From Artcloth to *Quilt Bag*

 
Artcloth *BE BOLD - tell your story*
 
Materials to make one Quilt Bag
. 42 1/2 inches by 34 1/2 inches outside fabric
. 33 1/2 inches by 35 1/2 inches inside fabric and fusible fleece
. 3 1/2 yards of cotton strap
. 4 sew in magnets
. 2 cord stoppers
. 1 1/2  yards of elastic cording
. Aurifil 28w cotton thread for the topstitching
pattern

Directions
Iron the fusible fleece on the wrong side of the inside fabric. Fold and sew 1/2 inch of the four edges towards the inside. With a pin mark the center of the widest side of the outside fabric and lining, as shown in the picture.
Pin both the lining and outside fabric in place, matching the center pins.
Topstitch only one side! (this would be the underside when you close your bag) with 28w Aurifil cotton thread . I chose this thread because it shows off the topstitching beautifully and at the same time it's sturdy. The other end will be sewn in the same matter after we put the magnets in place.

With the lining fabric facing you, measure one inch from the edge of your sewn side and sew your magnets through all the layers. Repeat on the opposite side (unsewn side) but sew the magnets only through the lining fabric and iron on fleece. Topstitch in place as you did the other end to close the seam.

Because I'm using the fabric from selvage to selvage, I don't need to finish the edges. Fold in half towards the inside the two flaps on each side, as shown in the picture, and sew parallel to the edge of the lining fabric. Insert the cord and cord stoppers.
Straps:  With the top fabric facing you, measure 10 inches from the side edge and mark a line to indicate where to position the strap. Repeat on the other side.
 

 
Measure your strap handles. I tried different lengths and decided on 28 inches length. Close the bag and draw a line where the two ends meet, as show in the picture. This line will indicate where to stop sewing the straps.

Sew the ends of the strap together with a generous 1/2 inch tail on each side. Open the side seams.
Sew in place on both sides of the strap. If you have an edge foot for your sewing machine use it.


Voilá!  Now I am ready to transport my quilts *with style*.