The Leah Tote (with Leather Bottom) Quilt Pattern

A downloadable PDF quilt pattern by Exshaw Quilts for intermediate quilters who love classic blocks with a clean, modern tote finish.

This step-by-step quilting pattern walks you through making an 18" W × 12" H × 4" D hand-carry quilted tote bag, with clear diagrams, cutting charts, and straightforward construction.

ABOUT THE PATTERN
The Leah Tote is a quilted tote bag pattern designed for makers who want a polished, professional finish—with the warmth of patchwork and the structure of a leather base. You’ll piece traditional units for the quilted exterior, then build a sturdy tote with boxed corners, a clean turned lining, and leather straps secured with rivets.

SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
Comfortable with accurate piecing, quilting panels, boxed corners, and sewing with leather is recommended. This pattern also includes working with leather and setting double-cap rivets. This pattern assumes you are an experienced quilter with basic quilting knowledge. For a tutorial on how to quilt, watch this tutorial here: https://youtu.be/qrqtRgq5ODY

FINISHED SIZE
• Finished size: 18" W × 12" H × 4" D

WHAT’S INCLUDED
✔ Step-by-step written instructions
✔ Clear cutting charts and piecing diagrams
✔ Traditional block construction (HSTs)
✔ Full tote assembly + lining + finishing instructions
✔ Leather + rivet installation guidance
✔ Printer-friendly PDF format
✔ 100% original Exshaw Quilts design
✔ Instant digital download

DESIGN FEATURES
• Classic patchwork exterior with clean border framing
• Structured leather bottom for durability and a high-end look
• Leather straps attached with double-cap rivets for a crisp finish
• Boxed corners for a roomy base
• Designed to be used hard (farm market, library run, travel tote energy)

CONSTRUCTION & TECHNIQUES
• Traditional piecing
• Half-square triangles (HSTs)
• Straight seams throughout
• Boxed corners
• Turned lining (bag-turn method) construction
• Leather sewing + rivet setting
• Assumes ¼″ seam allowance
• Assumes 42″ usable width of fabric (WOF)

MATERIALS & SPECS
• Quilting cotton (exterior + borders)
• Lining fabric
• Batting or fusible fleece (for structure)
• Leather (base + straps)
• Double-cap rivets + hole punch/setter
• Thread, rotary cutter/ruler, sewing machine
(Full fabric requirements and cutting instructions are included inside the pattern.)

DELIVERY
📥 DIGITAL DOWNLOAD (PDF)
No physical item will be shipped. Instant access after Etsy checkout.

USAGE & LICENSING
For personal, non-commercial use only.
Items made from this pattern may not be sold.
Pattern may not be shared, copied, or redistributed.

SUPPORT
Questions while sewing? I’m happy to help.
• Website: exshawquilts.com
• YouTube: youtube.com/@exshawquilts
• Email: hello [!at] exshawquilts.com

SHARE YOUR MAKE
Tag @exshaw on Instagram and use #EXSHAWQUILTS
I love seeing your finished projects.