Sew That Tote for Sew Crazy Indiana State Shop Hop Kits!

Sew That Crazy Tote

a.k.a. the #sewthatcrazytote

Finished Size: Approximately 12-1/2” W x 12” T x 6-1/2” D

Skill Level: Beginner

Material Requirements

• Exterior Feature – 1/2 Yard 
• Exterior Contrast – 1 Yard  
• Lining Fabric – 1/2 Yard 
• Fusible Woven Interfacing – 4 yds at 20” w
• Fusible Fleece or batting – 5/8 yd at 45” w 

Cutting Chart

Piece		Measurements	Exterior	Contrast	Lining	Interfacing	Stabilizer
1	Exterior Top	20-1/2” w x 5” h	[2]			[2]	[2] - 19-1/4” w x 4-3/8” h
2	Exterior Middle	20-1/2” w x 8” h		[2]		[2]	[2] - 19-1/4” w x 6-3/4” h
3	Exterior Bottom	20-1/2” w x 5” h		[2]		[2]	[2] - 19-1/4” w x 3-3/4” h
4	Pocket Exterior	20-1/2” w x 8” h	[2]			[2]	[2] - 19-1/4” w x 7-1/4” h
5	Pocket Lining	20-1/2” w x 9” h		[2]		[2]
6	Straps	WOF x 5” h		[2]		[2]	[2] - WOF x 1-1/8” h
7	Lining	20-1/2” w x 16” h				[2]
8	Binding	WOF x 2” h		[1]	[1]

General Instructions

• Seam Allowance [SA] is 1/2” unless stated otherwise.
• My stitch length is 2.5 with topstitching at 3.5. Increase to 3.0 stitch length with topstitching at 4.5 for cork/vinyl.

Prep Work

1. First, let’s attach the interfacing to the quilt cotton. I prefer block fusing before precise cutting my pieces to avoid any issues with shrinkage. To do this, cut approximate blocks or strips of interfacing and fuse them to the cotton fabrics. Then, cut the precise measurements you need. 

2. Next, let’s attach the stabilizer (I prefer fusible fleece, but you can also baste or quilt your preferred batting) on all applicable pieces. My goal is to reduce bulk in the joining seams. These measurements are very important to keep the seam allowances clear where possible.

a. Exterior Top & Pocket Exterior – Draw lines along both sides and the bottom that are 5/8” from the edge. Center the stabilizer within this box and attach. Note: Exterior Top should be flush with the top edge of the stabilizer, Pocket Exterior should have about a 1/8” gap.

 

b. Exterior Middle & Exterior Bottom – Draw lines along all 4 sides that are 5/8” from the edge. Center the stabilizer within this box and attach.

 

c. Straps – Draw 1 line at 1-1/4” and another at 2-1/2” down the length of the strap. Center the stabilizer between the 2 lines and attach.

3. Mark or notch the center of the top and bottom edges of pieces 1-6.

4. Take the Exterior binding, fold in half Wrong Sides Together [WST] down the long edges and press. Open, then fold each edge to the center crease and press. Now, fold this in half so the raw edges are enclosed in the center and press. Repeat these steps for the Lining binding piece.

Now, let’s sew that tote!

1. Take 1 Strap piece, fold in half WST down the long edges and press. Open, and re-fold each edge to the center crease and press. Now, fold this in half so the raw edges are enclosed in the center and press. Your strap piece should now measure 1-1/4” x WOF. Topstitch down both long sides of the strap with a 1/8” SA (optionally, topstitch again at 3/8” for additional accent). Repeat for the 2nd strap piece and set both aside. 

 

2. Align the bottom edge of the Exterior Top along the top of the Exterior Bottom pieces right sides together [RST] and sew with a 1/2” SA. Press the seam open. Repeat for the 2nd set of pieces and set both Main Exterior units aside.

 

3. Align the top edge of the Pocket Exterior and Pocket Lining pieces RST and sew with a 1/2” SA. Press the seam towards the Pocket Lining. Flip the Pocket Lining over so that it’s WST with the Pocket Exterior. Line up the bottom edges and press so the Pocket Lining creates a pop of color on the outside of the unit. Topstitch 1/8” from the seam and again at 1/8” from the edge. Baste the remaining 3 sides. Repeat for the 2nd set of pieces and set both Pocket units aside.  

