I made 3 in the first week after watching your tutorial for the first time. My best so far was a gift for my son's teacher. As a former teacher, I always try to show my kids' teachers how much we appreciate them. She LOVED the bag!
Enjoy your videos. I learn a lot,plus you tell what you’re going to sew, sew off camera, show what you’ve done. Love this idea. Never saw "couching" before. Thank you!
Hi Wanda,I've probably watched a dozen videos about tote/shopping bags. You are the first to put batting in the straps.thank you for thinking of our shoulders. the couching adds interest to your bags. Thank you for sharing your wonderfully immagined bag, then thoughtfully put together, and videoed for us the process by which you put it together. I always get confused with linings. Which parts go which way? Thank you so much, now all I need is to get some yarn/wool what do you suggest? I'm in California, USA. I'm a subscriber!
Thank you for your lovely comment Bonnie. I agree with you about having batting in the straps, so much more comfortable. These bags look great when they are finished. You need a wool that is quite thick so I probably wouldn't use less than an 8ply. We would love to see your bag when you have finished it. Here is a link if you would like to share some photos.Submit Project
Hi Trish, lovely to hear from you over there in Kiwi land. This is such a great way to not only embellish a bag. but to also use up those odd bits of wool. Cheers Wanda:)
Wow such a great tutorial. You have a soothing way about you that makes me know I can do this. Great details that so many others don’t give. Thanks so much. Love your top and iron Thanks again
That's excellent to hear Louise. Maybe you would like to share photos of your bag on the website Here is the link if you are interested. www.alandacraft.com/submit-your-project/
It's pretty awesome I have to admit. The problem is when we go to classes and they have an iron there for us to use, we tend to leave it in the down position out of habit. Anyway, we have written up a review for the iron which you can find here if you are interested - www.alandacraft.com/2017/04/15/oliso-iron-review/
Nice looking bag. I am a bit concerned that the lining could come out as it is not sewed to the outside of the bag except at the top - should the lining be anchored to the outer bag? Will the lining stay put inside the bag - even with washing/drying?
That's awesome Charlotte. Perhaps you would like to share some photos with us on the website. Here is a link www.alandacraft.com/submit-your-project/. We do love seeing what our ladies (and gentlemen) do with our tutorials. :)
I just love the way you explain everything.Love how you got tickled in this video. I love making bags .Wish you could tell me how to sew a carry tote for my bible
Alanda i just love these bags, you make it look so easy, are they reversible as well ?, please could you do the same bag or similar with a zip fastener to close the top of the bag, thank you so much for the great tutorial.
Thank you Donald. Yes the bag is reversible. We also have the full written tutorial on the website www.alandacraft.com/patchwork-tote-bag-with-couching-tutorial/ A zippered tote bag is on the todo list.
fantastic cant wait, I have watched many tutorials of various people and yours are so much easier to follow, i don't know how relevant these things are but could you mention needle size and stitch length, tension, or is there one needle for all.many thanks again Alanda
Hi from Western Canada.I loved this tutorial,it was so easy that I think I could easily make these as gifts for all my sisters......loved the giggles and where did you buy that beautiful white top?
+Sue B Hi Sue from 'Down Under'. Thank you for your lovely comment. Your sisters will love getting one of these as a gift. They really are quick and easy to make. I bought the top from 'Beme' here in OZ. I just love their range of clothes and wear their tops in most of the videos.
Just pin the pieces together then open them up to see how they line up. Once you have done a few it will get easier. I found that having to unpick a lot in the early days helped. I soon learnt to pay attention at the pinning stage so that I didn't have to unpick. Practice with some scraps until you feel more confident. :)
I'm glad you like it Tanya. Thank you 😊. I visited Germany a few years ago when my grandson married a lovely girl from Steinhagen. Such a beautiful country, and so much amazing history.
I can't remember the exact batting we used but more often than not we use Warm and Natural (warmcompany.com/products/warm-cotton/warm-natural). What also works well for these types of bags is fusible fleece. You can read more detailed instructions on our website here: www.alandacraft.com/patchwork-tote-bag-with-couching-tutorial/
That's awesome Charlotte. We would love to see your bag when you have finished it. Here is a link if you would like to share some photos www.alandacraft.com/submit-your-project/
I have a lot of charm squares and I’d like to make the front and the back with charm squares so I would need 16 with that be OK to use charm squares for the back also and the front?
