Here is our tutorial on how to make a Moda Charm Square Tote Bag.
You can make this tote bag from a Moda Charm Square pack or you can create your own 5″ squares from your stash. The beauty of Moda Charm packs is that the colors are all beautifully color co-ordinated and the finished bags look amazing.
However, a charm square tote bag is a perfect way to use those pretty pieces of fabric that you have on hand, to create a truly personalized tote bag for yourself.
Watch the step-by-step video below or scroll down for basic instructions
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The bag measures approximately 13½” x 13½”.
What You Need:
- 29 Charm Squares (5″ x 5″ squares)
- approx ¾ yard of fusible interfacing or batting
- approx 1 yard of lining fabric
- magnetic clasp (optional)
You can purchase beautiful charm packs here
TOOLS USED IN THIS TUTORIAL
You can check the latest prices at Amazon by clicking on the links below:
- Olfa 24″ x 36″ double sided healing mat
- Quilters slidelock
- Olfa 60mm rotary cutter
- Oliso Iron
- Gutermann Sew All thread
Method
- Sew the charm squares together using a ¼” seam allowance.
Firstly I lay out my squares to get the effect I want, as shown in the diagram below.
- I sew the squares from one side to the other in rows of 3, 3, 4, 4, 3, 3.
- Then I sew the joined rows together to make the shape below. I use this shape as a template to cut out my lining and my interfacing.
In the video we show you how to assemble the bag. We take you through the process step by step so that you will be able to make these bags quickly and easily.
Tan says
I don’t know which I like the best. I’m fairly new to qulinitg, and like the precuts because they are so quick and easy, and there are so many patterns available of what you can do with the different sizes. But if I fall in love with a fabric that I just have to have, and I don’t know what I want to do with it, then I like to buy it by the yard so that I know I will have enough to do whatever I might dream up. Heaven forbid I run out of material, and who doesn’t need to build their stash?
Alanda says
🙂 I agree Tan, having a stash is really important and you will find it won’t take long before you have quite a sizeable one to play with. We have the shape cut pro which is fantastic for cutting your fabric into different strips and squares. https://www.alandacraft.com/shape-cut-pro-review-and-demonstration/
We also can’t resist buying material by the yard. As you say its nice to know that you have enough on hand for whatever you decide to make. Moda do have an awesome range of pre cuts though. Happy sewing.
Joe says
I appreciate the time and effort it takes for you to make these fine tutorials. Thank you, this is a great project.
Alanda says
Thank you for your lovely comment Joe. So I’m guessing we may have another project for the Readers projects Page fairly soon 🙂
Sharon says
Hello Alanda,
Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial. You make it look so easy and I’m looking forward to trying a bag like this. I love the 5″ precuts. But, really, if a person wanted to cut their own squares, it’s not that many for one tote bag, so it’s good either way. Thank you again!
Alanda says
You are so right Sharon. Most of us have pretty pieces of fabric in our stash that can easily be cut into 5″ squares, and this is a great way to use them up. It’s such an easy bag to make and they make great gifts. Don’t forget to share photos of your bag when you have made it. We love seeing our readers projects. https://www.alandacraft.com/submit-your-project/
lillypad18///// says
where do we get the free fabric??????????
i dont see where you sign up for it at?
Alanda Craft says
I’m not sure what you mean by ‘free fabric’. Can you elaborate please.
Judith Miller says
I just completed my first Charm tote. Your tutorial was excellent. Thank you! Looking forward to making more lovely items with help from your videos.
Laura Mains says
How would you adjust the number of squares for a child’s bag?