How to Sew a Quilted Patchwork Handbag
Sew a cute quilted patchwork handbag with fabric scraps using this easy sewing tutorial.
I love black and white fabrics, my favorite color is teal, and I’ve been wanting to make a quilted patchwork handbag with my leftover fabric scraps.
This quilted patchwork handbag is similar to my simple tote bag pattern. The only difference is the outer patchwork fabric pieces. I chose to use 24 4-inch squares (12 for each panel) to create the patchwork. You can use this tutorial to make the squares any size you want. If you decide to make the squares larger or smaller, or change the total number, sew all the squares together first, then measure the finished patchwork pieces to determine the measurements to cut the lining fabric pieces.
I had some extra squares cut and might make a matching lined zipper pouch with smaller measurements to use for makeup and lipstick!
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***You can find the AD-FREE, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Includes 23 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Patchwork handbag supplies needed:
- Fabric scraps – (24) 4-inch squares- for the outer bag – my favorite fabric shop
- Lining fabric measuring 14″W x 10″H
- Outer fabric measuring 5″W x 26″H for the straps
- Batting
- Fusible interfacing
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
- Clear ruler
- Magnetic snap – 1/2-inch
- Sewing clips or straight pins
- Marking pencil
- Sewing scissors
- Sewing machine
Measure and cut your fabric
Using your cutting mat, clear ruler, and rotary cutter, cut (24) 4″ squares out of your fabric scraps.
Cut two pieces of lining fabric each measuring 14″W x 10.5″H.
For the straps, cut two outer fabric pieces measuring 5″W x 26″H.
Batting and fusible interfacing
I used Warm and White cotton batting (I had some extra scraps) and Pellon P44F Fusible interfacing for this patchwork bag.
Cut two pieces of batting and two pieces of fusible interfacing each measuring 14″W x 10″H. Cut two pieces of interfacing measuring 5″W x 26″H for the straps.
Sew the squares together
Use a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Lay the squares out in the order you want – 12 squares for each outer pieces of the bag.
In the first row, place the second square on top of the first square right sides together.
Sew along the right edge.
Open back up and lay the third square on top of the second square, right sides together, and sew along the right edge.
Place the fourth square on top of the third square, right sides together, and sew along the right edge.
Press the seams flat.
Repeat with the other two rows of squares for each outer side of the bag.
Sew the rows together
Use a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Now you’re going to sew the rows together.
Place the middle row on top of the bottom row, right sides together, lining up the seams, and sew along the top edge.
Press the seam flat.
Then, place the top row on top of the middle row, right sides together, and sew along the top edge.
Repeat these steps with the other rows of squares.
Attach the fusible interfacing
You are going to attach the fusible interfacing to both lining fabric pieces and both handbag straps.
Place the interfacing on the wrong side of the fabric pieces and attach following the package instructions.
***You can find the AD-FREE, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Includes 23 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Add the batting
Place the batting pieces to the wrong side of each of the outer pieces.
Quilt the patchwork pieces to the batting
Pin or clip the fabric and batting. Starting in the middle, sew a line from top to bottom along the seams.
Then sew from left to right along the seams.
At this point, you can stop the quilting but I decided to add some more sewn lines. I sewed a line from top to bottom and left to right 3/8″ from each seam (I used the edge of my presser foot as a guide, which is about 3/8″ seam allowance). That way you don’t have to worry about measuring and drawing lines. I think it gives it a more finished look. Press.
The above picture shows what your quilted patchwork panels should look like at this point.
Make the handbag straps
The finished straps will be 1.25″ wide.
RULE OF THUMB: Decide how wide you would like your straps to be, then multiply that number by 4 and that will be how wide you will need to cut your fabric. For this quilted patchwork handbag, the finished straps are 1.25″, multiply that number by 4 (1.25 x 4 = 5). Therefore, I need to cut the fabric 5-inches wide.
