Tag: bag making

Megan Bucket Bag – Sewing Pattern

She is HERE!!!!!  What started as just a fun experiment in bag design (just for myself!) has turned into the latest new pattern, the Megan Bucket Bag.  This has been a labor of love with over a year passing since I first made it…..and then an extra month delay as the country locked down and I turned my efforts to PPE.  At times, it seemed like this pattern would never be published, but with all of your encouragement and an incredible tester team, it is available today in my shop!

Namesake

This bag is named after another one of my sweet nieces, Megan.  Every time I would see her, she always carried around a large purse and I knew a generously sized bucket bag would HAVE to be her’s!  She was always an avid reader and so this bag can carry around a small library if needed.  Megan loves  theater and has SUCH a beautiful voice.  It only made sense to have plenty of mix and match bag options for whatever “role” would come next.  Like my dear Megan, this bag is practical yet has just enough edge to stand out from the crowd.

Background

I’ve made nine different versions of the Megan Bucket Bag, starting with the OG, made with buttery taupe cowhide, which you can read about here.  This is STILL my everyday bag with the neutral color and has really held up well – as you would expect from genuine leather!  However, in order to turn this design into a bag pattern, I knew I had to edit it down.  For me, this is the hard part of creating patterns.  I had to adapt all of the features so that you could also make it in fabric, in leather, or a mix of both! This was another prototype version you can check out here.  This was my first fabric version I made while, of course, holding onto the leather details.  I still love that extra thin piece of leather on top of the strap….I’ll have to remember that for my next Megan bag!

Features

After teaching many bag classes and workshops, I know that many students want to make professional looking bags, but don’t necessarily have all the right equipment – including a heavy duty sewing machine.  So my goal with the construction, was to use some alternative techniques to take the bulk out of bag-making.  This helps to think outside the box so you can make bags with a wider array of equipment…not just industrial grade machines. “The Megan Bucket Bag is a fresh take on the classic slouchy bag silhouette, but with a more pronounced cube shape. The lines are clean with side seams hidden by overlays and rivets. There are two different views whether you want to make the Megan out of one fabric, or if you would like to use a raw-edge accent fabric to add a little more depth to the look.  With this pattern, you will learn different strap making techniques to take the bulk out of your fabric and gain ways to present a welt zipper pocket with plates or a cover. You will also learn an off-set bag technique for the overlays that won’t compromise your side seam stitching. There are plenty of options with snaps and the use of accent fabric for you to mix and match for your perfect bag.” This is a pattern for you to learn:
  • 2 -layer straps
  • Off-set overlay sewing to keep the integrity of the side seams
  • 4 different ways to present a welt zipper pocket with 2 plate options, a cover, or left bare.
  • Slip Pocket with an overlay
  • Connectors to help hold sides together
View A was designed for a single fabric and perfect for a newer bag-maker who wants to just use canvas.  This is a great way to start and learn new purse techniques without having to deal with other substrates.  However, this same version can be used with a single faux leather and still have a striking look. This view has a handy outside pocket with a cover to keep the look smooth and sleek but still has other details like the strap loops to add more interest. View B uses an accent fabric such as leather, suede, cork or vinyl that can be left raw edged without fraying.  These substrates are great looks to add more depth and texture to a bag.  The accent fabric is incorporated on to the side overlays, strap, and is used as decorative plating against the zipper pocket and slip pocket.  However, you can also swap out the accent fabric with some webbing to speed up your project. This pattern was written with mid-weight accent fabrics in mind with 2-3mm thickness to have enough structure in the strap.  However, I know there are a number of other fabrics you may want to use that are lighter and thinner – especially many types of cork.  Consider adding a second layer of accent fabric to the back of the strap as shown below.  Play around and see what you like!

