Hands and Heart Quilted Tote a Meaningful Make

After exploring bold storytelling and powerful vertical design with Kakaso’Las Totem Pole Wall Quilt by Annette Janca last week, let us switch to something you can carry with you every day with Hands and Heart Quilted Tote by Nancy Devine.

Some projects are useful and meaningful at the same time, and this tote is exactly that. Hands and Heart Quilted Tote is a creative sewing and quilting project that lets you stitch a message of care into something you’ll actually use, whether it becomes your everyday bag, your class tote, or your favorite market companion.

skill level Confident beginner
time A satisfying weekend make, with extra time if you add more quilting details
ideal for A practical quilted tote with meaning, gifting, and using up special fabrics for a bag you will reach for again and again
you will practice creative sewing construction, quilting for structure, applique style design elements, and finishing a lined tote with handles
finished size Finished size details are included in the pattern instructions

This pattern by Nancy Devine was featured in Issue 70, our twentieth anniversary issue, created to celebrate two decades of ANPTmag with projects that honor where we started and the makers who have stitched alongside us through the years. It’s a feel-good issue filled with technique, creativity, and gratitude.

Here’s the project description from the pattern page. Nancy designed a quilted tote that combines quilting with creative sewing skills, resulting in a bag that is both sturdy and expressive. The pattern guides you through the steps so you can create your own Hands and Heart tote and enjoy the satisfaction of finishing something beautiful and useful.

Get Hands and Heart Quilted Tote here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/hands-and-heart-quilted-tote/

Get Issue 70 in print here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-70-print-version/

Get Issue 70 in digital here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-70-digital-version/

What makes this project especially exciting is the blend of quilting and function. You’ll build skills that translate to more bags and organizers, and you’ll end up with a tote that carries your supplies and your story.

Now tell me, if you made this tote, would you keep it in classic quilting cottons, or would you go bold with denim, canvas, or upcycled fabric for extra structure?

Join me next week to find out which inspiring ANPTmag quilting project I’ll share with you!