A Handmade Tradition: Sewing a Teacher Tote Bag Every Year

I have so many projects on the go that I need to write them down on a regular basis. Some projects are, as I call it, open-ended – no deadline and no pressure. But some, like the one below, needed to be completed by today – a gift for my sons’ teacher.

I have been making tote bags for teachers each year while my boys have been in primary school. Next year will be the last time I will be making one, which feels a little strange. It has become my own private tradition over the years. I started making them when my first son attended the school, and it is something I have continued ever since. The nicest part is that I can still spot some of the teachers using the bags I made years ago. Seeing them being used rather than tucked away in a cupboard makes all the effort worthwhile.

I did write this project down and gave myself a deadline to complete it, but with the recent heatwave in the UK I have been enjoying the outdoors a lot more than sitting behind a sewing machine. Weekends were spent outside whenever possible and, before I knew it, I had completely forgotten about the bag. That meant a rather rushed week trying to finish it between my full-time job, family commitments and, of course, squeezing in a bit of gardening whenever I could.

Thankfully, my Magic Numbers trays came to the rescue. Having scraps already sorted and prepared makes such a difference when time is short. Instead of spending hours deciding what to use, I could simply pull pieces from my trays and start sewing. If you are new to Magic Numbers, check out this article. It explains how processing your scraps in advance helps you keep them organised while also making it much easier to put together projects quickly whenever you need them.

For this bag I used a variety of scraps from my Magic Numbers trays. I also had a few blocks already made, so rather than starting from scratch, I improvised the layout around what I already had. Sometimes those are my favourite projects. There is no complicated planning involved. You simply work with what is available and adjust as you go. The result is often a much more interesting mix of fabrics and colours than if I had planned every detail in advance.

I also used some of my crumb blocks to make the straps. I have been making lots of crumbs recently for another project, and it was nice to find another use for them. The straps add a colourful pop and tie in nicely with the rest of the design. Most of the crumb blocks I have been making lately are colour coordinated, but for the straps I chose to use mixed crumbs. The variety of fabrics gives them a fun scrappy look and makes them stand out. If you would like to know more about making crumb blocks, you can check out this tutorial.

Although I tend to keep the overall design of my teacher tote bags fairly simple, I always try to include one or two extra details to make each bag different. This year I focused on functionality. Over the years I have noticed that many teachers use these bags to carry school supplies, books and paperwork between home and school. With that in mind, I added plenty of pockets inside the bag. My hope is that they will help keep pens, notebooks and all those little essentials organised instead of disappearing into the bottom of a large tote.

I also added a magnetic clasp at the top. It is a small detail, but one I think makes a big difference. The bag can still be filled to the brim when needed, but when it is carrying fewer items it can be closed neatly at the top. Little practical additions like this are often my favourite part of making bags.

I am really pleased with how the finished bag turned out. One thing I particularly like is that there isn't really a front or a back. Both sides look equally good, so the bag can be carried either way around. That is always a bonus when working with scrappy projects because every fabric gets a chance to shine.

If you would like to make your own tote bag, here are a few tutorials and ideas you might enjoy:

• For a simple bag, check this TUTORIAL.

• If you would like to add some thread painting, have a look HERE.

• For adding a zippered pocket to the outside, check this PROJECT.

• For adding a deep pocket for a water bottle, see HERE.

Now I just need to remember to hand it over before the end of term!

If you enjoyed this project and would like to see more scrappy sewing ideas, tutorials and behind-the-scenes updates, make sure you sign up for my newsletter. The sign-up box is at the top of the page, and I would love to have you join my quilting community. I’ll share new projects, tips and inspiration straight to your inbox so you don’t miss anything.

Happy Summer!

New Release: My Quilter’s Planner Is Now Available on Amazon!

I’m so excited to share some big news with you—my Quilter’s Planner is now published and available on Amazon!

