Today we are so excited to welcome Emily Jane of Homemade Emily Jane to our blog! She has put together an amazing tutorial for us showcasing how to turn a mini quilt in a custom Orbit Bag. Emily is such an amazing resource for quilting tutorials, patterns, and fabric. We feel very honoured to welcome her to the blog today. Thank you Emily!
There’s something especially satisfying about combining two creative hobbies into one project, and this mini quilt Orbit Bag is the perfect example. By pairing the beautiful curves and practical design of the Helen’s Closet Orbit Bag pattern with a quilted patchwork mini quilt, you can create a completely unique handmade bag that showcases your favorite fabrics and quilting style.
At Homemade Emily Jane, I love finding fresh ways to use quilt blocks beyond traditional quilts, and this project is a fun introduction to mixing quilting with bag making.
Create a Mini Quilt Panel
For this project, I used the Framework Mini Quilt Pattern to create the feature panel for the bag, with one small adjustment: I stopped after adding color 6. The geometric design works beautifully on a smaller scale and gives the finished Orbit Bag a modern patchwork look.
Of course, the Orbit Bag pattern includes instructions for the star-shaped quilt block design, but you can make this bag totally your own by using any quilt block or mini quilt design!
Mini quilts are perfect for projects like this because they come together quickly and allow you to experiment with color combinations without committing to a full-size quilt. Fat quarters, scraps, and bold solids all work wonderfully here. Strip piecing can also speed up the process and help keep the patchwork accurate.
Once the mini quilt top is complete, quilt it using your preferred method. Straight-line quilting is simple and effective, especially for a structured bag project. A slightly smaller stitch length can also help strengthen seams and stabilize the quilted fabric during construction. I chose to quilt straight lines about 3/8” (1 cm) apart, based on the recommendation in the Orbit bag pattern.
Turning Your Quilt into a Bag
After quilting your mini panel, trim it to the size needed for the Orbit Bag pattern pieces. I used the Copy Shop file included in the Orbit Bag Pattern and put it on my sewing projector in order to avoid actually printing the templates. Using a projector for sewing patterns is my personal favorite sewing hack!
When sewing with quilted fabric, a few small adjustments can make the process smoother:
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Press seams carefully to reduce bulk
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Use clips instead of pins for thicker layers
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Lengthen pressing time to help seams lay flat
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Finish the edges with a wide zigzag stitch to hold them all together
The Orbit Bag design pairs especially well with quilted panels because the curved shape highlights the texture and movement of the patchwork. The result feels polished, modern, and completely one of a kind.
The pattern includes tons of ideas for personalizing your own Orbit Bag, such as different patchwork designs, different quilting motifs, or even adding optional pockets and adjustable strap sliders. I originally planned to make adjustable straps but unfortunately did not read the pattern correctly and made my strap too short. Take my advice and actually read the pattern before starting! I definitely plan to make the Orbit Bag again, and will opt for an adjustable strap on my next one.
More Mini Quilt Project Ideas
If you enjoy this project, mini quilts can be used in so many creative ways beyond wall hangings. I’ve rounded up even more inspiration in this Mini Quilt Projects Guide, including ideas for home décor, gifts, and accessories.
Several other quilt patterns would also make beautiful Orbit Bag panels:
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Triangular Quilt Pattern for a bold geometric look
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Blessings Quilt Pattern for a softer, classic patchwork style
This is also a fantastic scrap-busting project. Seasonal fabrics, low-volume prints, solids, or even leftover quilt blocks can all become a statement bag you’ll actually use every day.
More from Homemade Emily Jane
Combining quilting and bag making opens up endless creative possibilities, and the Orbit Bag is such a fun canvas for showcasing mini quilt designs. Whether you choose bold geometric patchwork or a softer traditional layout, turning a mini quilt into a wearable project is a rewarding way to bring quilting into everyday life.
For more quilt tutorials, quilt patterns, and creative sewing inspiration, visit Homemade Emily Jane.
