I’ve had some requests for very simple bags to sew, ideal for those who are completely new to sewing. The Dorset sewing pattern is a set of three very easy to sew drawstring bags in different sizes, ideal for the complete beginner or even as a sewing pattern for kids to use to learn to sew. There is nothing more rewarding than sitting at a sewing machine for the first time, and within a short…
This smart wristlet clutch bag has a jaunty diagonal seam front and back, created with a slightly different construction method that does away with the centre bottom seam, although you can choose to add that back in if working with a directional fabric. I think you’ll love the option to learn the custom pocket hack technique that you can apply to the lining of all of your future bag patterns and projects to create neat…
There’s this funny thing when you sew diagonal seams that it took me a while to get my head around. You seem to do everything right, but things just don’t line up properly. Sew a slanted seam for the first time and when you open up the seam to press it, the edges of your fabric are wonky. You might come across this if you are joining bias tape, or just if you are sewing…
Designing your own tote bag sewing pattern has never been easier. This revolutionary pattern generator is unlike any other tote bag pattern you’ve used. The custom tote bag designer means you never need to buy another tote bag sewing pattern. Want a bag that’s tall rather than wide – we got you. Want a really long bag so you can fit a yoga mat in the bottom – we got you. Want a huge beach…
Sometimes there is just a classic bag pattern that everyone should have in their collection. For me, it’s this zipper bag with the wide flat base and triangular shape, narrowing towards the top. It’s like a coming of age for sewers, a bag that everyone should sew on their way to sewing greatness. Never sewn a zipper before? This bag is a good place to start and I’ve included a couple of tips for how…
Do you have sewing tools, pencils, pens, brushes, knitting needles, crochet hooks, craft knives or similar that you need to store and organise? You’ve probably seen these sewing patterns for brush rolls for your cosmetics brushes, or crayon rolls for the kids’ art supplies. But maybe none of them is exactly the right size or exactly what you are looking for. That can be frustrating, trying to track down exactly the right pattern in the…
Quilted bags are so fashionable right now, including quilted clutch bags, backpacks and tote bags. They have been brought to our attention and right into fashion by a popular ‘designer’ range of quilted bags made with pretty prints. But why pay designer pricing when you can sew your own bags? All you need is the quilted fabric and almost any bag pattern can become a designer quilted version of itself. Sewing your own custom quilted…
Check out my new purse! The Oxford Purse is a great everyday shoulder bag that even a sewing beginner can easily sew. It’s lightweight, doesn’t need any difficult to find materials or hardware, and is just the right size. She’ll easily carry your wallet, phone, keys and more but her lightweight design means you won’t be weighed down. I love my new Oxford, well, my two Oxfords. This purse is light yet holds it’s shape…
Learning how to sew darts in fabric is an essential sewing skill no matter whether you want to sew clothing or bags. Darts are much more commonly sewn in clothing to mould the fabric to the curves of the body, but darts can also be very useful in bag-making, to turn flat cloth into a shape with volume to give space inside your bag. In this article I’ll share with you my easy tips for…
A magnetic snap is one of the most commonly used pieces of purse hardware and is usually used as a closure at the top of a bag, purse or tote, or to secure a fold-over flap to the front of the bag. The magnetic snap or sometimes called magnetic button closure is my favorite type of bag hardware because they are affordable, easy to find, and easy to install. One of my soon-to-be-released purse patterns…