Once you have the fusible interfacing attached to your straps, lay your straps right side down on your ironing board. Fold each strap in half lengthwise and press the fold.
Open back up and fold the outside edge to the center and press.
Turn the strap around and fold the other outside edge to the center and press.
Fold in half again and press.
Sew the strap along both folded edges.
The above picture shows the finished handbag straps.
Baste the straps
Place one of the straps on top of one of the outer patchwork fabric 3-inches from each edge and clip or pin to hold the strap in place.
Baste the strap to the outer fabric piece.
Repeat with the other strap and the other outer fabric piece.
Add inside pockets (optional)
At this point, you have the option of adding pockets to the lining fabric pieces if you want pockets on the inside of your handbag. I decided to add slip pockets for my phone and pens.
To add a zipper pocket, follow these instructions on how to add a zipper pocket. For slip pockets, follow these instructions on how to add slip pockets to a bag.
***You can find the AD-FREE, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Includes 23 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Add the magnetic snap closure
The magnetic snap has four parts – male, female, and two washers. You will be attaching the magnetic snap to the lining fabric pieces.
Figure out where you would like the snap to go and place one of the washers there. The center is 7 inches. Be sure you allow enough room at the top for the seam allowance. Optional – add a small piece of interfacing on the back of the fabric where the magnetic snap will go for extra durability.
Mark the washer slots on the fabric with a marking pencil. Cut the slits with your seam ripper (cut just smaller than your pencil mark. You don’t want the slit too big).
Push the prongs on the male snap through the slits you just made.
Place the washer on the back of the male snap through the slits as shown in the above picture.
Hold down the washer and fold one prong towards the center of the snap. I use scissors or something sturdy to push down on the prong. Then fold down the other prong.
You now have one side of the magnetic snap attached.
Next, place the lining pieces on top of each other, right sides together. Press on top of the male snap you just installed. You should be able to see the outline of the snap. Mark a dot in the center of the snap with your marking pencil.
Place the second washer on top of the dot you marked so the dot is showing through the center of the washer. Use your marking pencil to mark the slits.
Repeat the same steps to attach the female snap.
Sew it together
Place the outer fabric pieces right sides together. Pin the sides and bottom, leaving the top open. Be sure the straps are on the inside.
Sew the sides and bottom together.
Repeat with the lining fabric pieces.
Square the bottom of the handbag
You are going to cut the squares of each bottom corner to square your quilted patchwork handbag.
Starting with the outer fabric pieces, use your clear ruler and marking pencil to make a 1.5-inch square at each bottom corner.
Cut out the squares with your sewing scissors.
Pinch the corner together and line up the seams.
Clip or pin to hold in place and sew along the edge.
Your bottom is now 3-inches wide.
RULE OF THUMB: The finished bottom width of the handbag is going to be two times the width of the squares you cut. For this handbag, the squares are 1.5-inches which makes the finished bottom width 3-inches. If you wanted your finished bottom 4-inches, you would need to cut the squares 2-inches wide.
Repeat these steps with the lining fabric pieces.
You now have one outer fabric bag and one lining fabric bag.
Sew it all together
Turn the lining piece right side out. Keep the outer piece wrong side out.
Place the lining INSIDE the outer bag. The right sides of each fabric piece should be facing each other.
Be sure your straps are in between the bags.
Line up the seams and pin or clip all around, leaving an opening for turning.
Sew all around the top of the handbag, leaving an opening for turning. Sew over the straps a couple times for extra durability.
Turn right side out
Through the opening, turn the patchwork handbag right side out. Push the lining inside the bag.
Press around the top of the bag and pin the opening.
Top stitch all around the top of the bag. This will give it a finished look and closes the opening made for turning. Press again.
***You can find the AD-FREE, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Includes 23 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Pin for later!
You are finished!
I hope you enjoyed sewing this quilted patchwork handbag and can use this sewing tutorial to make any size bag you want! Happy sewing!
