Quitled Bag Sew-Along
Week One
Let's start from the beginning, what is a quilted bag?
A quilted bag is a bag made from quilted fabric—fabric that has three layers sewn together:
- Outer fabric
- Batting or foam (a soft middle layer that adds padding)
- Lining fabric
These layers are stitched together with decorative or functional stitching (called quilting) before the bag is assembled. The quilting can be simple straight lines, grids, diamonds, or more decorative patterns.
What makes it different from a regular bag? A quilted bag is usually:
- Softer and padded
- More structured than a single layer fabric bag
- Textured because of the quilting stitches
- The seams are usually bound with straight or bias binding. They can be bound on the inside of the bag or on the outside as a design element.
Batting or Foam
Quilted bags often begin with a quilted panel of fabric, which is later cut into the pattern pieces needed to assemble the bag. When making a quilted panel, the choice between batting and foam affects both the look and structure of the finished bag. Batting creates a softer, more flexible bag with a classic quilted texture and visible stitching that sinks slightly into the layers. It’s great for lightweight bags, pouches, and projects where you want a cozy, fabric-forward feel. Foam, on the other hand, adds more body and stability. It helps the bag hold its shape, provides extra padding, and creates a more structured, professional look—often with less pronounced quilting lines. The choice really comes down to the style you prefer: soft and drapey with batting, or structured and sturdy with foam.
What are you going to put in your bag?
Watch this short video where I explain what makes up a quilted bag and give some examples.
Now it's time to pick your pattern!
There are so many quilted bag patterns available, making it easy to find a style that suits exactly what you’re looking for. Here are a few that we carry in the store:
- The Blanket Statement - Crescentwood Bag and Emmerson Crossbody
- Anything by Knot & Thread
- Anything by Center Street Quilts
- Anything by Ma Tante Quilts
Which pattern will you choose? Pick your favorite, gather your materials, and next week we’ll start quilting our panels.