Hardware

The main aesthetic element to the Megan Bucket Bag is the side overlay with a row of bright beautiful rivets.  Although I’ve used rivets for a long time with my bags, they were only in the patterns as alternation options for securing straps and such.  This time, the rivets are the featured stars and are not just for looks, but also for structural purposes.  They help secure the strap in place around the gorgeous O-rings.  This give such a strong, yet delicate look. To help hold the shape of the bag and keep contents safe, four sets of snaps are added to the lining.  They help keep the cube shape of the Megan while still staying slouchy like a good bucket bag does.  The purse can then be easily expanded by just releasing the snaps. Although the pattern includes the use of rivets and snaps, there are no actual instructions to install them.  Since there are SO many different types of hardware out there with multiplied by different tastes of the sewist, there was no way to include instructions for everything.  Rivets can be single sided and double-sided.  They can be shaped like pyramids, domes, or flat like burrs.  Snaps also have a number of  different sizes and features as well.  I prefer “spring” double cap snaps, but you can use magnetic or even sew-in snaps too!  This pattern allows you to use YOUR preference of material.   But just like with interfacing, you must remember to follow manufacturer’s instructions.  I’ll be showing my preferred methods of rivet and snap installations all next week, so keep an eye out!!! There are truly SO many different ways to make the Megan Bucket Bag.  If you are ready to make your own, click below for the pattern AND the hardware kits….it doesn’t get any easier, right?

|| Click HERE to shop the Megan Bucket Bag Pattern || 

|| Click HERE to shop The Hardware Kits ||

Project Details:

Tester Inspiration

There is nothing better than seeing all of your makes with my patterns.  Here are even more great versions from my testers to inspire your Megan Bucket Bag:
  • Jean widened out the cork on her bag to show it off.
  • Jen’s faux leather version is so professional and chic.
  • Loni used webbing for the accent on View B.
  • Loni stepped up her game with this all leather version.
  • Maggie used this unique fabric with metal woven in. I bet the reflection on it is so cool.
  • Maggie also made this fun version of View B with yellow leather.
  • Mallory’s bag looks like it’s sitting in a store – so beautiful.
  • You gotta love waxed canvas in such a fun color. Great job, Nela!
  • How perfect is this neutral bag by Sherrene?
I cannot wait to see all of your makes!!! Happy Sewing, Cristy
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.

Guitar Strap Tutorial with the Claire Fold-over Clutch

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Guitar Strap Tutorial by Love You Sew
The Claire Fold-over Clutch was my very first published pattern just over a year ago.  I can’t believe it’s been that long already.  I put my own twist on the popular bag style with a large easy access pocket on the back and the simple use of leather one side of the bag – making it easier to sew.  You can read more about my design here and see lots of different versions with #clairefoldoverclutch on Instagram.
My designs are meant to be practical, but also chic enough to work with new trends and fashion with just a change of fabric.  This is the case with the Claire.  Although it was written to use both fabric and leather, I thought it would be fun to make a full leather version — in cobalt blue for a real statement bag.  This blue leather is pretty edgy and gave me rock ‘n roll vibes right away.  So, I thought a guitar strap would give the bag a new look all on it’s own…even after making dozens of other Claire Fold-over Clutches!
This amazing woven tapestry-like ribbon was found at a yard sale a few years ago.  I think I bought it for $1-2 and was drawn to the bright blue edges contrasting against that moody floral motif.  I like mixing up new and old looks, so this trim was definitely all me.  The leather was picked up from a destash group and so I was able to grab an amazing deal.  The seller was getting out of her baby shower business and had so many pretty pieces of leather to get rid of.  Her loss was definitely my gain!

Make the Claire Fold-over Clutch

To make the bag itself, you will need the pattern and instructions from my shop here.  The main modification I made was to use leather on both sides of the exterior, instead of just one.  (I would only recommend this ONLY if you have a machine strong enough to handle all of the layers.) But if you are just beginning, try out an all fabric version or one with very thin leather/vinyl.
Since the bag is made of solid color all around, I made sure to add in some accents and interest with metal. I used metal zippers (which I actually installed at the wrong places — I should definitely remember to read my own instructions…but I thought going from memory was good enough. Wrong!)  If I was using fabric, I would have swapped out the zippers, but with leather, the needle holes are permanent and I didn’t want to mess with all of that and just moved on! In light of my zipper faux pas, I added a line of rivets along the top zipper (through the lining) to play with the same edgy feel of the cobalt leather.  What do you think?

