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You are here: Home / PDF Sewing Patterns / Better than Basic Bag Pattern (PDF)

Better than Basic Bag Pattern (PDF)

$9.00

I am so excited to share the joys of sewing with leather with you! Whether you are new to leather sewing and are looking for tips to get started, or you are a seasoned sewist and are looking for new and interesting bag construction techniques, this is the pattern for you.

The Better-Than-Basic Bag is an oversized soft-structure flat-bottomed tote with leather details on the exterior and a zipper pocket dividing the interior. The finished bag height is about 12 inches high and it has a base that is 13 inches wide and 6 inches deep.

When you purchase the Better-Than-Basic Bag pattern, you will receive a PDF file with 20 pages of step-by-step instructions with full-color photos as well as full-scale printable pattern pieces for making the bag.

This pattern will take your bag-making skills to the next level by teaching you how to sew with leather and how to make piped leather bag handles. The instructions also include alternative non-leather handle option.

SKU: SF002 Category: PDF Sewing Patterns Tags: Bag, Better than Basic, PDF, Sewing Pattern
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Description

Materials List

The pattern instructions include tips on choosing appropriate fabrics and leather for this project!
Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links and are denoted with an asterisk (*). I only use affiliate links for products that I have personal experience with and can recommend. See my blog policy for more info.

Skill Level

This digital PDF pattern was written for an intermediate sewer. It assumes basic knowledge of sewing seams, topstitching, applying and using interfacing, and installing a magnetic snap. This project is an excellent introduction in how to sew leather.

Fabrics

  • leather: 2 1/2 foot by 2 foot square
    mid-weight leather (less than 3 oz in weight)
  • outer bag fabric: 3/4 yards of 54 inch wide or 1 1/4 yards of 42 inch wide
    canvas, home decor weight, wool felt (jacket weight)
  • pocket fabric and pocket lining fabric: 1/3 yards each of 42 inch wide
    quilting cotton
  • bag interlining/interfacing: 1 1/2 yards of 20 inch wide, or 1 1/4 yards of 42 inch wide
    heavy-weight canvas, woven fusible (e.g. Pellon SF-101), or fleece
  • pocket interfacing:  1/2 yard of 20 inch wide
    woven fusible (e.g. Pellon SF-101)
  • Bag Body Lining fabric: 1 1/4 yards of 42 inch wide
    quilting cotton

Notions

  • nylon zipper (16 inches or longer)
  • sewing machine needles
    • leather needle
    • mid-weight needle for sewing inner bag
    • topstitching needle or mid- to heavy-weight needle for sewing outer bag
  • magnetic snap (1/2 – 3/4  inch diameter)
  • all-purpose thread: 100% polyester
  • top stitching thread: 100% polyester, coordinating with leather
  • vinyl tubing*: ¼ inch diameter, 21 inches long
  • sewable double-sided adhesive tape (e.g. Wonder Tape*)

Supplies and Tools

  • binder clips or Wonder Clips*
    See this review post for a comparison between the two!
  • roller foot (for sewing leather) or teflon / non-stick foot
  • walking foot (recommended)
  • art knife and/or rotary cutter and mat for cutting leather
  • wax tailors chalk or Frixion®  pen*
  • pins, scissors, sewing machine, etc.

More Resources

  • The Better-Than-Basic Bag Facebook Group
  • #betterthanbasicbag on Instagram / Facebook

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Jodi

Jodi - Sewing Advocate - Mother of 7 - Lover of Swings and Deadlifts - Catholic

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