That's right Cathy. You will need 16 charm squares for the front and another 16 charm squares for the back. It's a great way to use up your charm squares and these bags are so practical. We have the written instructions on the website www.alandacraft.com/2015/11/15/patchwork-tote-bag-with-couching-tutorial/ and I would love to see photos of your bag when you have finished it. Here is a link if you would like to show it off www.alandacraft.com/submit-your-project/ 🙂
Thank you Alana. I have just completed a bag after following your step-by-step guidance. It was a patchwork but one in which I had to cut the squares. I don't recommend this. Buying pre-cut squares would be more accurate!
I am a big fan of pre-cuts. But we also have the June Taylor Shape Cut Pro www.alandacraft.com/tools-we-use/ruler, which makes cutting squares very easy. We would love to see your finished bag Maria, perhaps you would like to share some photos for our Readers Projects page. www.alandacraft.com/submit-your-project/
thankyou for for tut. i've just made one for my mum for mothers day, i've also put embroidery on it also . not sure were it send pictures for you to see. if there is a link please send to me so i can forward it on :)
Hi Nina, here is the link to submit your project www.alandacraft.com/submit-your-project/. I do like the idea of adding embroidery. Joe, one of our readers, made this bag and embroidered the squares in a crazy quilt pattern. You can see his bag here Readers Project: Joe's Crazy Quilt Tote Bag. Looking forward to receiving your photos.
In the early days when we did show the sewing, we actually had a number of comments from people saying they don't like to see that part which is why we don't include it. We will sometimes still show the sewing on beginners projects but for these slightly more advanced projects, we tend to leave it out.
Thank you Tina. The yarn just adds a bit of interest. Would love to see your bag when you finish it. Here is a link where you can share some photos on the website Submit Project. I use mine bag all the time, it's so practical and I often get lovely comments about it. :)
![SAFEPLANET - ดาวเคราะห์ [ THE PLANET ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4X1XL3I_k3c/mqdefault.jpg)
I made 3 in the first week after watching your tutorial for the first time. My best so far was a gift for my son's teacher. As a former teacher, I always try to show my kids' teachers how much we appreciate them. She LOVED the bag!
What a lovely idea, I bet she really appreciated it. :)
Enjoy your videos. I learn a lot,plus you tell what you’re going to sew, sew off camera, show what you’ve done. Love this idea. Never saw "couching" before. Thank you!
Thank you for your lovely comment Audrey. 😊
CI really enjoy your tutorials. You have an easy going way about your presentations makes listening and watching fun. Thank you so much
+Mar miner Thank you for your lovely comment.
I love this video. I like the idea of using thick yarn on it, too.
Thank you Linda. These bags are so easy to make, and the yarn just makes it that little bit more unique.
Great tutorial, very easy to follow! I love the bag & the crouching really makes it pop.
Thanks Camille.
Thank you Alanda! Easy to follow instructions!
Hi Wanda,I've probably watched a dozen videos about tote/shopping bags. You are the first to put batting in the straps.thank you for thinking of our shoulders. the couching adds interest to your bags. Thank you for sharing your wonderfully immagined bag, then thoughtfully put together, and videoed for us the process by which you put it together. I always get confused with linings. Which parts go which way? Thank you so much, now all I need is to get some yarn/wool what do you suggest? I'm in California, USA. I'm a subscriber!
Thank you for your lovely comment Bonnie. I agree with you about having batting in the straps, so much more comfortable. These bags look great when they are finished. You need a wool that is quite thick so I probably wouldn't use less than an 8ply. We would love to see your bag when you have finished it. Here is a link if you would like to share some photos.Submit Project
Another great tutorial😄 You have a very clear way of explaining the process. Thank you.
+Joanne Davison Thank you for your lovely comment Joanne
Hi from New Zealand. Never heard of couching before... love the finished bag :)
Hi Trish, lovely to hear from you over there in Kiwi land. This is such a great way to not only embellish a bag. but to also use up those odd bits of wool. Cheers Wanda:)
Alanda Craft I will def be having a go :)
I love your projects and tutorials. Thankyou.
What a lovely bag and easy to make. Thank you!
+Marlene Thank you Marlene
I think this would be a good way to try couching. You've made it nice and simple, great thank you.
