I wanted to do something for my readers for the holidays, but wasn't sure what. I finally came to the conclusion that a) a gift-friendly tutorial was probably the best thing, and b) that it should be posted far enough in advance that it could be used for holiday gift giving. So, by popular demand, I've made a pattern and written a tutorial for this bag that I originally designed for my sister, Margaret, for her birthday.
The bag pattern is larger than 8.5" x 11", so it needs to be printed and pieced together, where indicated. (Once you have it printed and pieced, you may want to trace the pattern pieces onto larger pattern paper or freezer paper for easier use.)
Download Patternformargaretbag
ETA: Please note that these are pdf files and need to be viewed with a pdf reader (like Adobe). If you're trying to use other software or not running the most current version of Adobe Reader, you may not be able to view them properly. I have checked these files many times and they are not damaged.
Happy Holidays, readers! I hope you enjoy the pattern.
I just love this black and white print. It's Alexander Henry's Sukiyaki. Making the demo bag also gave me a chance to use this awesome vintage plastic button. The lining for this bag is Essex cotton/linen.
I've cleaned up the pattern a little bit from the bag I made Margaret. There's now a separate, smaller, interlining pattern to cut down on bulk in the seams. The interlining is cut 1/2" smaller than the rest of the bag and is attached to the bag panels with a fusible interfacing overlay.
The tutorial includes a shoulder bag variation, with a shorter strap and slightly deeper pleat. The bag below is made with Alexander Henry's Birdseed and dark gray Kona cotton lining.
THANK YOU for this tutorial! I plan to make this for my sister-in-law for a Christmas gift.
Posted by: Alice S | November 17, 2008 at 08:52 AM
WHat a beautiful bag. You are so sweet, Thank you!
Posted by: Mary | November 17, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Thanks for this pattern and tutorial!! I love this bag... and it will make a great present!
Posted by: Robyn | November 17, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Super cute bag! Thanks for the wonderful gift of a free pattern!
Posted by: Michelle | November 17, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Thank you, you are so good to us!
Beautiful bag will go to someone for sure as Christmas gift.
Posted by: Michaela | November 17, 2008 at 09:39 AM
thanks for another great tutorial elizabeth!
Posted by: amanda | November 17, 2008 at 09:48 AM
So excited! I've been waiting for this since you said it was coming -- going to make it for my fashionable high-school cousins who wouldn't want anything else homemade! Great! :)
Posted by: Marguerite | November 17, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Thank you, I will use it.
Posted by: Christina Scouten | November 17, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Thanks for this pattern and tutorial! I think it's going to be perfect for my Spring Quilt Market bag that I need to make.
Posted by: Jamie AZ | November 17, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Fantastic! I can't wait to make one. Thank you so much for the tutorial and pattern.
Posted by: Carrie | November 17, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Thank you for sharing this wonderful tutorial with us!!! Can't wait to get sewing on it!
Posted by: Joy | November 17, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Thank you! I will definitely be making one of these for Christmas!
Posted by: Teresa | November 17, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Thank you so much for this tutorial! Your instructions are so clear and easy to follow, and the photos are fab, too. I hope I can find the right cool fabric to do the pattern justice.
Posted by: Rosewillow | November 17, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Thank you thank you for the great tutorial! I know I'm supposed to be making gifts for other people, but I might just have to make myself THIS gift!
Posted by: Alissa | November 17, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Thank you so much! You've given me some (much needed) gifty inspiration. :) You rock.
Posted by: Robin | November 17, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Thank you SO MUCH for sharing your awesome bag pattern with us! I have been waiting for this to come out - it's going to be the main staple of christmas presents that i'm making this year. Thanks again lady!
Posted by: EmmyLizzy | November 17, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Thank you so much!
It is lovely.
Posted by: Koningskind | November 17, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Thank you for the lovely and well written bag tutorial and pattern. It was very generous of you to share it with the world.
Posted by: Marianna | November 17, 2008 at 01:30 PM
So nice of you to put this together! Really cute bag, thanks!
Posted by: Kate | November 17, 2008 at 01:32 PM
lovely! thank you. :)
Posted by: punchanella | November 17, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Love it! Thank you so much!
Posted by: MegVS | November 17, 2008 at 02:06 PM
wow, thank you!! I can't wait to play with the pattern! I've had zero luck with purses.....hopefully I can do this one!
Posted by: sonia | November 17, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Thank you Elizabeth, such a sweet bag. I want to make one for my DD Elizabeth. Always enjoy your post. Happy early Thanksgiving!
Posted by: peggyann | November 17, 2008 at 03:38 PM
Thank you so much for sharing the pattern with everyone. I appreciate your generosity. Wishing you happy Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Pauline | November 17, 2008 at 05:47 PM
I love you for this.. I need all the "handmade holidays" tutes I can get. Everyone except my little nephews are getting handmade this year!! :D
Posted by: Harley | November 17, 2008 at 06:08 PM