Make the Guitar Strap

For the strap, you will need the pattern pieces below.  I drafted the ends for 1 1/2″ or 2″ wide straps.  Anything else more narrow won’t give you that guitar-strap, but feel free to widen/narrow the pattern for your own look!

Click here for Strap End Templates

In addition to basic sewing notions, you will also need:
  • 1 1/2″ or 2″ wide ribbon/finished strap, cut to desired length
  • approximately 8″ x 5″ leather scrap
  • Leather Needle
  • (2) 1″ Swivel Clasps
  • Zipper Foot
  • Walking or Telflon Foot
  • Clover Clips or Fabric Glue (aff link)
  • (2) Sets of Rivets (optional) + Setting Tools
Instructions: 1. Use the templates to cut out pattern pieces based on whether you have 1 1/2″ wide or 2″ wide strap.  You will have (2) Strap ends and (2) Reinforcements.
2. With each Strap End wrong-side facing up, center a Reinforcement as shown with wrong sides together.  Glue baste in place.  It’s tempting to skip this step, but this will help your leather from stretching and distorting with time and wear.
3. With the leather needle installed, stitch 1/16″ around all four sides of the Reinforcement. Repeat with other Strap End.
4. Take Ribbon and center it on one half of the Strap End with wrong sides together, aligning it to the Reinforcement. (You may need to cut off the ribbon’s corners so they don’t hang out of the Strap Ends.)  Clip or glue into place. Repeat with other Strap End.
5. Slide one Swivel Clasp onto the Strap End. Repeat with other Strap End.
5. Flip the other side of the Strap End up so it is folded in half with wrong sides together, encasing the clasp.  Clip or glue together. Repeat with other Strap End.
6. Use your Zipper Foot to sew a seam to secure the Strap End onto the Swivel Clasp, sewing as close to the clasp as possible.  Back-stitch well. Repeat for the other Strap End. TIP: Add washi tape under the foot if you don’t have a Teflon Zipper Foot like me.
7. Switch to a Teflon or Walking Foot and top-stitch each Strap End together with the Ribbon using the stitch guide on the template. Repeat with other Strap End.
8. Finish with rivets, if desired.  Congratulations on your new guitar strap!
It doesn’t stop here!  I’ve been seeing beautiful striped belt strappings used on designer bags like here on my Pinterest page.  I’m already planning out my spring bags with these looks!  You can use this same method to easily update any bag for the changing seasons or add new life to a great hand-me-down or thrifted find.  The options are really endless.  Enjoy and let me know how you like the tutorial!!!
Happy Sewing Friends! Cristy
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Abbey Hacks by Love You Sew

Abbey Convertible Backpack Hacks with Welt Zipper Cover + Button Stud Closure

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Abbey Hacks by Love You Sew title

Hacking patterns is just so much fun when you can add more personal details to a project. Today, I’m sharing what I did for the backpack I made for real-life Abbey (the bag’s namesake.)  This post includes a cover for the front zipper, button stud and leather accents, and where I’ve added rivets. The Abbey Convertible Backpack is the latest pattern I’ve published and you can read up more about here, as well as check out all of the incredible tester photos for inspiration.

My Abbey is one of my nieces with a such a kind heart and adventurous spirit.  She is incredibly intelligent and is now a physical therapist in Michigan.  She has always been a straight shooter and that’s why I love her and hope to catch her sometime this summer.  Abbey is quite the outdoors-person and goes backpacking on her own all the time.   This southwestern-insprired woven fabric reminds me of her and all the probable sunsets (and sunrises) she’s seen on her many trips.

