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Quilting for Peace: Stitch Your Own Shopping Bag
Story by julieincharge, katherineabell
Published on November 6, 2009 in Craftivism 		Photo by

Quilting for Peace

Stitch-by-stitch throughout the decades, the art and craft of quilting has long held a quiet power to gather communities together — whether it be through quilting bees, wartime efforts, painstakingly creating heirlooms and gifts, or resourcefully gathering together fabric scraps to mend a garment or create an object of comfort.

Katherine Bell's new book, Quilting for Peace, explores the the stories, social causes, and common threads of making the world a better place one thoughtful stitch at a time. She also includes a plethora of projects and inspiration for reclaiming peace and meaning in our world, using your own two hands and a few basic craft supplies. Below Katherine Bell has generously shared with us the 30 Minute Shopping Bag project from her book.

Purchase Quilting for Peace from Amazon or an independent bookseller.

Project: 30 Minute Shopping Bag

Use recycled fabric or leftover scraps from quilting projects to make this bag extra 
eco-friendly. If you want to use small scraps of fabric, read the patchwork instructions  at the end of the pattern. Double seams make the bag more durable for heavy groceries,  giving it a longer life.

Finished Size:
Approximately 15 4/4" z 16 3/4"

What You'll Need:
- 3/4 yard of 44 inch wide quilting or home decorating weight cotton (preferably recycled)
- Knitting needle or chopstick
- Matching cotton thread

Sewing Instructions:

1. Cut two 18-inch x 20-inch pieces of fabric for the front and back of the shopping bag, and two 18-inch x 4-inch strips for the handles.

2. Fold and press a 1/2-inch hem on one long edge of one handle strip. Fold and press a 1-inch hem on katherine_bell_copy.jpgthe opposite long edge of this handle strip. Fold and press the side with the narrow hem so it overlaps the side with the wide hem by 1/2 inch (see Diagram A).

3. Edge-stitch the edge of the overlapped hem, and then topstitch 1/4  inch on either side of the first seam.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to make the second handle.

5. Working with one of the 18-inch x 20-inch rectangles, fold and press to the wrong side a 1/2-inch hem on one short end. Fold and press this hem edge another 1 1/2 inches to  the wrong side. Next position each end of one handle 4 1/2 inches from each side edge of the rectangle and tuck the handle ends under the double-folded hem, snugging them to the base of the hem (the handle will now face into the center of the rectangle), as shown in Diagram B.

Pin the double-folded hem and handle ends in place, and edge-stitch as close to the edge of the hem as you can, taking out the pins as you come to them.  Fold the handle up over the hem, and press it in place (see Diagram C).

6. Topstitch a box with an X inside it on each end of the handle, covering the bag’s hem (see Diagram D). 

7. Repeat steps 2-6 with the second fabric rectangle and handle.

8. Place the bag’s two sides with wrong sides together and the edges aligned. Sew a 1/4-inch seam along both sides and the boom of the bag, backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam to secure it. Turn the bag wrong side out, using a knitting needle or chopstick to gently push the corners fully out. Press the bag’s edges, and, with a 1/2-inch seam, sew around the three closed sides, again backstitching at the beginning and end of your stitching. Trim any loose threads, turn the bag right side out, and press it again.

Patchwork variation:
Piece together strips or scraps of fabric, and trim your patchwork to create the two -inch x -inch rectangles. Then follow steps 1-8 above to make your shopping bag

Thank you to Katherine Bell and the good people at STC Craft for sharing this project with us. For more ideas on how to improve your world through quilting, check out the website, Quilting for Peace.

More Craftivism Posts | Quilts Category | DIY Made Simple Gift Guide


Come craft with author Katherine Bell at two upcoming events in Brooklyn, NY:

Saturday, November 14 (12-6 p.m.): DIY Design Day at 303 Grand. More details here.

Monday, November 16 (4-8pm): Bag-making Craft Night with Bags for the People at Etsy Labs

Tags bags and purses, Craftivism, Craft Night, eco, how-to, Katherine Bell, lifestyle, needlecraft, project, Quilting for Peace, Quilts, recycling, sewing, tutorial
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120 comments     Login to add your own!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. elizabethwrenvintage

Wonderful picks, wonderful book !

