Aurora Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial | Quilted Tote Bag with Ruffles and Lace 🎀✨, by Sara Malva on YouTube. 18 min 58 s.
- Video length
- 18 min 58 s
- Time to do it
- 4 to 6 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Print and cut the pattern pieces in your size. Cut the main fabric, lining, batting and interfacing pieces, and mark all notches and pocket placements.
Fuse interfacing to the main panels. Layer the main fabric with batting and quilt the panels in straight lines or a grid, then trim them back to the pattern size.
Make the ruffles by gathering fabric strips with long stitches. Baste the ruffles and lace trim onto the front and back panels, then stitch them down.
Sew the optional back pocket, press the seams and topstitch the opening. Attach it to the back panel.
Add the side hooks and assemble the main bag by sewing the side seams. Clip the curves and press the seams open.
Fold and sew the long straps, turn them right side out and press. Baste them to the top edge of the bag.
Build the recessed zipper panel and install the zipper. Check that the zipper opens smoothly before moving on.
Make the lining, adding one zipper pocket and two open pockets. Sew the lining pieces together, leaving a turning gap.
Attach the zipper tab, then join the main bag and lining with right sides together. Sew around the top edge.
Turn the bag through the gap, press the top edge and topstitch. Close the gap, then tie ribbon bows on the sides to finish.
Tips and common mistakes
Quilt slowly with a walking foot so the batting does not shift and the lines stay straight.
Baste the ruffles and lace in place before final stitching so they do not slip under the needle.
Use a zipper foot and shorten your stitch near the zipper ends for a neat finish.
Clip rather than pin bulky layers, and press after every seam for a crisp bag.
Questions
Do I need a special foot to quilt the panels?
A walking foot helps feed the fabric and batting evenly. You can quilt with a standard foot, but go slowly and check for puckers.
Can I skip the ruffles and lace?
Yes. They are decorative, so leave them off for a plainer bag. Keep the pocket and zipper steps as written.
What if I have never sewn a zipper before?
Practice on scrap fabric first. Use a zipper foot, sew slowly and stop with the needle down to pivot at the ends.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
