The Quilted Christmas Tree Tote is an in-the-hoop machine embroidery project that lets you make a fully quilted holiday tote bag without piecing or quilting blocks by hand. Your embroidery machine stitches every block, with the quilting done right in the hoop. Then you join the finished blocks with your sewing machine. It comes in four sizes, from a 9" mini tote to a 15" jumbo carryall.

Imagine carrying a handmade quilted tote with a festive evergreen tree on it, and knowing your embroidery machine did the precise part. Piecing quilt blocks is usually the slow, fussy step. Here, your machine does the precise piecing and quilting while you place, flip, and trim. Every tree comes out crisp and even, even if you’ve never made a quilt block before.

Once the blocks are stitched, your sewing machine joins them into a sturdy, lined tote. The pattern includes a matching strap and a boxed bottom, so the bag holds its shape and carries holiday gifts, cookies, and craft projects.

Choose the size that fits your hoop and your plans...

Why you’ll love it

•  Professionally quilted, without the piecing. The tree blocks are built and quilted in the hoop, and your embroidery machine does perfect quilting  on each quilt block.
• Pick the size for the occasion. Make a mini for a small gift, or a jumbo for a holiday market tote.
• A handmade gift people keep. A quilted tote feels far more special than a store-bought bag, and it’s a gift that gets used year after year.
• Sell what you make. Your purchase lets you stitch up to 500 finished totes for craft fairs, Etsy, and holiday markets.
• Step-by-step instructions. 

What you’ll need: Fabric (cream, brown, and three greens), low or medium loft batting, mesh cutaway stabilizer, fusible interfacing for the strap, a size 80 embroidery needle, and an embroidery machine with the hoop size for your chosen bag. A sewing machine finishes the bag.

Frequently asked questions

What is an in-the-hoop tote bag?
It’s a bag where your embroidery machine stitches, places, and quilts the fabric pieces in the hoop. You then assemble the finished blocks into a bag with your sewing machine.

How many sizes does the Quilted Christmas Tree Tote come in?
Four: Mini (9" x 9"), Medium (12" x 12"), Large (13" x 13"), and Jumbo (15" x 15").

What hoop size do I need?
The smallest bag needs a 6x10 hoop, and the largest needs a 10x16 hoop. Medium and Large use 7x14 and 8x14 hoops.

Do I need a sewing machine?
Yes. The blocks are quilted in the hoop, then joined with your sewing machine using a 1/4" seam allowance. You’ll also use it for the strap and lining.

Can I sell the bags I make?
Yes, you can stitch up to 500 finished bags for resale. The design files and instructions themselves can’t be shared, given away, or resold.