The lantern shape makes this bag expandable and collapsible, and depending on how it’s made, it can have a variety of uses. This technique by Judith Neukam involves sewing quilted circular shapes together in such a way that accordion pleats form. If you sew two flat circular pieces together around the outside edges, you have one unit, which can make a lovely presentation box for jewelry or candy.

Stack the units, and sew them together as described in this download for a novelty bag that looks like a pleated lantern. Add as many or few of these units as you want to customize this project from Quick Stuff to Sew, Vol. 3. Size the bag to suit your purposes: a tall version to contain a bottle of your favorite preserves or wine; a single unit version for a necklace gift box; or make it as shown here as the pretty little tote for an evening out.