Small Crossbody Wallet – When You Need An Extra Pocket

small crossbody wallet

I’m happy to share this new simple project and free pattern for the Small Crossbody Wallet.  It can be made using fabric, leather or vinyl and is suitable for intermediate sewists or advanced beginners. First, let me share with you the backstory for the design.  I had a disagreeable little … Continue reading

The Better Bag Maker – Book Review

Review of the book Better Bag Maker. Basically, if you sew bags or want ti - you NEED this book!

This is a review of The Better Bag Maker by Nicole Mallalieu. What a great book – as a regular bag maker with a number of books on the subject this book compliments my mini library perfectly has become the star on my shelf. It’s subtitled “An Illustrated Handbook of Handbag Design” … Continue reading

3 Methods For Boxing Corners On Bags

3 different way how to box the corners on a bag. One of these I hadn't seen before.

Take a look at some of the bags you own.  If you are a typical woman, you probably own more than 3, maybe even more than 10.  Bags can be made for all types of purposes, styles, and occasions, but generally, they are all designed to do the same thing … Continue reading

The Ruffled And Ready Bag – FREE Bag Pattern

free bag pattern

Do you remember the Made in a Snap Bag pattern? It’s a cute little purse but it is small, designed as a bag for your essentials. What if you need a little more room, have a lot of ‘essentials’ or just prefer something in a different style? Well, the purse … Continue reading

Fabric And Leather Handbag Pattern: Perfect For Beginners

leather and fabric handbag

This leather and fabric handbag is the perfect project for those who are starting to sew with leather and for those who are bored with fabric-only handbags.  You can make this with a normal domestic sewing machine so don’t be afraid to give it a try! I am not yet an … Continue reading

Different Types Of Interfacing And When To Use Them

Very useful to see all the different types of interfacing on video so I could really see how they each affected the fabric. I have a better understanding of what does what now.

Whether you sew bags or clothes, from time to time, you’ll need to use an interfacing on your projects and it can often be difficult to choose which one works best with which project. Many sewing patterns usually will make a suggestion, but not list an essential interfacing product, because … Continue reading

How to Add a Zipper Pocket to Any Purse Pattern

Tips and video on how to add a zipper pocket to the inside or outside of a bag pattern.

So you have a basic purse pattern or have a pattern that includes a basic slip pocket and you would like a zipper pocket.  Not a problem – this sort of thing can usually be added to any bag.  You can add them on the outside like in the Nautical … Continue reading

Turning Japanese Bag – some variations

Japanese Bag

Have you tried the Turning Japanese Bag pattern yet? You should give it a try – it’s really easy! Part of the ‘My First Bag series’ it’s a single pattern piece, no fancy zippers or closures, the handles are ready-made and it’s perfect to showcase a really nice fabric or … Continue reading

Vintage Sewing Pattern Printable Fabric Purse Project

I HAVE to make me one of these. Print your own fabric with a sewing pattern envelope and make your own sewing pattern zipper pouch. NEED IT!

I may be here on the site today with a new project, and sending you the weekly newsletter, but actually, I’m not here.  I’m on my way back today from Sewing Holiday in Sioux City, where I’ve been rubbing shoulders this week with some great sewing instructors.  Hopefully, I’ll pick … Continue reading

Free Bag Pattern with Video Tutorial- Turning Japanese Bag

Free bag pattern. The handles make this bag really easy to make, but it looks fab! I want one!

Never sewn a bag before or just looking for a quick and easy project? The use of metal handles in this bag means there is no need for fiddly zippers or closures, but the bag still looks super cute and just like something you could have bought in a nice … Continue reading

Folded Shopping Bag FREE Pattern. Never without a bag when you need one!

folded shopping bag

Here’s a fun and practical sewing project –a folded shopping bag– that you can make with Batik fabric.  Frankly, you could do this project with almost any colorful fabric (or even not-so-colorful..) but I love how it looks with beautiful Batik. I don’t know if this is happening in your … Continue reading