Union Jack Repeat Panel by Riley Blake - Tote Bag Tutorial

Riley Blake fabrics have just released this cool little fabric panel featuring the Union Jacks. I saw a tutorial for a cute quilt and bag over on the Riley Blake blog. I didn't have the time to make up a quilt but these bag sew together super fast.

I have a few step-by-step photos that I took while I made up the bags. While I have made a few changes to the instructions the original tutorial can be used to fill in any blanks. Seam allowances are all 1/2" unless stated otherwise.

Step 1: Cut out your fabric

Bag Outer - 2 flags from the Union Jack Repeat Panel approx. 30.5cm x 51cm (12 x 20"). This is only 1/4 of the panel so you have plenty left to make more bags :)

Cut out lining and straps

Bag Lining - 30.5cm x 51cm (12 x 20")

Long strap - 10cm x 107cm (4" x 42") or

Short strap/s - (4" x 18")

Optional: Cut out and fuse Medium Fusible Interfacing to the wrong side of the outer bag and strap/s.

Step 2: Fold the bag outer in half with right sides together and sew the side seams. Trim the corners and press seams open.

Step 3: To make the boxed corners line the side seam up on top of the bottom fold of the bag to create triangles. Measure up 2.5cm (1") from the corner and draw a line. Sew over the line and trim off the excess fabric.

Step 4: To make the handles/strap fold the long edges into the middle of the fabric strip and press. Fold the pressed edges together and press. Topstitch on each side. You can also add extra rows of stitching in between these two lines of stitching.

Step 5: Pin the straps to the outside of the bag, matching the centre of the strap to the side seam. Stitch in place inside the seam allowance.

Step 6: Fold the lining in half with right sides together. Sew the side seams but leave an opening in one side, this is where the bag will be turned right side out once the lining has been sewn to the bag outer. Make the boxed corners as per step 3. 

Step 7: Put the outer bag inside the lining so that the right sides are together. Match up the side seams and sew around the top of the bag to join the lining to the bag outer.

Step 8: Pull the bag right side out through the gap you left in the lining. Press and stitch around top top of the bag 5mm (1/4") down from the top seam.

Step 9: Slip Stitch the lining closed.
The finished bag is approx. 23cm x 21c x 5.5cm (9" x 8-1/4" x 2-1/4")

Enjoy your new bag :)

- Ky