Hexie Convertible Tote - GeoBloom Flower Version

The newest pattern in the shop is the fun and stylish Hexie Convertible Tote. This fun design features an eye-catching hexagonal shape and effortlessly converts from a tote to a backpack. What could possibly make the darling Hexie Convertible Tote even cuter? How about adding some flowers in pretty Art Gallery Fabrics GeoBloom collection prints? Yes, please!

This tote has a nice big front pocket that is perfectly sized for showing off a quilt block, some appliquéd hexies, or pretty embroidery. And if you want to add even more personality to your tote, you can embellish the back panel too!

Want to make your own GeoBloom version of the Hexie Convertible Tote?

Start by choosing which version you want to try - the quilt block version or the appliqué hexie version and read on.

Meadowly/Sewcial Bee Quilt Block Version

This is the original hexie tote that I made to take with me to QuiltCon and is featured in the GeoBloom Collection Lookbook for Art Gallery Fabrics, so it's extra special. The front pocket features an adapted version of the Meadowly Quilt mini size, and the back panel features the cutie Sewcial Bee block.

Supplies

• Hexie Convertible Tote Pattern (available here)

  • 1 yard Exterior Fabric: DENL4000 Soft Sand

  • 1 yard Lining Fabric: SBCGB1032 Confetti Blooms

  • 1/2 yard Binding Fabric: BINSBCGB10 Geobloom Bound

  • Plus foam stabilizer, webbing, zippers and hardware as listed in the pattern

• Meadowly Quilt Pattern (available here)

• Sewcial Bee Quilt Block Pattern (available here)

• 1/8 yard of each of the following fabrics:

  • SBCGB1011 Lineal Bloom (Meadowly Fabric A & Sewcial Bee Fabric D)

  • SBCGB1024 Petal Drift (Meadowly Fabric B & Sewcial Bee Fabric B)

  • SBCGB1034 New Directions (Meadowly Fabric C)

  • SBCGB1042 Whimsy Bloom (Meadowly Fabric D)

  • SBCGB1030 Dusk Bouquet (Meadowly Fabric E and Sewcial Bee Fabric E)

  • SBCGB1014 Whimsical Ashes (Meadowly Fabic F)

  • SBCGB1033 Happy Daisy (Sewcial Bee Fabric C)

Instructions

Preparation and Cutting

Start by following the tote pattern cutting instructions for everything EXCEPT piece A1 and piece A2.

Then cut the pieces listed in the Meadowly Quilt pattern for the mini size to the dimensions specified below. Use the Geobloom prints listed above for Fabric A-F and the leftover tote exterior fabric for the background. These pieces will be used to construct a smaller version of the Meadowly Quilt mini that will be substituted for piece A2 in the tote pattern (exterior pocket):

Meadowly Quilt Block Cutting List:

• A1, BG1, and BG2: 1 1/4" x 1 1/4"

• B1, C1, and D1: 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"

• E1 and F1: 2" x 2 1/4"

• E2: 1" x 6 1/2"

• F2: 1" x 4 1/2"

• BG3: 1" x 2 1/4"

• BG4: 1 1/2" x 2 1/4"

• BG5: 2" x 2 1/4"

• BG6: 2 1/2" x 2 1/4"

• BG7: 2 1/2" x 4 1/2"

• BG8: 1" x 10 1/2" (cut 2)

• BG9: 2 3/4" x 10 1/2" (cut 2)

• BG10: 3" x 18" (cut 1)

Meadowly Quilt Mini Block Assembly (For Exterior Pocket)

Follow the Meadowly Quilt Mini size instructions using the pieces above with the following changes:

• In Step 7 of the Quilt Assembly, BG8 will only be used between the flowers and BG9 will be used at the beginning and end of the row (as shown in larger quilt sizes)

• In Step 8 of the Quilt Assembly, BG10 will only be added to the bottom of the row, not the top.

This will result in an adapted Meadowly mini quilt block that measures 13" x 18" and can be substituted for piece A2 in the Hexie Convertible Tote Construction. Note, when trimming Panel 2 constructed with piece A2, trim the top edge as minimally as possible after quilting to preserve the flower design. Instead, trim more from the bottom edge of the block to achieve the final size needed for tote construction.

