Patchwork Padded Tote Bag

This May, join us for a cozy and creative sewing series where you'll be guided through making your very own patchwork padded tote bag, a functional and usable piece that’s all your own.

Led by sewing facilitator Mariam Ahmad, this 4-part series is all about slowing down and reconnecting with the art of honing in and creating something unique. Inspired by the theme of Small and Mighty, we’ll take our time learning the basics of patchwork, a technique rooted in care, patience, and resourcefulness. We will all be working with fabric scraps collected to form our own textiles, giving new life to leftover materials and practicing care in how we create. Every stitch becomes part of the story, a reminder that small pieces, when thoughtfully brought together, can build something strong, functional, and meaningful.

Whether you’re new to sewing or looking for a fun and beginner-friendly project, this workshop will guide you through all the steps of designing, sewing, and finishing your padded tote bag. You’ll have a mix of colourful fabric scraps to choose from to create your patchwork design, but you’re also welcome to bring your own fabrics to personalize your bag even more.

Week 1 — Introduction to patchwork, fabric selection, assembling and sewing patchwork
Week 2 — Cutting patchwork textile pattern for bag and start sewing padding to self
Week 3 — Sew outer shell of bag, including pockets, strap etc
Week 4 — Finishing sewing the bag and attaching lining, show off your bag!

By the end of this series, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind tote bag that tells a story — stitched slowly and intentionally by you.

This is a beginner-friendly, welcoming space for anyone looking to learn new skills, meet new people, and connect with sewing as a mindful, creative practice.