The Leah Tote (with Leather Bottom) Quilt Pattern

The Leah Tote was designed and sewn for a dear friend celebrating her 50th birthday at the beginning of September—something practical, cozy, and a little bit special for the everyday. I kept the palette simple and leaned into clean geometry: half-square triangles that feel rhythmic and strong, a sturdy leather base for long wear, and handles that fit just right in the hand. It’s the kind of carryall that slips into your life and quietly becomes part of your routine.

This is a quilted-and-leather tote pattern that feels both modern and timeless—structured enough for daily use, soft enough to feel handmade, and designed to age beautifully. It makes a thoughtful gift, a staple carryall, or a weekend “everything” bag.

Skill Level

Intermediate

What’s Included (and why you’ll love it)

• Step-by-step instructions for making a finished 18″ × 12″ quilted tote bag

• Clear cutting charts and 8-at-a-time HST methods

• Block layout guidance for the geometric HST motif

• Quilting and finishing instructions for tidy, durable results

• Strap installation steps with box-X reinforcement

• Drop-in lining method for a clean interior finish

• Printer-friendly PDF with a clean, minimal layout

• 100% original pattern

• Downloadable PDF

Design Features

• A bold, rhythmic HST motif arranged in clean geometric panels

• Sturdy leather base built to last, with reinforced corners

• Leather straps sized for hand or elbow carry, attached with box-X stitching

• Drop-in lining with a smooth interior and no exposed seams

• Works beautifully in solids, hand-dyed fabrics, or subtle prints

• A simple silhouette that highlights colour, contrast, and texture

Construction & Techniques

• ¼″ seam allowance throughout

• 8-at-a-time HST method with trimming guidance

• Straightforward block assembly and panel construction

• Quilt-as-desired (machine quilt or hand quilt—your choice)

• Leather-to-quilt topstitching for a polished finish

• Clean boxed corners for structure and depth

• Professional drop-in lining method for a tidy top edge

Materials & Specs

Finished Size: 18″ W × 12″ H (approx.)

All Exshaw Quilts patterns assume 42″ usable WOF and ¼″ seam allowances.

Materials Needed:

• Blue Fabric: ¾ yard

• White Fabric: ⅓ yard

• Lining: 1 yard (½ yard usable, 1 yard allows for directional prints)

• Batting: ⅝ yard

• Leather

• Clips (no pins for leather)

• Leather needle + walking foot recommended

The making of this tote has a calm, steady rhythm to it—piecing the HSTs, quilting soft textures into the panels, then grounding everything with leather that will wear and warm with time. It’s functional, heartfelt sewing, and I hope it finds a place in your everyday life too.

All sales are final. If you have questions before purchasing, please reach out—I want you to feel confident in your purchase.

Thank you so much for supporting my work. It means the world to me that something I designed might find its way into your daily routine.

With warmth,
Kim

Tag your finish with #EXSHAWQUILTS and @exshaw so I can cheer you on.
This pattern is intended for personal use only.