Instructions:
1. Follow steps 1-5 of the rag quilt tutorial to create 34 rag quilt blocks. For each block you will need 2 squares of fabric, sewn together with both right sides on the outside and the left sides inside. 2. Once you have your blocks sewn, assemble them together following the chart below. Each pink block represents a quilt block. For the front side of the tote, first sew together 4 blocks in a row. Complete a second row and then sew it to the first row, aligning the blocks perfectly. Then complete a third row in the same manner and sew it to the second row. 3. Set this aside and repeat again for the other side of the tote. 4. For the bottom and sides, you will need to sew 10 blocks of fabric into a row. Then take the front side and sew this part to the middle of the 10 block row, as seen in the diagram. Do the same for the other tote side. When laying flat, the blocks will look just like the diagram below. 5. Now you will sew the sides together as the arrows show in the diagram. Now the tote can stand on its own. The top edge needs to remain open for the next step.
6. Now the tote needs handles and a flap to close. For the handles, cut four 7 cm wide and 65 cm long strips of fabric and two strips of batting measuring 5 cm wide and 65 cm long. Take one fabric strip and place it on the table with the right side down. Place a strip of batting in the center of the fabric and then place a sescond strip of fabric with the right side facing up over the batting. Pin the layers together and then sew horizontal lines down the length of the handle to hold the layers together. Now repeat again for the other two strips of fabric and batting. Once your handles are finished, insert the first handle in the two top outer squares of one side of the tote and pin each end in place. Now repeat for the other handle and the other side of the tote.
7. Now the flap needs to be made. Cut two 5 cm wide and 15 cm long pieces of fabric. Sew them together on the long sides using a 1 cm seam allowance. Create a button hole for one end to fit the button you will be using. Pin the other end to the inside of the middle top of one side of the tote. 8. Now you can sew the top edge of the tote, making sure to catch all of the handles and closing flap. 9. Once you are finished you can now snip all of the seam allowances at 1 cm intervals. 10 Wash the tote to get a fuzzy look.
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