The Benartex Tote Challenge

Right off the blocks of their new sewing adventures with Benartex, we challenged our 2023 Ambassadors to create original tote bags featuring the new Benartex logo and using one of our Better Basics lines. The results are absolutely spectacular! From minimalist understated to fearlessly multicolor, whatever your style is, browse below to find your next favorite tote bag.

Brianna Roberts

"I received Linen-Esque and thought it had a modern but classic look and feel. I decided to make a modern streamlined tote. [...] I quilted it with straight lines to keep the modern theme and clean lines. "

Read more on Brianna's blog

Fabric: Linen-esque (Benartex Better Basics).

I love things that are retro or unusual, and that includes Steampunk art. Using applique to create a Steampunk look for my tote bag with the Benartex logo and New Hue fabrics, was totally my kind of thing!

Read more on Carol's blog

Fabric: New Hue (Benartex Better Basics)

Carol Swift

"I love the quilting on the neutral fabrics. I feel like I want to make an improv quilt now. It has been a hot minute since I have been able to do fun quilting. Most of my sewing is for work. I am glad that I got this challenge because I needed the chance to sew a great bag and enjoy the process."

Read more on Charisma's Corner

Fabric: Whisper Weave (Benartex Better Basics)

Charisma Horton

"I wanted something that would show all the amazing colors in the Burlap basics line. A pixilated version of the Benartex logo came to mind with a colorful back using all the colors. I pieced the strap as well and the squares all finish at 1". I am not a strong bag maker and decided to rely on my piecing skills for this challenge and hope for the best.

Read more on Patterns by Jen

Fabric: Burlap (Benartex Better Basics).

Jen Shaffer

This is a tote bag to take for class. It measures 30" wide X 24" high and 6" deep. I used the collection of Amanda Murphy's Cotton Shots cut into 6 1/2" squares for the majority of the bag. I designed a Foundation Paper pieced "X" block from the new Benartex logo The upper band is a series of these blocks measuring 3" X 4 1/2". The large round insignia on either side is a larger version of this block it measures 6" X 9" and is pieced into a 12" circle.

Visit Orange Blossom Quilt Design Studio, LLC

Fabric: Cotton Shot Benartex Better Basics

Laura Strickland

"The Marbleized collection has such a wide range of values that I chose to make each block using a lighter and a darker version of the same color to add interest. I couldn’t narrow down which colors to use, so I made eight different blocks total - four on each side! I used the black Marbleized for the bag background and handles so that the Xs would pop. I’m really happy with how it turned out! 

Read more on Quilty Zest

Fabric: Marbelized (Benartex Better Basics).

Lisa
Ruble

Nancy Messuri

I was inspired by the Benartex logo itself. I enjoyed designing a secondary block that enhances the X. The challenge was to find just the right angles that give movement and excitement to the overall design.

Read more on Nancy's blog

Fabric: Marbella (Benartex Better Basics).

Olesya Lebedenko

This project is perfect for all of you quilters and sewers out there! Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll love the versatility of this bag. It's great for carrying your projects on the go, or even as an everyday bag.

Read more on Olesya's Instagram

Fabric: Chalk Texture (Benartex Better Basics).

Robin Koehler

"BloomX is a very whimsical take on the Benartex logo using the lovely swirl (Wave Texture) design fabrics from Jackie Robinson. This flower makes my soul soar and I have a new project bag!"

Visit Nestlings by Robin

Fabric: Wave Texture (Benartex Better Basics).

Marie Segares

"I am always trying to figure out how to carry my essentials (my phone, my office key, my ID card) around the building without bringing a huge bag with me everywhere. And, that’s where I came up with the idea for the Wristlet Tote! It’s just the right size for the essentials and since it’s attached to my wrist, I can’t possibly forget it somewhere."

Read more on Underground Crafter

Fabric: Color Weave (Benartex Better Basics).

Michele Crawford

"My tote bag uses Benartex’s Shadow Blush basics. Enjoy the process of making the bag. I made the bag lining out of 3 pink FQ’s. I am not a machine quilter so it’s quilted in the ditch. My golden retriever, Daisy, says, “Hi”!"

Visit Flower Box Quilts

Fabric: Shadow Blush (Benartex Better Basics).

The Benartex Tote Challenge

The Benartex Tote Challenge

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