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. CarryTheWord

I love all these beautiful quilts! Such talent!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:24 a.m. VixVintage

Beautiful works of art all! Thanks

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. satellitedaisy

gorgeous needle art!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. FluteTeacher

This looks like so much fun to make!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. FluteTeacher

This looks like so much fun to make!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. SusanFaye

What a beautiful concept! I totally believe that creative self-expression leads to a nurturing, loving spirit!!!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. recycledwares

wow, what a cute bag to carry to the store. thanks for sharing your idea with us.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. FluteTeacher

This looks like so much fun to make!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:37 a.m. JeannineRobertsRoyce

This is an important idea. If we buy new cloth bags for shopping we're still consuming and creating more manufacturing. Making your own bag from scraps is brilliant and sustainable.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. poppyswickedgarden

oooh this is awesome! I love Quilting (I know Poppy Quilting LOL)but I never have any time, I bet I could do this one though! Thank you:)
Funny my Captcha says I'm Tangy(how did they know)

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. hypothesis

what a great idea for holiday gifts too! Thanks for sharing.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. girltuesdayjewelry

Beautiful bags and a great project idea! Thank you!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. beezmiller

Great idea. I have been thinking of making my own shopping totes for some time now. Thanks for the motivation!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. BeadinBabe

Looks like fun!! I wish I was better at sewing.. :\

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. warmnfuzzies

Oh wow! I wish I could come to Brooklyn and craft one of these with everyone. How fun! Congrats on the book, Katherine! Thanks for the features too.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:50 a.m. FoosieDesign

very inspiring!! not only are these shopping bags adorable but they cut down on waste, which is really what it's all about :) I'm whipping out my sewing machine as we speak!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:50 a.m. HoneysuckleLane

Great selections and looks like a wonderful book!
Thanks for sharing! :)

Nov. 6, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. LittleWhiteDresser

Lovely work!!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11 a.m. baconsquarefarm

Congrats to you katherine on the book, Quilting for Peace, great choices you two of the quilted items made by hand. Wish I could sew.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:12 a.m. 23rdstreetvintage

how fantastic and beautiful.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. 1AEON

good idea, what else can we print on? haha!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. paisleybaby

So beautiful - I love the lavender pillow.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:17 a.m. pinpinn

warm fuzzies' stuff is so lovely ^_^

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. lainedesign

I love this project! Thanks...

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. BizzieLizzie

Oh, love quilts of all shapes and sizes! sewmarie's quilt is exceptional! Great post!! Lovely choices!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. BizzieLizzie

Oh, love quilts of all shapes and sizes! sewmarie's quilt is exceptional! Great post!! Lovely choices!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. blueskyclouds

I love quilts. They are truly labors of love. I know, because I make them! I'm interested in getting this book. Thanks for the introduction to it!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. jolinne

Beautiful!! Congrats on the book :)

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. thebestvintage

Nice project!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. FabricsAndQuilts

Great article & pattern! Thanks for featuring the fiber arts!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. DalkullanJewelry

Great project, thanks so much for the instructions!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:47 a.m. TheEnchantedSquare

Quilters Unite! Love the quilts. Keep stiching.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:53 a.m. wristielove

nice work! thx julie and katherine!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:55 a.m. anticovalore

wonderful! thank you always!!
simona

Nov. 6, 2009 at noon rosebudshome

love to quilt, it's been awhile.
thanks to your blog maybe I will start again.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. rosebudshome

Love to Quilt, its been awhile, but thanks to your blog I want to start again.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 12:26 p.m. oldworldprimitives

I am sending this article to my husband! He just got into quilting, and we love our reusable shopping bags.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 12:30 p.m. paramountvintage

great article! quilting is such an art!!!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 12:38 p.m. Leocardia

I love to quilt and I´m looking forward to my new project:
a new shopping tote

Nov. 6, 2009 at 12:42 p.m. linkeldesigns

Great project!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 12:52 p.m. GgaBulShop

wow nice work!!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 12:53 p.m. GgaBulShop

WOW Nice Work!!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 1:06 p.m. uncljohn

Great article, fun to read and close to home. Can't Quilt, love to see it. I deliver Quilts for Project Linus (Google for information) and just had a T-Shirt Quilt made to honor the memory of my father.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. snollygosters

This book is on my Christmas List! Thanks for this fun project. Vivid selection of quilts too!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. moonstr

wonderful article!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 1:32 p.m. QuietStorytellers

Thank you for letting us know about this book and the message it shares. The quilted art picks are also inspiring.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 1:37 p.m. breadandroses2

Being an instrument of peace is sometimes best achieved by being peaceful/pieceful (sorry, couldn't resist). I've quilted since a wee one and it's an ever growing, dynamic art medium. Love it. Great post.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 1:39 p.m. bylynnkrestel

love this project! thanks for sharing your ideas!!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 2:08 p.m. carolinasquirrell

