How to Choose Fabrics for a Patchwork Tote Bag

 

One of the questions I get asked most often is how I choose fabrics for my patchwork tote bags. With so many beautiful prints available, it's easy to fall in love with every fabric and end up with a combination that feels too busy or doesn't quite work together.

For my latest Cherry Patchwork Tote Bag, I started with a single fabric that I loved: a cherry print cotton. Instead of trying to match everything perfectly, I built the rest of the patchwork around that fabric.

Start with a Feature Fabric: I like to choose one fabric as the star of the project. It could be a floral print, a novelty print, a gingham check or a favorite fabric you've been saving for the perfect project.

For this bag, the cherry print became the focal point and helped guide all the other fabric choices.

Mix Prints with Solids and Basics: A good patchwork design usually includes a mix of larger prints, smaller prints, and simple fabrics. My favorite combinations include floral prints, gingham checks, tiny ditsy prints, solid fabrics, upcycled denim. The denim acts as a neutral and helps balance the busier fabrics.

Don't Be Afraid to Use Upcycled Denim: One of my favorite patchwork materials is upcycled denim. Old jeans and denim jackets add texture, durability and character to a project.

I especially love combining vintage denim with quilting cottons because the contrast makes both materials stand out.

Trust Your Eye: There are plenty of color theory rules, but at the end of the day, if a fabric combination makes you smile, that's usually a good sign.

Some of my favorite patchwork bags have come from unexpected fabric combinations that I wasn't sure would work.

Ready to Make Your Own?

If you'd like to create your own patchwork tote bag, you can find the sewing pattern in my Etsy shop. Whether you choose cherries, florals, denim or completely different fabrics, the fun of patchwork is making every bag uniquely yours.

If you'd rather skip the sewing, the finished bag is available in my Etsy shop.

For sewists who would like to create something similar, I've also put together an Amazon Idea List featuring some of my favorite bag-making tools, quilting supplies and sewing essentials. While the exact fabrics used for this project may not be available, you'll find similar materials and tools to help you create your own version.

And if you enjoy planning your sewing projects, fabric combinations and future makes, I highly recommend The Making Cottage Planner, which has become one of my favorite creative planning resources.

Happy sewing,

Tatiana ❤️

P.S. I'd love to see your fabric combinations and finished projects! Feel free to share them with me on Instagram.