1. Cut the fabrics the size required [Rotary Cutting~ #F].

2. Lay out the small squares for the gift bag into a pleasing arrangement, with 8 squares across and 6 squares down.
I alternated the colours.

3. When you are happy with the arrangement, collect the patches into 4 Patch sets, taking them from the left to the right & top to bottom and stacking them with the most left patch on top.

Tip: To keep track, I used my printable row markers for the first set in each row.

4. Sew [Machine Piecing] the patches into 4 Patch units by sewing the patches into pairs first.

Tip: Before placing two squares right sides together, place a pin in the top left corner of left patch of the pair. Keep these pins in until the corner is joined to the next patch. This helps you keep track of which is the 'top left' of the pairs/sets of pairs, keeping things straight while you chain piece your patches.

5. Press [Pressing #1] the seams open.

6. Sew the pairs together into 4 Patches, matching the seams (*See the pinning tip below).

*Perpendicular Pinning Tip: Place a pin in each seam of both the rows you are joining. Don't anchor them. Hold the pin perpendicular (90*) with your first two fingers (underneath) and your thumb on top. Now place an anchor pin (going in at an angle) beside it. Remove the perpendicular pin after you've anchored it. Do the same for the other seams along the row, aligning the raw edges at the top.
This pinning method keeps the seams from shifting out of place.

When joining 4 Patch blocks, adding an extra pin through the center of both blocks, before you add the anchor pin, is also helpful.

7. Press the seams open.

8. Sew the 4 Patch units together into rows, matching the seams.

Sew the rows together, matching the seams.

9. Press [Pressing #3] the patchwork block.

10. Fold the patchwork in half, right-sides together, so it's 8½" x 12½".
Align the seams and pin in place.

Fold the lining fabric in half, right-sides together, so it's 8½" x 14½".
Pin in place.

11. Sew across the bottom of the patchwork piece, matching the seams.
Sew across the bottom of the lining fabric.
Finger press the seams open.

12. Sew down the side of the patchwork piece, matching the seams.
Sew down the side of the lining fabric, leaving open the section marked along the side.
Finger press the seams open.

13. Turn the patchwork bag right-side out.
Push out the edges and flatten.
Place the patchwork bag into the lining, so the right-sides are together.
Align the top raw edges, the side seams and pin in place.

14. Sew together all the way around the opening.

15. Turn the lining of the bag right-side out, through the opening you've left open, in the lining.
Push out the edges and flatten.
Pin the opening closed and stich close to the edge.

16. Push the lining fabric into the patchwork gift bag.
Because the lining is 2" longer than the patchwork, it will allow a 1" band of lining to show at the top edge.
Top stitch around to hold it in place, close to where the patchwork and lining join.

Stitch a second line of top stitching around, approximately ¼" from the top edge.

17. Unsew a few stitches along the side seam of the top liner fabric, making an opening.
Feed the cord through, using a safety pin to guide it along, bringing it back out the same opening.
Knot the ends of the cording with two knots and trim.

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~Previous Patchwork Projects~

Patchwork Hearts

Patchwork Scarf

Patchwork Spring

Patchwork Baby Bib

Patchwork Baby Burp Cloth

Patchwork Baby Teddy Bear

Patchwork Baby Soft Cubes

Patchwork Oven Mitt

 

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