Angie's Big Quilted Panel Bag

You can make this bag to be absolutely any size, it's the method that is important. I used very thin polyester batting/wadding because I didn't want my bag to be too heavy and the top seams are easier to get neat corners with thin poly..., you can use anything you want to, it's your bag!....
So..... for this BIG bag you will need.....
2 x (20" x 15") of main fabric, lining fabric and batting/wadding, for front and back panels.
2 x (20" x 8") of side panel fabric, lining fabric and batting/wadding.
1 x (15" x 8") bottom panel fabric, lining fabric and batting/wadding.
4 1/2" x (required length for handles) of main fabric and batting/wadding.
Co-ordinating threads.
You can use one fabric for the whole bag, that's why I haven't given fabric requirements... too many options really.
2. Handles, very easy... press handle fabric flat, spray with starch if you like, lay batting in centre of strip then wrap the two edges over batting and press....
3. Fold strip in half and pin to secure then stitch close the the edges on both sides, you can stitch down the middle too if you want to.
4. two pooofy, comfortable, strong handles, set aside for now...
5. Same method as making the Mat & Ruler Bag.... lay batting/wadding flat and place the lining and your main fabric, right sides together, on top. Pin to hold in place and....
6. Sew a seam about the width of your walking foot.

Do this for the front. back and the two side panels, no need to do the bottom panel.
7. flip the top fabric up and over, like this.....
8. press well... (careful not to melt your batting)then fold over to complete sandwich....
taking care to get an even finish as this will be the top of your very own Big Bag, then you need to do two or three lines of stitching across the top to secure and strengthen it, this also decorates it and keeps it all firm (same as the Mat & Ruler Bag)
9. You need to quilt all of your panels. I chose to use my walking foot for straight lines on my side and bottom panels....
10. I did tiny meandering, free-motion stitching around my tea cups (I'm very pleased with the result AND it was fun). I will leave you quilting your panels while I prepare the next step..... just to note... the more quilting you do, the firmer your Big Bag will be, if you want it all floppy, do less quilting!