Make Three Tote Bags From One Charm Pack: Jenny Doan's Quick Sewing Tutorial
One charm pack. Three adorable tote bags. Sounds too good to be true? Jenny Doan proves it's not only possible — it's easy. In this beloved tutorial with nearly 2 million views, Jenny shows you how to turn a single packet of 5-inch charm squares into three different-sized tote bags that are perfect for everything from grocery runs to gift giving.
Whether you're looking for a quick sewing project, a thoughtful handmade gift, or just a fun way to use up those charm packs you can't stop buying (we've all been there!), this tutorial has you covered. Grab your favorite charm pack and let's get sewing!
What Is a Charm Pack Tote?
A charm pack tote is a simple, quilted bag made from precut 5-inch fabric squares (known as "charm squares" in the quilting world). By sewing these squares into panels, adding a lining and handles, you get a beautiful patchwork bag in a fraction of the time it would take to cut all those pieces yourself.
What makes this project so brilliant is the efficiency. Jenny uses just 12 charm squares and about ¾ yard of coordinating fabric for the lining, handles, and bag bottom — and from those simple supplies, she creates not one but three totes in different sizes. It's the perfect stash-busting project!
What You'll Need
🎨 1 charm pack (12 squares) — pick your favorite prints! Shop charm packs here.
🧵 ¾ yard coordinating fabric — for lining, handles, and bag bottom. Shop fabric here.
✂️ Rotary cutter, ruler & cutting mat — for precise cuts. Shop rotary cutters.
📌 Pins or clips — to hold layers together. Shop pins & clips.
🪡 Sewing machine — with a standard ¼" presser foot
🔥 Iron and ironing board — pressing makes all the difference!
🧶 Batting scraps (optional) — for a quilted look and extra structure
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose and Arrange Your Charm Squares
Start by selecting 12 charm squares from your pack. For the large tote, you'll use 6 squares for the front and 6 for the back. Arrange them in two rows of three — play with the arrangement until you love the color balance.
The beauty of charm packs is that the fabrics are already coordinated by the designer, so almost any combination will look great. Just try to alternate between lighter and darker prints for visual interest.
Step 2: Sew the Charm Square Panels
Sew your 6 squares together into two rows of three, using a ¼" seam allowance — just like you would for a quilt block. Press the seams in alternating directions so they nest when you join the rows.
Then sew the two rows together to create one panel. You'll need two identical panels — one for the front and one for the back of the bag. Press everything nice and flat.
Jenny arranges her charm squares — the hardest part is choosing which prints to use!
Step 3: Add the Bottom Panel
From your coordinating fabric, cut a 7-inch wide strip that matches the width of your charm square panel. This becomes the bottom of your bag and gives it a clean, professional look.
Sew the bottom panel between your two charm square panels to create one long piece: front panel → bottom → back panel. Press the seams flat — you want a nice, smooth piece for the next step.
Step 4: Add Batting and Quilt (Optional)
For a sturdier, more professional tote, layer the bag panel with batting. You can quilt simple straight lines across the panel — stitch in the ditch along the seams, or add diagonal quilting for extra texture.
Trim the batting to match your fabric panel once quilted. This step is optional, but it makes a huge difference in the finished look and durability of your bag!
Step 5: Form the Bag Shape
Fold your quilted panel in half with the charm square sides facing in (right sides together). Sew down both sides using a ¼" seam allowance. Do the exact same thing with your lining fabric, cut to the same dimensions.
To create the flat bottom gusset, flatten each bottom corner so the side seam sits on top of the bottom fold. Measure in about 1½ inches from the point, draw a line, and sew across it. This creates the box shape at the bottom of the bag.
The tote takes shape — it comes together so fast!
Step 6: Make and Attach the Handles
Cut two strips of coordinating fabric about 3 inches wide and 20 inches long (adjust to your preferred handle length). Fold each strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press. Then fold each raw edge in toward the center fold and press again. Topstitch along both edges.
Pin the handles to the top edge of the bag, placing them about 3 inches in from each side seam. Baste them in place.
Step 7: Insert the Lining and Finish
Place the lining inside the bag with right sides together, matching the top edges. The handles should be sandwiched between the bag and lining. Sew around the top edge, leaving a 4-inch gap for turning.
Reach through the gap, pull the bag right-side out, and push the lining down inside the bag. Press the top edge and topstitch around the opening to close the gap and give the bag a polished finish.
Making the Smaller Totes
Here's the brilliant part — use the same technique with fewer charm squares to make smaller bags! Jenny shows how to create three sizes from one charm pack:
Large tote: 6 charm squares per side (2 rows × 3)
Medium purse: 4 charm squares per side (2 rows × 2)
Small clutch: 2 charm squares per side (1 row × 2)
Pro Tips for Success
🎨 Mix prints wisely: Alternate between large-scale and small-scale prints for the most visual interest. Let the fabric designers do the hard work for you!
📐 Press every seam: This is a small project where precision matters. Taking time to press flat at every stage will give you a much more professional result.
🧵 Use a walking foot: If you're quilting the panels with batting, a walking foot helps feed all the layers evenly through the machine.
💪 Add interfacing: For extra structure, add fusible interfacing to the lining before assembly. This gives the tote a more bag-like feel instead of floppy.
🎁 Gift-ready: These make incredible gifts! Make a set of three in someone's favorite colors — it takes just an afternoon.