Quilting is such a peaceful, giving, loving activity, to which I have personally been addicted to for over 30 years. And when we can recycle and reuse quilts from the past, it's even better! If you have a chance, please check out my recycled selvage quilts and quilted items in my store. Waste not, want not!!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. Quiltedhearts5

love the post, thanks

Nov. 6, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. OttavaStudios

I love it when authors post projects! This one looks gerat and simple

Nov. 6, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. DebiDesigns

fabulous quilty finds!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 2:44 p.m. MomNMiaQuilts

Great project - thanks for sharing! And those lovely quilts are nice to look at too!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. EarthGirlKnits

I love quilts! While I lack the patience to make a large one of my own, I greatly admire the time that goes into sewing each and every stitch. These are absolutely beautiful.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. AMIdesigns

some amazing pieces here!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 4:18 p.m. sakizome

Fabulous book and such lovely items!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. magpieknits

These quilts are wonderful. It makes you want to just curl up with one of these beautiful quilts with a cup of tea and a good book. Ahhhh!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 4:57 p.m. BlackStar

We have some wonderful quilters on Etsy!
I've had the honor of going to a few quilting bees in TN; sitting around a quilting frame suspended from the ceiling and socializing with women of all ages.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 5:24 p.m. PennyFabricArt

That will help me get rid of some of my bins of fabric scraps! Great idea.

Nov. 6, 2009 at 5:40 p.m. solsticehome

beautiful <3

Nov. 6, 2009 at 6 p.m. quiltingcafe

We will look so fashionable at the grocery stores with these!!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 6:52 p.m. LetsShall

Those are so nice I really have to try to make one. They are way better then the ones you can buy at the grocery store.
Carling

Nov. 6, 2009 at 7:43 p.m. amamabear

There are typos in the finished size description...

Approximately 15 4/4" z 16 3/4" 4/4 = 1/2 and shouldn't the z be an x?

Nov. 6, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. voleurdebijoux

thank you so much for these wonderful instructions!
love it...xxx

Nov. 6, 2009 at 9:20 p.m. prendasbyenid

This is going to be awesome!!!

Nov. 6, 2009 at 11:23 p.m. Quilties

Check out morsbags.org for a movement centered around these kind of bags.

Nov. 7, 2009 at 3:11 a.m. seedknits

i have always wanted to quilt... thanks for the info!

Nov. 7, 2009 at 8:57 a.m. lovejill

I LOVE all things quilted! Looks like a beautiful book!

Nov. 7, 2009 at 10:10 a.m. OwlandMouse

I love the fabrics and colors in the example bags!

Nov. 7, 2009 at 10:14 a.m. crystalpeacestudio

Thanks for posting this, I'm going to pick some fabrics with my kids and share this story. Then we can make a few as holiday gifts so we can spread the peace. :)

Nov. 7, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. licgifts

Lovely color quilt bag!

Nov. 7, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. notionbyleandra

I love quilts! Such stories it tells. Thank you for sharing!

Nov. 7, 2009 at 7:16 p.m. pikurnoze

Thanks for the pattern - lovely!

Nov. 7, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. blueturtlepatchworks

To me, quilts are the ultimate in useful art. I love the concept behind this book. Thanks for the recommendation.

Nov. 7, 2009 at 11 p.m. busterandboo

I LOVE Quilts!!

Nov. 7, 2009 at 11:11 p.m. Iammie

I wanna learn how to quilt!

Nov. 8, 2009 at 2:23 a.m. BaldiBearART

Note to self ...... pull out some left over fabric from HUGE pile and get sewing!!! This project looks great. Thanks for sharing

Nov. 8, 2009 at 5:52 a.m. mgilinfo

Looks Great!

Nov. 8, 2009 at 5:58 p.m. gilstrapdesigns

I too have always wanted to learn how to quilt now that I've gotten laid off of my old 9-5 I expect that I will have time to learn and enjoy such things.

Nov. 8, 2009 at 6:11 p.m. impromptudesigns

It is on my list! Thanks for sharing.

Nov. 8, 2009 at 6:37 p.m. dementedsnowflake

awesome tutorial, can't wait to make one!!

Nov. 8, 2009 at 8:38 p.m. amysfunkyfibers

Thanks for sharing the pattern. I haven't had my sewing machine out for a while, this might do it!

Nov. 9, 2009 at 6:58 a.m. MurphysHouse

I would only make one change to the pattern. I would sew the sides of the bag first, so that the top hem covers the side seams. I also have wall quilt on display in my shop. It's a beautiful blue circle design.

Nov. 9, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. sewhome

Looks like a great book and project!
Now I feel like doing some patchwork!!

Nov. 9, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. retrofied

This bag tutorial is amazing!! Gonna have to get a group together to make some.

