Joann Fabric and Crafts Stores has a new cool fabric called square by design products. They reached out to us to see if we would be willing to work with the fabric and create something unique with it. I jumped at the opportunity of course because I had been eyeing these fabrics for a while so this was a great chance to get started with them. The Square by Design fabric which is only available at Joann Fabric and Crafts Stores is fabric sold by the square instead of by the yard. There are several different designs you can choose from where the motif is centered on the square. The fabric is a high quality durable upholstery weight, and the designs are fresh and modern. I particularly loved this bicycle print.
When I was thinking of what I could make with it I kept thinking of making a bag like a tote because I really wanted a bicycle tote, but that seemed kind of boring. So then I thought maybe a blanket? It’s that time of year where we head to the beach, and the park for picnics. That’s when it hit me, a bag and blanket in one, something to carry all my stuff to and from the beach and a blanket to sit on all wrapped up into one easy to carry tote.
So I made a tutorial for this blanket+bag all in one using the Square by design fabric:
- 1 Yard white Fabric (I used Kona Cotton)
- 2 Yards Black Fabric (I used Kona Cotton)
- 1 crib size batting
- 1 Square by Design Product
- 1 yard twill tape (or other trim for strap)
- *Optional 1/4 Yard contrast fabric for pop
To start cut out your pieces. The width is 45″ since that is how wide my fabric is. The stripes are 5.75″ wide. I cut 11 total: 5 White, 5 Black, 1 Accent. Then I trimmed the Square down a bit to 17″X17″
First sew the bottom three strips together. (sew right sides together and press) Then lay the square over the bottom right hand corner so the bottom and side edge match up with the stripes. Cut the stripes along the other edge of the square so the bottom layer splits.
Then hem the top edge of the square by folding it under 1/4″ and then again by 2″ Sew along the folded edge.
Now place the square and the large stipe section right sides together, and then place the other cut stripe section face down on top, so they are sandwiched together. Sew along the edge.
When you press it open you should have your square sewn into the seam of the bottom row of stripes, with a seam allowance above the top edge of the square. This will create the bag portion of the blanket. Then sew the rest of the strips together and sew the top portion to the bottom portion (careful not to catch the top of the square in the seam)
With Right sides together place the backing (black fabric cut to size) over the front and then place the batting on top of that. Sew all around the edges (be sure to catch the corner edges of the square) leave an opening a few inches wide so you can turn the blanket right side out. Then flip the blanket right side out and sew the opening shut.
Then add the straps to the inside edges (left and right) of the square pocket.
Now you have a blanket (quilt the top if you like) with a pocket in the bottom corner.
To fold the bag:
Fold it in thirds width wise towards the back so the blanket is now the same width as the pocket.
Fold it down in thirds so its the same height as the pocket, then tuck it into the pocket.
Now you have a bag with the blanket neatly folded inside and you can add anything else you need to bring.
While you are using your blanket you can tuck things into the pocket in the bottom corner for safe keeping. (like keeping your phone and keys safe.
There you have it the perfect bag, and blanket, for the beach, pool, park, or even just a picnic in the back yard.
*Joann Fabric and Craft Stores sent me the square by design products for free to try, but all opinions are my own.