Hey there, friend! 🌟

I’m so excited to share my latest make with you—a quilted Oxbow Tote. It's not just any bag; it's a veritable style statement that's super functional to boot. Let’s dive right into the fabric and stitches!

The Pattern

The Oxbow Tote by Noodlehead has quickly become one of my go-to patterns for its super practical design. This bag flaunts a distinctive curved top that not only looks fabulous but is perfect for everyday hustle or as a chic accessory for those special nights out. And, oh boy, does it showcase those stunning fabrics like a dream!

I opted for the smaller of the two size options, coming in at 15" wide x 5" deep x 12" tall—cute and compact!

Fabric

I was incredibly lucky to get my hands on some exquisite canvas and sailcloth gifted by Kokka Fabrics. Here’s the scoop:

• Main exterior: Kokka Fabrics - Bloom by Bookhou - Flower Cotton Linen Canvas, Color A
• Main Pocket: Kokka Fabrics - Nuno to Mono Cotton Sailcloth - Color H (olive)
• Lining, Straps, Handles: Kokka Fabrics - Nuno to Mono Cotton Sailcloth - Color B (camel)

Sailcloth is akin to duck canvas but with a softer touch and less bulk, making it a dream to work through. I used a denim needle on my Juki TL-2020 PE but switched to my industrial Juki DNU-1541S for the heavy lifting.

The cotton linen canvas? Heavier than quilting cotton but oh-so pliable and a complete dream to work with.

Hardware

I decided on a double slide zipper for this tote. It wasn't necessary, but I adore the more industrial look it lends. Thinking of adding some chic leather zipper pulls to jazz it up a bit more.

The rest of the hardware needed includes:

• 2 - 1" D-rings
• 1 - 1.5" strap slider
• 2 - 1.5" swivel clasps

You can grab this kit directly from Noodlehead's website, your local quilt shop (LQS), or Sallie Tomato, which I used for this project.

Tools

The Creation Process

Tackling a new bag pattern is always an exciting challenge. Noodlehead writes fantastic patterns, and the Oxbow Tote was no different. 

Quilting the Exterior Fabric: Quilting the exterior fabric was a treat; I went with a simple diamond shape using Pellon foam interfacing. The texture and structure it adds? Chef's kiss!

Handles & Cross Body Strap: Instead of the usual webbing, I crafted the handles and strap from matching sailcloth, adding a bespoke feel. A bit of top stitching for that extra flair, and voilà!

Lining Fabric: The pattern suggested quilting weight cotton for the lining, but I went with the robust camel colored sailcloth from Kokka. This tote is now officially bomb-proof. Ha! It features a couple of sizable slip pockets inside, perfect for organization. You could also customize it to include 3 or put another pocket on the opposite side of the interior. 

Bag Details and Photos

Here’s a closer look at the finished product! 

Why Make Your Own Bag?

Crafting your own bag isn't just about making something useful; it's about creating a piece of art that's uniquely yours. It's a fabulous conversation starter and a nod to sustainable fashion—something we deeply cherish in our crafting community.

Final Thoughts

Inspired to try the Oxbow pattern or maybe dip your toes into the world of quilted bags? There's something magical about transforming a flat piece of fabric into a functional and fashionable item that's all your own.

Let’s keep sewing and sharing our stories! What’s your next project? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear about what you’re working on!

Happy Crafting!

Resources

• Kokka Fabrics: 15% off coupon code when you checkout - remivail15
• Sallie Tomato: For all your hardware needs