Wow such a great tutorial. You have a soothing way about you that makes me know I can do this.
Great details that so many others don’t give.
Thanks so much.
Love your top and iron Thanks again
Excellent instructions and inspiration.
I really enjoyed this tutorial very easy to follow and my bag came out lovely. Thank You !
That's excellent to hear Louise. Maybe you would like to share photos of your bag on the website Here is the link if you are interested. www.alandacraft.com/submit-your-project/
Beautiful and I love your accent. (It's quite soothing). Regards from Ireland
Great tutorial and I love your iron and the little squeak it makes 😊
It's pretty awesome I have to admit. The problem is when we go to classes and they have an iron there for us to use, we tend to leave it in the down position out of habit. Anyway, we have written up a review for the iron which you can find here if you are interested - www.alandacraft.com/2017/04/15/oliso-iron-review/
Great idea with the couching. Love it!
Nice looking bag. I am a bit concerned that the lining could come out as it is not sewed to the outside of the bag except at the top - should the lining be anchored to the outer bag? Will the lining stay put inside the bag - even with washing/drying?
Got one starting for our church festival maybe 2 more love it thank you so much
That's awesome Charlotte. Perhaps you would like to share some photos with us on the website. Here is a link www.alandacraft.com/submit-your-project/. We do love seeing what our ladies (and gentlemen) do with our tutorials. :)
I just love the way you explain everything.Love how you got tickled in this video. I love making bags .Wish you could tell me how to sew a carry tote for my bible
Thank you Mary 😊. Here is a link to our bag tutorials, maybe one of these will suit as a carry tote for your bible.
Beautiful. Very well explained 👏
Thank you 😊
cute bag. great tutorial. love much
+Intan Sukiran Thank you Intan
Alanda i just love these bags, you make it look so easy, are they reversible as well ?, please could you do the same bag or similar with a zip fastener to close the top of the bag, thank you so much for the great tutorial.
Thank you Donald. Yes the bag is reversible. We also have the full written tutorial on the website www.alandacraft.com/patchwork-tote-bag-with-couching-tutorial/ A zippered tote bag is on the todo list.
fantastic cant wait, I have watched many tutorials of various people and yours are so much easier to follow, i don't know how relevant these things are but could you mention needle size and stitch length, tension, or is there one needle for all.many thanks again Alanda
Hi from Western Canada.I loved this tutorial,it was so easy that I think I could easily make these as gifts for all my sisters......loved the giggles and where did you buy that beautiful white top?
+Sue B Hi Sue from 'Down Under'. Thank you for your lovely comment. Your sisters will love getting one of these as a gift. They really are quick and easy to make. I bought the top from 'Beme' here in OZ. I just love their range of clothes and wear their tops in most of the videos.
Muy bonito y práctico!!!... Muchas gracias Alanda.
Thank you Yolanda 😊
Thank you . I never learn or try patchwork but I always keep thinking how to attach lines and seems together.
Just pin the pieces together then open them up to see how they line up. Once you have done a few it will get easier. I found that having to unpick a lot in the early days helped. I soon learnt to pay attention at the pinning stage so that I didn't have to unpick. Practice with some scraps until you feel more confident. :)
Absolutely gorgeous, I love it! Thank you for another wonderful tutorial:)
+Paula Sydney Thank you Paula
Alanda Craft ，
Thanks you for that. Many greetings from Germany. 🇩🇪👍🌸👋🌼
I'm glad you like it Tanya. Thank you 😊. I visited Germany a few years ago when my grandson married a lovely girl from Steinhagen. Such a beautiful country, and so much amazing history.
I love the tote bag but I think I would quilt the back of the bag to prevent it from bunching the batting after a time from being used and washed.
+Mary Lou Staley Great idea Mary Lou
loved your tutorial Alanda. Thank you so much.
Thank you Denise.
Love this...great explanations....can I ask what kind of batting that is?
I can't remember the exact batting we used but more often than not we use Warm and Natural (warmcompany.com/products/warm-cotton/warm-natural). What also works well for these types of bags is fusible fleece. You can read more detailed instructions on our website here: www.alandacraft.com/patchwork-tote-bag-with-couching-tutorial/
I've got one started thank you
That's awesome Charlotte. We would love to see your bag when you have finished it. Here is a link if you would like to share some photos www.alandacraft.com/submit-your-project/
Cute bag, thank you xxx
+Tineke Williams Thank you Tineke
My bag came out great!
precioso!!!!! gracias..de una subcriptora de España.