 

4. Place 1 of the Main Exterior units Right Side up [RSU] and align the bottom of the Pocket unit to the bottom of the Main Exterior so the raw edges match along the bottom and both sides. Baste stitch down the side, across the bottom, and up the other side with 1/4” SA. Repeat for the 2nd Main Exterior unit.

5. Place 1 of the Main Exterior units RSU, measure over 2-3/4” to the left and right of the center and place a mark along the bottom edge. Using pins or an erasable marking tool, place 2 more lines that are 1” and 2” up from the top of the folded Pocket edge. Take 1 Strap and line the end up so that the inside edge is on the left 2-3/4” mark and the raw edges line up. Use pins or fusible tape to secure the strap flat against the Main Exterior up to the 2” mark. 

Then, carry the strap over to the right 2-3/4” mark and down to the bottom raw edge without twisting. Starting at the bottom left edge of the strap, topstitch the strap in place with a 1/8” SA up to the 2” mark. Then, using the 1” and 2” marks, stitch a box with an X before continuing to topstitch down the right edge of the strap with a 1/8” SA. Repeat this step for the right side of the strap. Repeat for the 2nd Main Panel and Strap. 

 

6. Align the bottom edge of the Main Exterior and the top of the Exterior Bottom piece RST and sew with a 1/2” SA. Press the seam toward the Bottom. Repeat for the 2nd set of Main Exterior and Exterior Bottom pieces.

7. Place both Main Exterior units RST and sew along the bottom edge with a 1/2" SA. Press the SA open. Repeat for the Lining pieces. Now lay the Main Exterior RSD and place the Lining unit RSU so they are both WST with the bottom seams matching up. To keep this seam perfectly lined up, I like to use a fusible web like a sew-able Heat n Bond strip. Topstitch along both sides of the seam line with 1/8”. 

Now, pin around all edges and baste around all 4 edges with 1/4” SA. Also, topstitch along the Exterior Bottom seam to keep that seam allowance flat. 

8. Fold the bag RST and pinch the bottom seam flat. Add a clip to keep this fold tight. Now, take the front panel and fold it back towards the clipped seam along the SA between the Pocket and Bottom seam. Repeat for the 2nd side. From the side this will look a bit like a “W”. Clip all the way up each side making sure the seams for the Bottom and Pocket match up. Sew down both sides of the bag with a 3/8” SA and again with a 1/2” SA. 

9. Open the Lining Binding up and line up the long side along the side seam with fabrics RST. Fold the end near the bottom of the bag to the other side by about 1/2”. Clip the binding in place up towards the top of the bag. Trim the binding flush with the top of the bag and sew along this with a 3/8-1/2” SA. Now, fold the raw edge of the binding against the raw edge of the SA. TIP: Taper this fold as you move up the bag to make the binding as snug as possible. At the top, my binding raw edge was against the stitches, not against the raw edges of the bag. 

Now, push the folded edge over the SA towards the other side making sure all raw edges are covered. Topstitch with a 1/8” SA to secure. Repeat for the other side.  

10. Take the Exterior Binding and fold one end over 1/2”. Line this fold up with one of the side seams and clip it all the way around the top exterior edge. Starting at the folded end, stitch at 1/2” SA to attach the binding. Once you get close to the beginning again, overlap the first end with the other for about 1” and secure with some backstitching. Now, fold the other raw edge of the binding against the raw edge of the top of the bag. Then, push the folded edge over the top towards the lining making sure the binding covers the previous stitches by about 1/8”. Topstitch 1/8” from the seam and again at 1/8” from the edge. 

     

Enjoy your new tote bag!

Great for beaches, pools, picnics, and everyday use! 

Perfect for quick, fun gifts too!  

Thanks for stitching with the Flamazing Crew at 

Sew Crazy, Columbus IN

Sew Saturday [Moving to Sunday] #9

Saturday is the day for doing, Sunday is the day for reflection. I'm struggling to get my posts actually posted on Saturdays because I'm too busy doing the things, so I've made the executive decision to post on Sundays instead. So, today I can finally share my first circus themed mini block inspired by the Elephant Parade Hop ... The Admission Ticket! Because you've got to have a ticket to ride, right!? 

Here's a 6" mini version I made to fit the blanket on the Elephant Parade Hop blocks, but the 12" version is available in store now. 

Here's the 12" block finished by Heather French during pattern testing. 

🐘 Introducing the Elephant Parade Shop Hop hosted by TiaLynn Designs! 🐘

I am SO excited to announce the kickoff of a brand-new shop hop and trust me — this one is going to be absolutely unforgettable. [Get it? Elephants never forget! 😅]

Welcome to the Elephant Parade Shop Hop!

