Bags Galore

I've been busy sewing bags for Christmas.

Buttercup Bag

First, there was the Buttercup Bag, a pattern by Made By Rae. I made some modifications by adding the top zipper closure, and attached D-rings to the strap... so that I could change the strap if I didn't like it.

I love the whimsical cats print on the fabric, and thought it suits the buttercup bag perfectly!

Buttercup bag... work in progress

My finished buttercup bag!

Trail Tote

Then, there was the Trail Tote (small version), a pattern by Noodlehead. Again, I added the top zipper closure, and 1-inch square-rings to the strap because I couldn't decide between sewing the strap myself or using store-bought webbing.

My trail tote... work in progress

Eventually, I went with store-bought cotton webbing. And I forgot to take pictures of the final finished product before gifting it away!

Lucky Cat Bag

I designed this one by myself, specifically for the lucky cat (招财猫) fabric in my stash. It has 4 pockets on the outside, 2 front and 2 back. As with the other two bags, it also has the top zipper closure.

My lucky cat bag

Kawaii 招财猫 fabric bag

For me, handbags like these must be adequately secured, either with a zipper or a prominent flap. Most free bag sewing patterns out there don't include top zipper closures. But maybe that's why they are free.. because it isn't easy! It took me some time to figure out the best way to construct the bags with the top zipper, and I had to sew some parts by hand because the bulk just couldn't go under the sewing machine!

Double-zippered Wristlets

I also made about half a dozen of these double-zippered wristlets. Unfortunately, in my haste to finish and gift-wrap them in time for Christmas, I forgot to take pictures :(

These two were the first "prototypes".



The fabrics were fat quarters and fat flats that I got from the sale at Spotlight. The finished size is approximately 8" x 5". I could make 2 wristlets out of a pair of FQ/FF (1 exterior fabric and 1 interior fabric).


These bags were all sewn in quilting weight cotton fabrics. Quilting cotton has to be adequately interfaced or the resulting bag will be too floppy and without structure. I have since, begun exploring heavier fabrics, such as canvas, drills and home decor fabrics, for sewing bags. So far, in terms of handling and construction, I prefer the heavier fabrics to quilting cotton. The former also produces sturdier, more hard-wearing bags. But it is harder to find heavy fabrics in cute, interesting prints.