Front Zipper Cover

With the bold stripes on this woven fabric, I thought the exposed welt zipper on the original sewing pattern broke up the fabric design too much.  I wanted the stripes to continue all around the bag to show off its beauty and not compete with it.  So, I made a simple cover by creating a tube which runs the length of the bag and is secured right above the zipper opening.

To make the cover, follow all of the steps to complete the welt zipper pocket on the original pattern found here and then:

  1. Cut (1) 12″ x 2 1/2″ of Main Fabric and (1) 12″ x 1″ of Woven Interfacing.  Fold the Cover in half length-wise with right sides together.  Place the long edge of the woven interfacing wrong side together against the fold. Fuse the interfacing per manufacturer’s instructions.
  2. Re-fold the Cover with RST and sew 1/4″ seam along the raw long edge creating a tube. Back-stitch well
  3. Use a safety pin and attach it within the seam allowance.  With the safety pin closed, push it through the tube.
  4. Carefully direct the safety pin through to the other side of the tube pulling the tube right side out.
  5. Press the tube flat with seam at the top.
  6. Line up the Cover with the Welt Zipper opening covering the top-stitching and extend that line all the way out to the sides of the Front Exterior.  Pin the Cover into place.  Carefully top-stitch the cover to the Front Exterior with a 1/16″ seam allowance using a zipper foot and moving the zipper pull out of the way, as needed.  Trim the sides of the cover to match the sides of the Front Exterior.  Sew the rest of the Abbey as instructed.

Rivet Accents

I LOVE adding rivets to my bags.  They give such a professional and polished look which really elevates any handmade accessory.  The best part is they are also functional — allowing me to secure parts (especially thick substrates) of the Abbey together which would otherwise have to be sewn.

Rivets were used in making the strap and also at many of the connection points with all the hardware connectors. You can see how I used two different sized caps to vary the look.  I use a hardware press to install most of my rivets, but when I need to get close up to the rings like here on the Handle Base, I’ll use manual setting tools like this set from Tandy Leather (aff link.)

Leather Closure Tab with Button Stud

As part of the cutting instructions of the Abbey Convertible Backpack, I also added in finished dimensions if you would like to use leather, vinyl, cork or suede accents, like I did with this bag.  I used leather with the Handle, Handle Base, lower D-Ring Connectors, Bottom and Closure Tab.  However, I did change up the Closure Tab with the addition of a Button Stud.

I used a 8mm brass screw-in Button Stud (aff link) in lieu of the magnetic snap to keep the bag closed.  It was attached it to the Exterior front by punching a hole for the screw (using the same placement as the magnetic snap) and adding a touch of glue inside the stud to hold.  It’s really that easy and a big reason why I love  to use them, just like with my free Kelly Waist Bag Pattern.

For the Closure Tab:

  • Cut (2) 1/2″ x 4 1/4″ pieces of leather and glued them wrong sides together. Cut an angle on one end 3/8″ down for just some visual interest.
  • Top-stitch 1/8″ all around the closure using a walking (or Teflon) foot and leather needle
  • For the button holes, use a 4mm hole punch to cut (2) holes –  1″ and 1 3/4″ from the longest end of the Closure Tab.  Add a 1/8″ vertical cut at the top of each opening.  This allows the Button Stud to fit through the hole, but not to fall out on it’s own with movement and wear.  TIP:  I would recommend adding the holes after the bag is fully assembled so you can check placement.

These are all simple hacks to really change up the look of the Abbey Convertible Backpack and to make it personal.  The leather accents help to add more sophistication to the look as well.  Who can tell this bag is even handmade?!?  I hope Abbey loves her new bag and continues to enjoys her outdoor treks!

Project Summary:

 

Are you digging the hacks to my bag patterns?   Let me know if there any you would like to see in the comments below.  I will try to make them happen!

