If you've been looking for a Quilted Tote Bag Pattern that’s both practical and packed with personality, the Maggie Poppins Tote + Patchwork Pockets Extension might just be your new favorite project. With 16 quilted pockets, charming details, and room to make it your own, it’s a bag designed to carry everything, just like Mary Poppins did with her magical bag.
The Inspiration Behind This Quilted Tote Bag Pattern
I designed the Maggie Poppins Tote with one goal in mind: to create a quilted tote bag pattern that blends functionality with texture, beauty, and story. It’s a roomy carryall with a soft quilted shell and a generous shape, finished with sixteen total pockets. Yes—sixteen! Perfect for slipping in all your sewing tools, notebooks, garden tools, and all the little bits that tag along for the ride.
When I saw the Winged Medley Fabric Collection designed by Katherine Lenius for Riley Blake Designs, I immediately knew it would be the perfect fit. I fell hard for its nostalgic charm—delicate scattered prints, soft florals, and tiny birds that feel like springtime in fabric form. It reminded me of flipping through a vintage field guide, and I wanted the tote to capture that same eclectic, bohemian vibe.
Design Details That Bring This Tote to Life
To make the most of the Winged Medley prints, I used the Patchwork Pockets Extension Pattern for the 8 outer and 8 inner pockets. This let me showcase more of the collection's fabrics and create a truly one-of-a-kind look, especially with the fussy cut birds and flowers. I finished each pocket with contrasting gingham fabric binding—not just to protect the pocket edge, but to add a touch of character. Beautiful binding is one of my favorite details. Have you seen my Bias Binding and Flange Binding Tutorials?
The whole bag is quilted for added texture and structure. I used Aurifil 28 weight thread for the quilting, assembly, and visible topstitching, which gives the surface beautiful dimension and a tactile feel. The result is textured, vibrant, and full of life.
Why You’ll Love Sewing This Quilted Tote Bag Pattern
This pattern is perfect for intermediate bag makers who want to stretch their skills and try adding a quilted element or quilters who want to try their hand at bag making. The Maggie Poppins Tote Pattern walks you through each step, from quilting the panels to finishing the final seams.
It’s also highly customizable. Use your favorite fabric collection, make it scrappy, add extra stitching or labels… this tote is meant to reflect you.
Materials & Threads Used
Patterns
Maggie Poppins Tote + Patchwork Pockets Extension Pattern by me!
Fabric
Winged Medley Collection designed by Katherine Lenius for Riley Blake Designs
Thread
- Quilting & Assembly: Aurifil 28 weight in color Peony (#2440)
- Piecing: Aurifil 50 weight in color Muslin (#2311)
Special Features
- 16 pockets + a roomy interior
- Sturdy handles
- Soft but structured body made with fusible foam, SF101 interfacing, and cotton batting
- Lots of room for playing with stitched details
Here's a link to my Essential Quilting Tools in my Amazon store if you're curious about the specific supplies I use!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re carrying fabric, garden tools, wildflowers, or a few snacks for the road, I hope this quilted tote bag pattern helps you create something both useful and beautiful. The Maggie Poppins Tote is full of charm and function, and sewing her up with the Winged Medley collection felt like stitching a little celebration of nature.
I can’t wait to see where yours takes you!
Please share your version with me on Instagram by tagging me @RemiVailStudio and using the hashtags:
#MaggiePoppinsTote | #RemiVailStudio | #RemiVailStudioPatterns
I would love to cheer you on. ;)
xo,
Tamara
There are affiliate links in this blog that I may earn a small commission from if you purchase after clicking. This has in no way swayed my recommendations. These resources are exactly what I use in my own sewing room and I love to share about them!
