Library Arrowwood Totes

April 21, 2025

This is going to be a short blog today, but we want to consolidate the amazing book themed Arrowwood Totes that Cait made into one spot for you!

We have a free tutorial that walks you through how to modify the Arrowwood Tote pattern in various ways. Cait decided to dive into paper piecing and made two fabulous totes using book-themed blocks and the strap modification in the tutorial to accommodate the large block in the panel.

The first version uses the Storybook Shelf block by Amy Friend of During Quiet Time and the In the Stacks block by Kitsche Empire.

Cait used a dark blue canvas and some gorgeous vintage cotton to frame the block and we pulled coordinating scraps from our bins for the books.

What's absolutely WILD to me is this was her FIRST TRY with paper piecing and she nails that complicated stack block! This was such a fun project to see come together!

The next bag features the ever popular Tall Tales block by Quilt with Kate in the 10" size. This version was made as a shop sample for our local quilt store and features all Ruby Star society fabric. This version also uses the strap modification in the tutorial.

I think my favorite part is the little spine details she fit in using the fabric selvedge. I love all the creative ways people use the words and letters in selvedges!

If you have any book-themed blocks you love - either traditionally or paper pieced - drop them in the comments! There are so many out there and the Arrowwood Tote can be customized with any block up to 12"!

Happy sewing!

Rebecca

Pattern Details:

Whether it's full of travel snacks and a blanket, loaded for a crafting retreat, toting books home from the library, or stuffed with jackets and lunchboxes - the Arrowwood Tote will stand up to the task.

Tote size: 14" x 7" x 14" (L x W x H)

With thoughtful design features like:
- Not one, but TWO zippered pockets easily accessible from the top of the bag
- A D-ring to tether your keys or sunglasses
- Slim side pockets on the outside...AND the inside…large enough to carry a water bottle.

Available as a PDF instant download or mailed paper pattern in the Pattern Shop.