This planner has been in the making for a while, born out of my own need to stay organised while juggling multiple quilt projects (and the chaos of everyday life!). If you’re anything like me—surrounded by fabric, scribbled ideas, and half-written notes on scraps of paper—then this planner was made with you in mind.

Quilter's Planner on Amazon

Why I Created This Planner

As a quilter, each project we start is more than just fabric and thread—it’s a story, a process, a memory in the making. But with so many steps between that first spark of inspiration and the final stitch, it’s easy to lose track of details, materials, or even why we started the quilt in the first place.

I wanted to create something that helps you:

• Keep everything in one place

• Feel more in control of your creative workflow

• Reflect on what went well (and what didn’t!)

• Celebrate your wins—big or small

What’s Inside the Planner?

This is not just a basic tracker. It’s a thoughtfully designed companion for your quilting journey. Here’s what you’ll find inside:

• Space for 26 quilt projects – Each project has its own dedicated pages.

• Project overview sections – Capture your vision, inspiration, dimensions, and recipient details.

• Fabric and materials tracker – Log your fabric swatches, sources, and planning notes.

• Step-by-step progress checklist – Stay on top of each stage from design to binding.

• Creative reflection prompts – Take time to pause and reflect on your process and what you’ve learned.

• Sketch grid & photo space – Plan your layout and attach a photo of the finished quilt or your inspiration.

  
  

  Who Is It For?

This planner is perfect for:

• Beginners learning to stay organized

• Seasoned quilters managing multiple WIPs

• Anyone who wants to blend creativity with intentional reflection

• Makers who love to look back on their work and see how far they’ve come

Whether you quilt for fun, for gifts, or for business—this planner will help you bring focus, flow, and joy to your creative process.

Grab Your Copy Today!

Ready to take control of your projects, reduce overwhelm, and add a little joy to your quilting routine? Available around the world on Amazon.

👉 Click here to buy the Quilter’s Journal & Planner on Amazon UK

👉 Click here to buy the Quilter’s Journal & Planner on Amazon USA

👉 Click here to buy the Quilter’s Journal & Planner on Amazon Canada

I’d love to hear what you think of it! If you grab a copy, please tag me on social media or send me a photo of your favourite page in use. Your feedback means the world and helps me shape future tools and resources for the quilting community.

Happy quilting,

Pola Quilting

Designed by a quilter, for quilters

Transforming Quilting Scraps into Stunning Creations: A Guide for Leaders and Enders

If you’ve been quilting for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the phrase leaders and enders. At first, it may sound like quilting jargon that doesn’t mean much to a beginner, but once you understand it, leaders and enders can become one of the most powerful habits in your sewing practice. Not only does it save thread, prevent common machine issues, and make piecing smoother, it also allows you to create a whole extra quilt—often without even realizing how much progress you’ve made.

This article will explore what leaders and enders are, how to use them, and why they’re such a game-changer for quilters of all levels.

What Are Leaders and Enders?

In the simplest terms, a leader or an ender is a small piece of fabric that you sew through before and after your main patchwork pieces. Instead of starting your machine on the edge of your project fabric (where it might get sucked into the feed dogs or cause tangles), you begin stitching on a little scrap. When you finish a seam, you don’t stop sewing abruptly—you run off onto another scrap. These scraps act as “leaders” to guide the fabric smoothly under the needle and “enders” to close off your stitching neatly.

But here’s the brilliant part: those little scraps don’t have to be throw-away pieces. With some planning, they can be parts of another quilt—like two-patches, half-square triangles, or even more complex blocks. Over time, as you chain-piece your main project, your leaders and enders quietly add up until you have enough units to assemble a completely separate quilt.

The Practical Benefits

1. Prevents Thread Nests

Starting directly on quilt fabric often leads to the dreaded “thread nest” underneath. By feeding a leader in first, your machine has something stable to grab, keeping stitches even and avoiding bunching.