Thank you Yolanda :)
I have a lot of charm squares and I’d like to make the front and the back with charm squares so I would need 16 with that be OK to use charm squares for the back also and the front?
That's right Cathy. You will need 16 charm squares for the front and another 16 charm squares for the back. It's a great way to use up your charm squares and these bags are so practical. We have the written instructions on the website www.alandacraft.com/2015/11/15/patchwork-tote-bag-with-couching-tutorial/ and I would love to see photos of your bag when you have finished it. Here is a link if you would like to show it off www.alandacraft.com/submit-your-project/ 🙂
Thank you so much!! It most likely won’t be until after Christmas, but If I can squeeze it in I will and I’ll post it! Thanks for all your hard work!!
Btw, love the crouching! I’ve never done it, it will be my first time!!
Great tutorial! Beautiful bag.😁👜🎀
Thank you Laura :)
I like this bag I can do this thank you
I am sure you will be able to make this bag. 🙂 It's really easy to make and it's fun to play with the couching.
Cute fabric, great looking bag.
+Wendy Hansen Thank you Wendy
esta bolsa esta preciosa felicidades
Thank you for your lovely comment Lucia. :)
thanks God bless you
Beautiful!
very good tutorial, I love your videos !
Thank you Melanie for your lovely comment. :)
GORGEOUS!
Thank you Tammie. These bags do look great and they are so easy to make.
Thank you Alana. I have just completed a bag after following your step-by-step guidance. It was a patchwork but one in which I had to cut the squares. I don't recommend this. Buying pre-cut squares would be more accurate!
I am a big fan of pre-cuts. But we also have the June Taylor Shape Cut Pro www.alandacraft.com/tools-we-use/ruler, which makes cutting squares very easy. We would love to see your finished bag Maria, perhaps you would like to share some photos for our Readers Projects page. www.alandacraft.com/submit-your-project/
Great tutorial!
Thank you Cathy 😊
Iove this bag thank you
They look great, I love mine. The couching just adds to the finish.
it is easy to follow just follow thank you
So very clever
Muito linda , essa bolsa !
Thank you Luce :)
wow I love this
+kavitha murugesan Thank you Kavitha. The couching just gives it that finishing touch.
i love your video its verry beautiful
Thank you Salima. These couched bags look great when they are finished and they are so easy to make.
Merci pour votre partage, j'ai appris une technique.
You are most welcome Lysiane. :)
muy linda bolsa
Thank you Blanki. I just made one for my daughter and she loves it.
thankyou for for tut. i've just made one for my mum for mothers day, i've also put embroidery on it also . not sure were it send pictures for you to see. if there is a link please send to me so i can forward it on :)
Hi Nina, here is the link to submit your project www.alandacraft.com/submit-your-project/. I do like the idea of adding embroidery. Joe, one of our readers, made this bag and embroidered the squares in a crazy quilt pattern. You can see his bag here Readers Project: Joe's Crazy Quilt Tote Bag. Looking forward to receiving your photos.
many thanks for sending me the links , ive sent a message and also my photos
Thank you Nina. Your tote bag photos are up on the website www.alandacraft.com/ninas-couched-patchwork-tote-bag/
Belíssimo trabalho.👍
Thank you Simone 😊
Mille merci pour vous
vous êtes les bienvenus Suzi. This is a nice easy bag to make and it looks great when its finished. :)
Good
Nice tutorial but it wd be nice to see it being sewed
In the early days when we did show the sewing, we actually had a number of comments from people saying they don't like to see that part which is why we don't include it. We will sometimes still show the sewing on beginners projects but for these slightly more advanced projects, we tend to leave it out.
Hi Alanda, it's a clever idea to zig-zag bulky yarn on the seems between the squares! Going to make this. Will let you know (LOL) Hugs. Tina
Thank you Tina. The yarn just adds a bit of interest. Would love to see your bag when you finish it. Here is a link where you can share some photos on the website Submit Project. I use mine bag all the time, it's so practical and I often get lovely comments about it. :)
Sorry Tina, it looks like the link didn't work so here it is again www.alandacraft.com/submit-your-project/