Quilter's Big Tote Pattern

The Quilter's Big Tote Pattern by Minki Kim is a beautifully practical sewing pattern designed especially for quilters, makers, and fabric lovers.

Featuring a striking patchwork exterior created from contrasting light and dark prints, this spacious tote is perfect for showcasing favourite fabrics while creating a strong, structured everyday bag with a polished handmade finish.

Generously sized and designed for durability, this tote is ideal for carrying quilting projects, sewing supplies, books, shopping, or everyday essentials. Foam stabiliser gives the bag excellent structure while keeping it lightweight and comfortable to carry.

Clear step-by-step instructions and included paper templates make this pattern approachable for confident beginners while still offering an enjoyable project for experienced sewists. Whether you are heading to a sewing class, retreat, market, or simply organising your projects at home, this versatile tote is designed to become a favourite go-anywhere bag.

Finished Size

20in wide x 16in high x 6in deep
(Approx. 51cm x 41cm x 15cm)

Materials Required

• 20 assorted dark print 10in squares
• 20 assorted white print 10in squares
• Dark print fabric fat quarter for bottom panel and binding
• 1 yard lining fabric
• 1 yard foam stabiliser such as Soft and Stable, Pellon Flex Foam, or Bosal In-R-Form
• 2 yards of 1½in wide strapping or cotton webbing
• Basic sewing supplies
• Walking foot and ¼in foot recommended
• Fabric glue such as Roxanne Glue-Baste-It or washable glue

Pattern Details

• Printed paper pattern
• Finished project: Tote bag
• Technique: Standard machine sewing
• Paper templates included
• Skill Level: Beginner
• Style: Modern patchwork and functional sewing

Creative Uses

Perfect as a quilting project bag, sewing retreat tote, library bag, shopping tote, travel carry-on, or thoughtful handmade gift for a fellow quilter. It is also a fantastic scrap-friendly project for showing off favourite fabric combinations.