Looking for a quick and charming summer sew? Say hello to the Charm Tote—the second free pattern in our Moda Summer Charm Series! This tote is cute, practical, and made from just one charm pack plus a bit of extra fabric. Whether you're headed to the farmer’s market or your next sewing retreat, this bag is ready to come along.

Charm Tote in Chloe's Closet Happy Daze Collection

 Download the FREE Moda’s Charm Tote Pattern Here

Charm Tote in Crystal Manning's Parlor Collection

Whether you need a grab-and-go library bag, a reusable gift tote, or just an excuse to sew something scrappy and satisfying—this project has you covered. Let’s walk through it together!

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Fabric Requirements

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 charm pack (or 34 precut 5" squares)
   
• 1/4 yard for the straps
   
• 1/2 yard for the lining

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Step 1: Cut the Charm Squares

Start by cutting each of your 5" charm squares in half to make (2) 2½" × 5" rectangles. You’ll need a total of 68 rectangles.

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Step 2: Sew Patchwork Rows

Sew the rectangles into (8) rows of (8).

For a staggered patchwork effect, sew 4 of the rows into loops, then cut those loops in half between two seams. This trick shifts the rectangles so the seams don’t line up perfectly—a small step that adds lots of visual interest.

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Step 3: Create the Patchwork Panel

Sew all 8 rows together to create one large panel. At this point, you can choose to quilt the panel with batting and simple stitching, or leave it unquilted—it’s up to you! We love the structure quilting gives the finished tote.

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Step 4: Shape the Bag

With right sides together, fold the patchwork panel in half (top to top) and sew the side seams using a ½" seam allowance. Then mark 2" squares at each bottom corner, cut them out, and sew the boxed corners to give the bag its depth.

Repeat these steps with the lining fabric.

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Step 5: Make the Straps

To make your own fabric straps, cut (2) strips measuring 3½" × 38". Fold each in half lengthwise, sew, and turn right side out. Press flat and they’re ready to attach!
Prefer to keep it even simpler? Webbing works beautifully too.

Charm Tote in Stacy Iest-Hsu's Back to School Collection

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Step 6: Assemble the Tote

Fold the top edge of both the outer bag and the lining in by ½"—inward for the outer, outward for the lining. Place the lining inside the outer bag, sandwiching the strap ends between the layers.

Pin everything in place.

Topstitch around the top edge about ¼" from the rim, then add a second row of stitching if desired for extra durability and polish.

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Moda’s Summer Charm QAL

Charm Tote in Jessica Rose's Peachy Collection

That’s it! Your Charm Tote is complete and ready to hit the town—or your sewing room floor full of fabric scraps.

Don’t forget–this project is part of the Moda Summer Charm Series, a seasonal sew-along featuring three free charm pack patterns. We’re stitching together the last weekend of June, July, and August—so mark your calendar and grab those charm squares!

"Charmed I'm Sure" Quilt in Chelsea's Garden Collection

We also have a step-by-step guide and free pattern download for the "Charmed I'm Sure" pattern pictured above! So, be sure to check that out!

Share your finished tote (and all your Summer Charm makes!) using #ModaSummerCharmQAL on your socials so we can see your beautiful work.