The Baseline Tote Bag pattern is available now! Here’s the story behind this pattern.
This bag grew out of a collaboration with Sew Bo fabric shop in Boulder, Colorado, in the summer of 2024. Jordan, Sew Bo’s owner, invited me to create a bag to feature as the shop’s exclusive project during the NoCo (Northern Colorado) Shop Hop. That year’s theme was 5” x 5” precuts and I used Fableism Supply Co. Everyday Chambray and Camp Ginghams for the bag exterior and straps, and Trellis Wovens for the lining. The pattern was originally available as a kit with a postcard-sized pattern and now I'm sharing the more detailed PDF version.
I created this pattern to be as simple as possible so that it could be an easy first project for quilters who want to try making a bag. If you can make a quilt, you can make this bag. It’s made of two quilted panels sewn together with some straps attached, with bound seams for a nice finish. No lining, zippers, or other hardware – as easy as it gets!
Fableism fabrics are somewhat loose wovens and if you haven’t sewn with them before, it’s worth knowing that you do have to go slow and handle them as little as possible to minimize fraying. It also helps to reduce your stitch length, but that can be a pain to seam rip, so again, work slow! But, oh, it’s worth it. The fabric is so dreamy soft and has the loveliest drape.
To make my original test bag, I used some chambray from my stash and an upcycled gingham shirt (husband’s old shirt) and Rifle Paper Co. Bon Voyage fabric for the inside. It’s easily one of my favorite makes ever and I got compliments on it immediately!
This pattern is available now here and in the Due Pinoli Etsy shop. I can’t wait to see your versions of this bag! Stay tuned to the blog for tester bags and even more inspiration. Happy sewing!
