Jolly Braid Tote Bag - a Fun & Easy Bag to Make!

 

Hi everyone! It's Mona here - I'm excited to share a recently finished item with you!


Do you enjoy making bags? Or have you ever made one? When I started sewing a few years ago, I tried several different projects. One that stuck with me and I truly enjoyed was bag making! I love making zippered bags and purses - the only thing I don't like is that I have to follow a pattern (there's really no fudging when you're making a bag).

When I heard that that Fat Quarter Shop was doing a blog remix for the Jolly Braid Tote, I had to jump in! I remember seeing the original post for the bag last year and thinking, "I really need to make that bag." I watched the video, but I never purchased the pattern. Well, here was my chance! (Note - I was provided a copy of the pattern. All opinions are mine.)

To make the bag, you'll need the Jolly Braid Tote Bag Pattern and a package of Fat Jelly Braid
Triangles on a Roll. The pattern is great for using jolly bars, layer cakes (cut in half), and jelly rolls. You can also use fabric that you have on hand and then cut to size. You'll need some yardage, foam stabilizer (Soft and Stable Stabilizer ByAnnie), and webbing/strapping (Polypro
Strapping ByAnnie) for the handle.

I decided to use some University of Kentucky fabric that I had on hand. I also used white jelly roll strips and a charcoal gray blender fabric for the exterior. I used a striped fabric for the interior (shown is part of the Sundance Line by Riley Blake which is out of print).

As I mentioned earlier, I really don't like to follow instructions - I usually go off on my own path. Well, this pattern is really well written and very easy to understand. A new sewist could definitely do this - just take your time and remember to breath! Plus, just think - as soon as it's done, you'll have a great new bag to carry around!

While you're here, I'm hosting a giveway for an Oliso Iron - make sure you head over and enter for a chance to win! (You definitely need a good iron when you are making bags!)

Let me know if you're going to make a bag! Tag me on Instagram (@mona.phelps) so I can see your finished work!

Until next time - blessings & peace - and happy crafting!

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** Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. This is at no cost to you.**