Grab your rotary cutter, press your fabric, and get ready to join quilters from all over as we celebrate one of the most beloved creatures in the animal kingdom — the majestic elephant — one block at a time.

What Is a Shop Hop?

If you're new to shop hops, here's the fun: participating shops and designers each contribute a unique element to a larger quilt project. You collect the pieces, sew along, and end up with a fun finished quilt that tells the story of your journey. It's part treasure hunt, part sewing circle, and 100% joy.

The Block: An 18" Elephant with a Very Special Blanket from Tia Lynn Designs

At the heart of this shop hop is a charming 18-inch elephant block — sturdy, sweet, and full of personality. But what makes our elephants truly special is what they're wearing: each elephant proudly sports a 6-inch square blanket draped across its back.

Think of it as the elephant's very own quilt — a tiny canvas of color, pattern, and creativity.

The Magic: Weekly Designer Blankets!! 

Here's where it gets really exciting. Each week, a featured designer will share an exclusive 6" blanket insert — a unique design that drops right into your elephant block. These inserts might feature:

⭐ Traditional patchwork patterns

🌟 Paper Piecing

🔺 Geometric designs

Every week brings a fresh surprise, a new designer voice, and a new reason to sit down at your sewing machine.

How to Participate

✨️Check out the designers and sign up for reminders

🐘Grab the 1st elephant block pattern

🎪Follow along each week as a new designer's blanket insert is revealed.

🥜Sew, share, and show off your blocks using #ElephantParadeHop on social media.

Complete your herd and see how beautifully all those blankets come together!

Let the Parade Begin! 🎉

Sew Saturday #8 Sadness -- goimagine closure = all kinds of feels

I'm still processing and figuring out what my next steps are, but the Marketplace and Mosaic website I've had for the last 4 years is closing and I'm struggling. There's lots of "what now?" and "where do I go from here?" thoughts mixed in with a few "ugh! I don't wanna deal with this right now." It is very overwhelming to review and compare alternatives and I do not handle overwhelm or change well at all! All of this while trying to actually put myself out there and design quilt blocks, get them tested, and promote them with this blog hop. It's a lot... and that's okay. I'm just in my feels right now. I'll get through it. I still have my crossbody pattern available on Etsy and will figure something out.

Secret Sew Saturday #7 + Memories

I am hard at work behind the scenes designing foundation paper piecing [FPP] blocks, y'all! Like, the hyperfocus is real. I am having so much fun with this and cannot wait to share them with you. I can't share them yet though, so how about a few "back where it all began" snippets from back at the start of my sewing quest. 

The OG Workhorse, Singer Simple 3116:

Stacks of Masks, 5 per bag ready to donate:

Stacks of fabric cut and prepped for sewing:

Sew Saturday #6

Happy Galentines and Palentines Day, y'all! 💙 I am feeling so much better than I did last week. So much so that I finished all 12 designs for my Circus Theme block bundle!!! I am so excited about this endeavor. It's been a lot of fun learning software and writing up the instructions. Getting it all merged together so I can share with you during the blog hop with Tia Lynn Designs later this month. The official kick-off is March 1st, so definitely stick around for that. 

I'm really squirrely this month with the sickness and pattern designing, but I did manage some stitching for a butterfly block test. 

Unfortunately, the second butterfly I mis-cut 1 piece and had to cut another. Then, I stitched somewhere I shouldn't have AND trimmed the corner, so I have to start over. When that happens, my brain goes into meltdown mode and the project has to go into time-out because I get so upset that I messed up. I know it's not the end of the world, but the inner-voiced demons do not allow for failure without popping in to antagonize me greatly. Until I can shut them up permanently, I'm chanting the mantra "mistakes happen, and that's okay" whenever it gets too much. What do you do to get back in the game when you mess up?   

Sew Saturday #5

 This week has been crummy as I caught a cold from my partner. I really didn't feel up to sewing anything, so I spent most of my non-work time curled up on the couch with my laptop. The good news is that I was invited to participate in an upcoming blog hop with TiaLynn Designs. It's going to be a very cute circus themed hop, so I took the non-stitchy time to finish my contribution. Of course, with my squirrely brain I took it even further and found 11 additional ideas that I wanted to make into blocks for my own 12 block bundle. I cannot wait to share what I've been working on with you. In the meantime, how about a photo of my supurrvisor! He naps on the job a lot.😹