With the arrival of spring, many will be preparing to get out in the garden for some much-needed maintenance after the colder months. Make it less of a chore with Stuart Hillard’s gorgeous tote bag for storing tools, plus a comfortable padded kneeler. Sewn from Amy Butler’s luscious Dream Weaver fabrics, they look so pretty that you may want to keep the tote for shopping, and turn the kneeler into a living room cushion!
Stitch a tote
1 From large floral print fabric, cut two 22.9cm x 45.7cm rectangles for the top of the outer bag, plus two 20.3cm x 45.7cm outer pocket fronts. From small floral print fabric, cut two 25.4cm x 45.7cm rectangles for the lower part of the outer bag, and two 45.7cm x 47cm rectangles for the bag lining.
2 From green fabric, cut two 22.9cm x 45.7cm rectangles for the pocket linings. Also, cut 3.2cm strips on the bias and join end to end to form a 2cm x 1.75m strip. Fold in half so it is 1cm wide. Cut two 45.7cm x 47cm rectangles of fusible foam for the main bag.
3 Stitch one of the 22.9cm x 45.7cm rectangles of large floral print fabric to a 25.4cm x 45.7cm rectangle of small floral print fabric to make a piece measuring 45.7cm x 47cm. Repeat to make a second panel, then press the seam allowances open.
4 Layer the two outer panels and the two 45.7cm x 47cm lining pieces in a stack. Download the template pack from the link button above, print out the handle template for this project, then pin this to the top 7.6cm above the seam line and cut the curved edge only. Also mark the handle opening on both outer bag pieces but don’t cut it open. Do not mark the handle op