This edition of Free Pattern Friday features a tote bag sewing pattern perfect for precut charm packs or scraps!
Bethany Lynne Makes shares a free tutorial for a cute tote bag that even beginners can sew!
This pattern is perfect for precut quilting cotton, fabric scraps from your latest me-made garment, or thrifted textiles.
Just a heads-up—some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through them. These commissions help support my work so I can continue bringing you free sewing tutorials, tips, and inspiration.
Thank you for being part of this creative journey.
Happy sewing! ✨
Charley Charm Tote – Bethany Lynne Makes
photo credit: Bethany Lynne Makes
About this Free Patchwork Tote Bag Sewing Pattern
The Charley Charm Tote Bag is the perfect pattern for anyone interested in trying out quilting for the first time.
This free tutorial is beginner-friendly and perfect for busting through your fabric scraps!
The possibilities for this bag are endless. You can use scraps from your most beloved fabrics or a precut charm pack with 5″ squares.
Looking for more patterns to sew?
photo credit: Bethany Lynne Makes
Need affordable linen fabric for your next sewing project?
From lightweight and mediumweight linens to cotton and ramie blends, you’ll find plenty of fabrics for garments and home decor.
Fabric Ideas for the Charley Charm Tote Bag
This pattern is perfect for quilting cotton charm packs or scraps from your stash!
Botanist’s Walk 5″ Pack
Etsy
Postcard from the Highlands 5″ Pack
Connecting Threads
Swallowtail Grove 5″ Pack
Connecting Threads
Autumn Forest 5″ Pack
Etsy
Looking for more Charm Square projects? Check out this YouTube video!
Pattern Details
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Yardage required: ~ 1 yard for the lining, plus 42 5″ squares
- Recommended Tools & Notions: rotary cutter, cotton batting, cotton webbing
ROTARY CUTTER
for precise cutes
for quilting
for bag straps
- Fabric Recommended: cotton and linen
- Where to get it: Check out the free tutorial here!
Looking for Free Patterns to Sew?
Check out the Free Pattern Friday Archive for patterns from tops and blouses, to dresses and more!
photo credit: Bethany Lynne Makes
Why You Should Sew This Free Patchwork Tote Pattern
Tote bags are a great project for any level of sewist. The Charley Charm Tote is no exception. It’s an easy project with endless possibilities. You can use precut quilting cotton or scraps from your stash. It has plenty of room for all your belongings (even knitting projects 😉).
When I decided to feature this free tutorial for this week’s feature, I thought about making it myself. The most time-consuming part for me was cutting out the fabric scraps. Quilting and assembling the bag were a breeze and completely beginner-friendly. I made this bag entirely from scraps in my stash. I didn’t have any cotton webbing on hand, so I cut 3 ½” strips and then top-stitched the straps for a clean look.
The tutorial for this bag is easy to understand, detailed, and clear. There are also videos for making HST’s and how to sew a slip stitch for a clean finish inside your bag. Each step is well explained and easy to understand with detailed photos! This bag would make a wonderful gift for Christmas, birthdays, or for baby showers.
Bethany has published several other sewing patterns, including the August Tote Bag (I’ve made this myself!), the Eva Quilted Tote, and the Kat Backpack. She also has many other free tutorials and pattern reviews on her blog, where you can find endless inspiration for your next project.
Be sure to check out the #charleycharmtote hashtag on Instagram for inspiration for your next make!
Have you made the Charley Charm Tote Bag pattern yet?
Have you sewn along to this pattern? I want to know! If you have, what fabric did you use? How did you find the instructions? Any tips to share?
If you haven’t, be sure to save this on Pinterest so you can make them later!
Stay tuned for next week’s pick. It’s a good one! 😉
Be sure to check out this category for all the rest of the Free Pattern Fridays!
📌 Save this to your Pinterest board so you can find it later! 📌
📌 Save this pattern to your Pinterest board for later!
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