 

Happy Sewing Friends,

Cristy

 

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Paradigm Showcase Tour – DIY Bucket Bag

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I am SO ridiculously happy to be kicking off the Paradigm Showcase Tour for my very dear friend, Sarah Thomas of Sariditty.  This woman does it all.  She is an incredible long-arm quilter who is known for her signature “sketchbook” style with improvisational designs.  She lectures and teaches a ton of quilting classes (with which I have actually assisted) and she is also a product designer with a line of sewing rulers and sewing tools.  (Sis is even a pilot!!!)  It’s no wonder, that “Fabric Designer” is one of her newest titles.  You can learn more about Sarah and her work in the  Paradigm Lookbook here.
Within the quilting social media world, Sarah and I have worked together through many other blog tours and only recently, were able to meet up IRL at QuiltCon to share all of our love of sewing (and an Air BnB!)  So when Sarah told me about her debut collection of fabrics, I was over-the-moon happy for this woman!  And when she asked me to be a part of her Showcase Tour, you know I was game.   It truly brings me such crazy joy to help such a thoughtful person who has really helped me navigate the industry side of sewing.
I could go on about Sarah, but will focus on her fabrics now 🙂  Paradigm fabrics are 100% cotton and digitally printed through Hoffman California Fabrics.  What really blew my mind was the incredibly innovative production style with this collection.  There are 23 different fabrics in Paradigm, but only 7 different bolts because the fabrics are either printed by the yard, half-yard, or grouped by fat-quarter as seen here.  This allows for all the fabric in less SKUs…which in my pre-sewing supply chain management job, is so clever!
But what I really love about Paradigm fabrics is that this line IS completely Sarah.  If you follow her quilt designs and pattern motifs, you see her love of geometric shapes, vivid color and there is always a butterfly close by.  So when I wanted to make a Bucket Bag (pattern to be published in the fall) for the tour, I chose this gorgeous focal print in Denim.  It has all of the swishes and spirals found in her quilting along with all the flying geese found in her piecing — all Sariditty!
For the interior, I used the half-yard bolt of Tidepool which is split with both the blue and yellow colorways of this design.  The flying geese in each print moves across different color values — from a light periwinkle to deep navy.   The changes give a lot of visual movement and why I thought it would make the perfect lining fabric.
To make sure I utilized this bolt, I used the yellow half of Tidepool as the pocket bag and interior of the slip pocket.  The triangles change from a light pink to a deep rust on this color way.  I love opening the zipper and seeing the fun pop of color to complement all of the blue.
When making bags, I love to mix in some other substrates with all of this quilt cotton.   I couldn’t help but pull out this gorgeous chestnut colored leather out of my stash to help accent and bring out the beauty of Paradigm both on the inside and outside of the bag.
And of course, there is the purse hardware.  With all the lovely pops of chartreuse, teal and violet, antique brass hardware was definitely the right choice to work with all of these fabrics.  I used rivets on the outside to work with the designs on the Denim panel and circle rings to echo all of the flying geese and swirls as well.
This bag is ready for our next quilt adventure and I hope you get to check it out in May at Quilt Market 😉
The party is just getting started so don’t forget to visit all of the other incredible makers on the Paradigm Showcase Tour through May.  Click through to the makers below or follow along on Instagram via #paradigmshowcasetour #sariditty.

Schedule:

22 April – Cristy Stuhldreher @loveyousew_ (You are here)
23 April – Rebecca Bryan @bryanhousequilts 
24 April – Hilary Jordan @byhilaryjordan
25 April – Tiffany Sepulveda @sewtiffany 
26 April – Karie Jewell @kariejewell 
27 April – Jen Timko @jentimko
28 April – Cheri Lehnow @tinkerellen
29 April – Karen Miller @redbirdquiltco
30 April – Karen O’Connor @ladykquilts
1 May – Nicholas Ball @quiltsfromtheattic
2 May – Nicole Daksiewicz @modernhandcraft
3 May – Nichole Vogelsinger @wildboho 
4 May – Kate Toney @toughkittencrafts
5 May – Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill @wholecirclestudio 
6 May – Karen Tripp @karenthediyaddict
7 May  – Isabelle Selak @southbaybella
8 May – Elise Kwon @eliseandemelie
9 May – Jessica Kapitanski @sallietomatopatterns
10 May – Suzy Williams @suzyquilts 
11 May – Sarah Thomas @sariditty

Fabric was provided for this blog post.  All thoughts and opinions are my own – I really do adore Sarah. 

