchwork panel.  Trim the batting around the corners.

Place the Linen rectangle on the back of the batting, baste in place.  Trim the batting around  the corners.

Quilt diagonal lines on the patchwork panel. 

Repeat for the second panel.

3) Fold the gingham 1 1/4" x 2 1/4" in half wrong sides together. Unfold the strip.  Fold the raw edge to the crease line and press in place.

Fold in half and press.  Edge stitch the open edge.

4)

Form a loop.  Place on the top edge of the pocket.  Baste in place.

5)  Fold the bias strip in half wrong sides together. Press

Unfold the strip.  Fold the raw edge to the crease line and press in place.

Fold in half and press.

 

6) 

Place the bias binding on the wrong side of the top pocket matching raw edges, Right sides together .  Stitch the bias to the top edge with a 1/4" stitch.

7)

Wrap the bias to the front panel, folding under the raw edge on the fold line.  Edgestitch in Place.

Repeat for the second pocket.

8)

Fuse the 12 1/2" square fusible batting to the wrong side of the 12 1/2" linen square.

Quilt horizontal lines 1" apart.

Place the Pocket on the 12 1/2" quilted linen square.  Baste around the side and bottom edge.  Trim the bottom corners of the linen square.

Make a loop with the  4 1/2"   x   1 1/4" linen strip as Instruction #3.  Place the loop at the top center of one of the panels.  Baste in place.

9) 

Fuse the 2 1/2" x 35" Gusset batting rectangle to the back on the 2 1/2" x 35" Gusset linen rectangle.

(You can quilt the gusset if desired)

Fold the gusset in half lengthwise to find the center point.  Match the center of the gusset to the bottom center of the Purse Panel.  Pin in place.  Pin the gusset to the Panel matching raw edges.

Stitch with a 1/4" stitch.  Repeat for the other side.

Turn right side out and press.

10)

Place pattern piece A and B to the bottom edges of the 12 1/2" Lining rectangles and trim around the pattern pieces.

Make the lining following instructions #7 leaving a 6" opening at the bottom of one side of the lining.

11) Make the Handle:

Fuse the 2 1/2" x 35" interfacing to the wrong side of one linen handle.

Place the Linen  2 1/2" x 35" rectangle right sides together with the interfaced handle.

Stitch each long edge with a 1/4" seam allowance.  Press seams open. 

Turn right side out.  Press flat.

Edgestitch each long edge.

12)

Place the handle on the top gusset edge right side together.  Baste in place.

Place the lining right sides together with the outside tote panel.  

Stitch with a 1/4" seam allowance.

Turn right side out.  Press.

Stitch the top 1/4" from the top edge, stitching through all layers.

Stitch the opening in the lining closed.

Attach a button centered, 1/2" above the pocket edge.

To add a little extra fun, you can add a charm to one or both loops on the pocket.  

Enjoy your Patchwork Tote!