Box Bag

This versatile pattern makes many different bags.  Use the enclosed original paper-pieced design, the pinwheel quilt block, the sixteen patch quilt block, or simply great fabric.  All the bags are square, so customize your bag by using your favorite quilt blocks.  You can add two different pockets, covered cord, or a contrasting border.  Be creative.  Make the Box Bag in silk, embellish it with beads, and it is a prom or evening bag.  Add a top border, and a long strap, and it becomes a larger, useful daytime shoulder purse.  Of course, it makes a great sewing or needlework bag.  Plus it is reversible, so you get two bags in one.  You decide.

Fabric Requirements:

Bag Fabric: 

All the bags can be made with 1/4 yd or 1 fat quarter.  The paper-pieced design and patchwork designs for Bags A, C, and D require contrasting scraps of fabric. 

Bags B and C Contrasting Border:

1/8 yd

Bag lining only:

1/4 yd

Bag lining with optional pockets, bottom, or border:

1/2 yd for Bags A and B, and 1/4 yd for Bags C and D

Self-Selected Quilt Blocks: 

If you would like to choose two quilt blocks for the front and back of the bag then you will need two quilt blocks that finish 6 inches square for Bags A and B, or two quilt blocks that finish 4 inches square for Bags C and D.  

In addition you will need:

Fleece: 

1/4 yd of fusible or non-fusible, light to medium weight fleece at least 37 inches wide

Purchased cord: 

2 yds of 1/4 to 3/8-inch cord for a wrist strap or 3 yards for a shoulder strap

Optional covered cord: 

(Use instead of purchased cord).  4 yds of 1/4 to 3/8-inch filler cord for a wrist strap, or 6 yds for a shoulder strap.  Extra fabric is required to make bias strips for covered cord.  (Pattern includes instructions for covered cord.)

Optional bag bottom: 

A 6-inch square (Bags A and B), or 4-inch square (Bags C and D) of extra firm stabilizer or plastic needlepoint canvas.

Slide: 

A large bead or ring as the bag closure.  (The hole needs to accommodate 4 widths of cord.)