Appaloosa Bag – Pattern Review

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A few months ago, I had the amazing opportunity of taking one of Sara Lawson’s bag-making classes…at my local quilt shop!  I’ve been trying to attend one of her retreats for awhile and was so glad she came to Columbus. Sara designs some pretty fantastic bags and accessories through her business, Sew Sweetness.  The Aeroplane bag was one of my first names and you can read about it here.

We have worked together in the past and I have a few guest posts on her blog.  There is one from Purse-Palooza which you can read about here.  I also wrote a review on a Craftsy Tailoring class which you can read about here. Sara is such a sweet and humble person but she’s such a rockstar to us bagineers!

I have to admit, the Appaloosa bag (aff link) would not have been my choice for a class with Sara.  But I completely understand the bag we make has to be done in the time allotted, which was about 6 hrs.  However, I found it as my own personal challenge to try to make this pattern, more “me.”

I used a light weight black denim by Robert Kaufman as my main fabric with Carolyn Friedlander’s Euclid as the lining.  This would keep the bag modern and pretty versatile with any wardrobe.  And since I was using the black denim, I made sure to use black Soft and Stable in the construction of the bag.  Otherwise, you run the risk of the natural colored foam peeking though the needle holes.

With the black denim being pretty plain, I just had to do a little bag quilting. (You know me!) I took some inspiration from current Rebecca Minkoff bags to try to pull off something very modern and on-trend.  With the pattern calling for all of the Soft and Stable, I knew the texture would be perfect on this bag.  I made a simple herringbone design using my favorite Chalk-pencil.  You can still see the marks on the picture above.  The lines just erase right off when you are finished.

Like most other quilting, I made sure to use my walking foot and created long thread tails to hide later on.  I used all Gutermann polyester thread.

I used rivets all around the border of the flap to add the extra “edge” on this bag.  Initially, I was going to use nickel hardware (because that’s what I had on-hand,) but Sara helped me decide on the gunmetal and just wait to finish my bag later.  Yeah…that was a pretty good decision.

The slider and rectangle rings were quickly ordered and boy…do they make the bag.  🙂  The gunmetal really works with the feel I was going for with this bag.

So….of course, I added a few extra rivets around to balance out the front flap.  Also, I made two strap extenders instead of just one.  After having the bag sit around waiting for the hardware, I thought I would use this more as a cross-body than an under-the-arm bag.  It just works more with my lifestyle with active young kids.

Having Sara around to instruct and so many nice bagineers to assist, the Appaloosa came together so quickly.  We definitely didn’t need the full 6 hours at all.  The most challenging part was just sewing through all the layers of the front accordion pockets to the sides of the bag.  I would definitely recommend some large needles and to hand-crank it if needed.

I love the multiple pockets in the front of the bag…and there is still another zip pocket in the main compartment.  Since I used a metal zipper, I did run into the issue of having to shorten and adjust the one had even though it was a 9″ as called for in the pattern.

The back of the Appaloosa is nice and smooth.  With all the pockets on the front, you really don’t need anything on the back.  Although….once I get my new black leather labels, this bag will definitely get one toward the top-center of the back.

Verdict – I love this design!  Initially, it wasn’t for me, but I made it my own.  It made me think out of the box a little bit and now I want to go through all the patterns I own and take a look at each one differently and how I can own each one.  It’s amazing what the fabric and some hardware can do to completely change up a bag.

For the Appaloosa bag, you can purchase the pattern and/or the instructional video here.

 

Please note there are affiliate links in this post.  I will only ever link to products I have used myself  and as always give you the real deal in my opinions and experiences.