I am a newbie and have never quilted anything before, instructions for tote bag say to quilt. Also says "not to make this brain surgery. This is a tote bag, not an heirloom quilt" But am still nervous. How do I do the quilting?

Take a deep breath (some add wine) and just do it! Don't think about it either do a long diagonal strips both directions or just play with moving your bag meandering. Don't stress about it you cannot mess up!!

I quilt from corner to corner drawing grid lines about 2 inches apart. You can do just a little bit. Don't stress over it just do some straight lines.

Another vote for simple, diagonal lines in this case. The link below shows one of Jo-Ann's pre-quilted fabrics as an example.

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/z...emType=product

What about color of thread?

Don"t be nervous. Sit back and enjoy all the friends you have here!

Whatever color you want. I have used matching on some and contrasting on others.

Here's one I quilted with diagonal lines. This one was a no brainer because of the design on the fabric but you can also draw the lines on with something removable - like chalk or washable quilting pen and just sew on the lines.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-55118-1.htm

The other option is ----- not to quilt at all. I have made about 20 bow tucks and have not quilted any of them. I use the iron pellon and they do just fine without quilting, even after washing them in the washing machine.

P.S. Be careful. Bow tucks are very addicting. Just enjoy making them!!!

if you put lines or design on the batting makes it verey easy yo guilt use plain stiches or fancy ones