The Shortlist: Bags
We are here to talk all things bags today. We’ve really noticed that in the last year or so you guys are loving sewing bags. What’s not to love… no fitting issues, they use a lot less fabric than garments and you learn new sewing skills. All in all a massive win. When I started compiling the list of patterns I’m not going to lie it grew and grew. So instead of this being the ‘shortlist’ it’s actually the long list. I’ve split the bags into sections and go through them in a little more detail in my video below.
Day bags:
This section is for your everyday bag, the one you’ll reach for each day. I’ve picked a range of styles for this but they are all really practical and fun options.
The Merchant and Mills Factotum is somewhat of a cult classic and I can see why. Two large external pockets are great for the itmes you reach for all the time and the large zipped main part of the bag can store all your essentials. There is also a kit for this so you can buy all the hardware alongside the pattern.
The Fibremood Nousha is a dupe of a Uniqulo bag that went viral, it’s such a great shape, you can fit loads into it. The strapping is adjustable and it’s really roomy inside and can store way more than you’d think.
The Haralson bag from Noodlehead is a great option for a small day bag. I love the zip at the back of the bag and there are internal pockets too.
Finally, we have another Noodlehead bag the Sandhill sling, it comes with two external pocket options, it’s slimline but can store a lot of stuff. There is a lot of great things about this bag and it’s been a firm favourite in the sewing community.
Backpacks:
An essential for most households, perfect for work or an overnight stay these all have interesting details which is why they made it onto the list.
First up Klum House… guys if you haven’t seen any of their other bag patterns you must. All cleverly designed with great details. This bag changes between a backpack and a tote making it super useful. It’s got a large external pocket and there is enough space inside for a 15′ laptop.
Another cult sewing community classic is the Buckthorn backpack. It can be made in two sizes, and has an external pocket between the strapping on the front. I like the zip closure, internal pockets and the fact it has handles at the top so you can carry it like a tote if needed.
I think this is my favourite pattern it’s super simple but again it’s the clever details that make it. It’s a bucket-style backpack with a single strap that can be worn over one shoulder or cross-body. It’s got a zip closure and it can either be clipped at the top of the bag or the bottom creating two totally different looks for the bag.
Another rucksack that can be used as a tote. It’s got a really simple mechanism to change it from one to another. You can buy all the hardware as a kit too so not need to spend loads of time sourcing all the components.
Tote Bags:
The perfect starter bag if you are new to sewing or if you fancy something speedy and satisfying to make, the trustworthy tote is here to store all our chaos.
First up the Merchant and Mills one and a half bag. This is so clever it comes with two straps there will always be space to put more into it!
A super popular pattern, the stash pocket tote from Matchy Matchy. It comes with a handy outside pocket this bag is fully lined. We love the patchwork detail on this bag and it’s a perfect scrap buster too.
This super clever beach bag comes with a large external pocket for your shoes so you don’t end up with sand over everything. There are two size options to choose from and taped seams to add structure.
Last but not least the most popular bag pattern of this year… the Emma tote comes in three sizes, has a zip closure, internal pockets. There is also a longer strap extension if you like to wear it over your shoulder.
Out-Out Bags:
The out-out bags…. perfect for those fun nights when you want to take something a little more special. We’ve got three great options for you.
The brand-new pattern from Sew Liberated is such a fun option. Named after the humble egg this oval bag packs a punch. With two external pockets as well as an internal pocket there is actually a lot of space in this bag. Worn cross-body you won’t lose it when you hit the dancefloor.
We love this reversible bag from Veronika Tucker. It comes in three sizes and has a patch pocket that can be used as an internal or external pocket depending on your preference. It’s also a great option as a bag for a beginner.
Last up we have the super Yasmine bag, if you love a frill this bag is for you. There are lots of options to make this with contrasting frills and I love that there are two size options. It’s basically a piped tote bag and I’m here for it.
Hobby Bags:
Last up we have the hobby bag. I know loads of you love these as they keep projects organized, in one place and less likely to be left strewn around your home…guilty as charged.
First up the Sew Over It hobby bag with six external pockets!! This could be used for a whole host of projects from gardening to painting. I love the divider in the main body of the bag so you can easily store two projects you are working on at once.
If you haven’t checked out Lasenby patterns yet and you love a hobby bag then you MUST. They have loads of lovely and clever bags, the Chamomile can realistically be used for everyday life as well as a project. It’s a bucket back and when you open it you can see that there are a multitude of pockets lining the edge of the bag, with space in the middle for larger items.
The Grainline Field bag is such a popular pattern. Designed to house individual projects this bag has a drawstring top, internal pockets and a really handy little grab handle that can be used to hang the bag up if needed. You’ll never get your projects muddled again.
We hope you enjoyed this long list of bag patterns – which is your favourite?