2. Reduces Waste

Instead of using a single scrap and tossing it away each time, you’re creating usable quilt components. Every inch of thread and fabric has a purpose.

3. Improves Efficiency

Quilting is all about rhythm. Leaders and enders keep your chain piecing flowing, so you don’t waste time stopping to cut thread or reposition fabric.

4. Extends Machine Life

By constantly feeding fabric through, you reduce the stress of sudden stops and starts on your sewing machine. It’s a small thing, but it adds up.

How to Get Started

Step 1: Choose a Leaders and Enders Project

Decide what kind of units you want to make. Beginners often start with simple two-patch squares, using 2" or 2.5" scraps. You could also choose half-square triangles, four-patches, or crumb blocks, depending on your scrap pile and comfort level.

Crumb pieces divided by colour ready to stitch together

Step 2: Prepare Your Scraps

Cut a stack of pieces in advance so they’re ready beside your machine. This way, when you’re chain-piecing your main quilt, you can easily grab a pair of squares to sew as your leader or ender.

Step 3: Stitch as You Go

When you sit down to work on your main quilt project, begin by sewing a pair of leaders together. Then feed in your main quilt pieces as a chain. At the end of that chain, instead of cutting your thread, stitch through another pair of leaders.

Step 4: Accumulate and Assemble

Over weeks or months, you’ll notice a growing pile of completed units. Once you’ve got enough, lay them out and start arranging them into a secondary quilt top. It can feel like magic—you finish one quilt and realize another is already halfway done.

Ideas for Leaders and Enders Projects

• Two-Patch Squares: The classic choice. Keep a basket of cut 2.5" squares handy and sew them together into pairs. Later, they can become four-patches, nine-patches, or a full scrappy quilt.

• Half-Square Triangles (HSTs): Cut squares, draw a diagonal line, and stitch as leaders. Before you know it, you’ll have a collection of HSTs for star blocks, pinwheels, or chevrons.

• Four-Patch Units: Start with two-patches and keep building. Four-patches are endlessly versatile in scrappy quilts.

• String or Crumb Blocks: Sew narrow scraps or odd shapes together as leaders and enders. Over time, you’ll build improvisational blocks with lots of character.

• Seasonal or Themed Quilts: If you want a holiday quilt or a baby quilt in progress, cut fabric in the right colours and stitch it quietly in the background.

• Magic numbers quilts - these are great to work as leaders and enders especially if you are using simple design and you repeat the same block.

  

  Magic Number block

Leaders and Enders as a Creative Practice

Beyond the practical benefits, leaders and enders offer a new way of thinking about quilting. Many quilters struggle with the tension between starting new projects and finishing current ones. Leaders and enders resolve that: you’re working on two projects at once, without sacrificing focus or efficiency.

It also fosters mindfulness and sustainability. Scraps that might otherwise be discarded are transformed into something useful. Instead of rushing, you build quilts slowly and steadily in the background of your sewing life.

Common Questions

Do I have to plan the second quilt in advance? Not at all. Some quilters cut stacks of squares with a clear design in mind. Others just sew whatever scraps are handy and later puzzle them into a quilt top.

What if I don’t want a second quilt? You can use leaders and enders for donation quilts, guild swaps, or baby quilts. They make wonderful “bonus” projects to gift or give away.

Isn’t it confusing to juggle two projects at once? Not really. Since leaders and enders use simple, repetitive units, they rarely distract from your main quilt. Think of them as background stitching.

Magic Number quilt

Final Thoughts

Leaders and enders may seem like a small trick, but they embody the heart of quilting: making beauty from scraps, saving what might be wasted, and finding joy in the process. Whether you’re a beginner trying to avoid thread nests or a seasoned quilter looking to maximize your scrap pile, this technique is worth adopting.

Start today with a stack of small squares next to your machine. Before long, you’ll be amazed at the “bonus” quilt growing quietly alongside your main projects—proof that in quilting, as in life, little steps taken consistently can add up to something extraordinary.