Nov. 9, 2009 at 12:37 p.m. quiltitems4u

Thank You So Much for sharing your "30 Minute Shopping Bag" Project instructions. Fabulous Gift Idea for Family and Friends, and even for myself!!! Thank You for your time. Best Regards.

Nov. 9, 2009 at 12:50 p.m. VeritysGardenStore

Inspirational stuff - I love the idea of using up all those little scraps of fabric to create something so functional and cool!

Nov. 9, 2009 at 1:41 p.m. Constructivism

Lovely! How about an Etsy Finds about patterns & ebooks for sale on etsy?

Nov. 9, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. FXZombie

Yay--30 minute reusable bag project after my own heart, fabulous!! All your work is lovely, thanks so much for sharing it with us.

Nov. 9, 2009 at 5 p.m. KimsCraftyApple

Lovely!

Nov. 9, 2009 at 7:21 p.m. pussman

thanks so much for sharing!

Nov. 13, 2009 at 2:38 p.m. mandysmix

I never would have thought of making bags out of quilts. I have thought about making a quilt out of my kids favorit t-shirts. Love the idea and I might have to try this.

Nov. 14, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. TwistedThings

Thank you so much for this pattern. These will make great gifts for our environmentally conscience friends as well!

Nov. 14, 2009 at 1:17 p.m. TwistedThings

Thank you so much for this pattern! These will make great gifts for our environmentally conscience friends as well.

Nov. 16, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. bstrung

Beautiful!

Nov. 16, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. ArtfoolDesigns

Thanks... nice work!

Nov. 17, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. CaptiveStudio

I love fabric and I love this article...

Nov. 18, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. tomatored

nice article- I really appreciate those of you that can sew!

Nov. 19, 2009 at 11:52 p.m. designsbyv

super article. just amazing how creative we all our.

Nov. 20, 2009 at 3:35 p.m. nowonder

You make it look so symple. Its beautiful

Nov. 20, 2009 at 5:23 p.m. Lori411

Makes me want to try and make one!!

Nov. 24, 2009 at 1:44 p.m. 1001Acessorios

beautiful bags. love your work!

Nov. 24, 2009 at 6:17 p.m. bbrunophotography

This article twisted my nostalgic heartstrings. I have a quilt belonging to my maternal grandmother, who died when I was barely four. This past year, I've been photographing portions of a quilt she made in 1924, when my dad was four. It has been a wonderful time of connecting with a Grandma I didn't get to know, and I do love the quilt art that has come out of it. Thanks for another fabulous article.

Nov. 25, 2009 at 3:55 a.m. lailasyafei

what an amazedinspiration, i have several hopes can do all you make...hmmm...is it just a dream...wounld you like to share me what shoulb i do first to release it..thank you

Dec. 1, 2009 at 10:23 p.m. maxandolivia

very nice tutorial :)

Dec. 2, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. poprelique

Wow...I always thought those eco bags at grocery stores looked horrendous but I thought I was just being too criticial...but hey it is true...and this is such a great idea to be unique AND green at the same time. Great post!

Dec. 2, 2009 at 6:01 p.m. YummyFelts

What a great bag!!!

Dec. 12, 2009 at 10:14 p.m. MyPatternedMind

Sounds like a fun project for my fabric scraps! :)

Dec. 13, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. dementedsnowflake

Lovely project!! Will definitely start on one tomorrow

Dec. 13, 2009 at 6:47 p.m. PrincessBoutiqueBows

Reminds me of the days spent with my grandma in front of the fireplace. Thanks for sharing.

Dec. 15, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. LadyLuLus

B e a u t i f u l~

Dec. 20, 2009 at 12:36 p.m. sabbio

They are wonderful! :)

Dec. 31, 2009 at 4:23 p.m. JaniceCordeiro

This is something I can really get behind. I have tons of left over fabric from doing draperies for my new house. This is an excellent idea.

Jan. 1, 2010 at 11:23 p.m. HelensCorner

LOVE it! I can now use some beautiful fabrics I have around my house. Thanks!

Jan. 5, 2010 at 9:40 a.m. sweetandsassygifts

Great ideas!! would love to pick up that book!! I heart quilting and everything about sewing.

Jan. 6, 2010 at 11:07 p.m. StitchnStudio

I love bags of any kind. Thanks for sharing.

Jan. 12, 2010 at 5:25 a.m. floria

Thank you for sharing! I will definitely try to make one!

Jan. 15, 2010 at 2:33 p.m. SeeSueStitch

really enjoyed reading this article, i'd luv to give quilting a try!

Feb. 7, 2010 at 1:06 p.m. TwilightSews

Beautiful quilts and great talent. Thanks for the pattern and info. :0)

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