Sewcial Bee Block Assembly (For Back Panel)

Follow the Sewcial Bee 8" size block instructions using the GeoBloom prints listed in the supplies section for fabrics B-E (omit Fabric F), and the leftover tote exterior fabric for Fabric A. Skip Step 15 in the Bee Block Assembly to avoid adding stitch and flip corners to the block.

Cut (2) 8 1/2" x 5 1/4" rectangles from the tote exterior fabric and sew (1) to each side of the Sewcial Bee block. Press the seams away from the bee block.

Cut (2) 4 1/4" x 18" rectangles from the tote exterior fabric and sew (1) to both the top and bottom of the unit. Press the seams away from the bee block to create a unit that measures 16" x 18" and can be substituted for piece A1 in the Hexie Convertible Tote Construction.

Finish the your Hexie Convertible Tote as instructed in the pattern and enjoy your adorable new bag!

Hexie Appliqué Version

This is the version of the hexie tote that I recently made to test the pattern again and experiment with some fun hexie flower appliqué. The front pocket features 3 hexie flowers and and the back panel features another one. This is a great way to use some scraps from your stash and play with color and design. I arranged my hexies into flowers, but you could arrange them in rows or other shapes as well.

Supplies

• Hexie Convertible Tote Pattern (available here)

  • 1 yard Exterior Fabric: DENL4000 Soft Sand

  • 1 yard Lining Fabric: SBCGB1034 New Directions

  • 1/2 yard Binding Fabric: 1/4 yard each DENL4000 Soft Sand (for exterior binding) and SBCGB1034 New Directions (for interior lining)

  • Plus foam stabilizer, webbing, zippers and hardware as listed in the pattern

• 1/8 yard of each of the following fabrics:

  • SBCGB1030 Dusk Bouquet

  • SBCGB1031 Tulip Twirl

  • SBCGB1032 Confetti Blooms

  • SBCGB1033 Happy Daisy

  • SBCGB1034 New Directions

• 1 package of 1" Hexagon EPP pieces

Instructions

Preparation and Cutting

Start by following the tote pattern cutting instructions.

Then, cut the following quantities of 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares from each of the Geobloom prints listed in the supplies:

• SBCGB1030 Dusk Bouquet (Green): 8 squares

• SBCGB1031 Tulip Twirl (Purple): 6 squares

• SBCGB1032 Confetti Blooms: 9 squares

• SBCGB1033 Happy Daisy: 4 squares

• SBCGB1034 New Directions: 9 squares

Baste each square to a hexagon paper piece using your preferred method. I chose to glue baste to get it done quickly. Press the fabric hexagons well with the papers still inside, then carefully remove the papers and press the fabric hexagons (hexies) again.

Hexie Flower Assembly (Exterior Pocket & Back Panel)

Refer to the Hexie Convertible Tote pattern to prepare (1) Panel 1 and (1) Panel 2 for quilting by fusing the exterior and interior pieces to the foam interfacing.

Mark a 60 degree triangle grid on Panel 1 and 2 with 1" between parallel lines. I find the easiest way to do this is to start by marking lines 1" apart horizontally on the panel. Then align the top horizontal line to the 60 degree line on your acrylic rule and mark that line that is angled 60 degrees from all the horizontal lines. Continue marking lines parallel to the 60 degree line that are 1" apart. Now, you can simply use the edge of the ruler to draw a line connecting the intersections between the first two lines from. This will be 60 degrees from both of the other sets of lines and should also end up being parallel lines that are 1" apart.

Arrange the hexies centered on the panel into 3 flowers on Panel 2 and 1 flower on Panel 1. There should be approximately 1/8" between hexies where the marked quilting line are visible between them. Pin or glue baste the hexies in place. The center of each hexie should be a point where three marked lines intersect. Then quilt the panels by sewing on all the marked lines over the hexies to secure them in place. Trim the panels to the final sizes indicated in the pattern.

Panel 2 Sample Layout

Finish the your Hexie Convertible Tote as instructed in the pattern and enjoy your adorable new bag!