Add a #MeMade Touch to Any Outfit with These Sweet Bag Patterns
- Words by Peppermint
Once you start sewing, thereβs a very pleasing thought that starts popping up in your head with increasing regularity β βI could make that.β It starts with a skirt in a shop window or a sundress that passes you in the street and, before you know it, you’re ripping coats off your friends in order to check out the interior construction.Β
Donβt let the hubris of your god-like ability to create go to your head, but, the truth is, you are even more powerful than you may know. Your domain does not extend merely to clothes. You can make bags as well!
We know the sheer possibilities seem endless! To help narrow it down, weβve put together a list of some of our favourite bag sewing patterns to help you add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit and conveniently lug your stuff around whether youβre travelling heavy or packing light!
Totes awesome
The humble tote bag is incredibly ubiquitous in bag patterns, being as it is, beginner friendly and endlessly useful. Infact, Peppermint offers our very own free tote pattern which makes a great place to start. Once youβve built up your confidence you can move on to more complex takes on the classic, like Cool Stitchesβ Scrunchie Tote or TYTKA Studioβs Triangular Frill Tote.Β
Pack it in
Fanny packs, bum bags, belt bags, whatever you call them, they’re back and theyβre cool now. And itβs about time! Bum bags are convenient and fun and weβre tired of pretending otherwise. Try Sarah Kirstenβs fancy Fennel Fanny Pack or check out Spoonflowerβs free pattern.Β Β Β
If youβre still worried about looking like a daggy dad, remember to wear it cross body stylez β thatβs how the cool kids do it.Β
Shape upΒ
Make a bag that stands out from the crowd by opting to build your design around a fun shape rather than your regular rectangle. Circle the wagons with All Well Workshopβs Full Moon Bag or channel that skater girl street cred with Dana Designβs triangular Nellie Bag.Β
Baby got back
Backpacks aren’t just for the babies. Youβre never too old to take advantage of the ultimate in hands-free holding experiences. Especially when you make it yourself in some stylish sophisticated pattern like Merchant and Millsβ transformable backpack market tote twofer, the Costermonger, or the scandi-style Raspberry Rucksack from Sarah Kirsten.Β
Itsy bitsyΒ
Or maybe you prefer an unencumbered experience and donβt want to be tied down by any big bad bags. Is it just you and your phone against the world? Check out these adorable crossbody phone bags from Minki Kim. Got a few more worldly possessions? Try the Assembly Lineβs sweet little scrunchable purse pattern. Live your best Lizzo tiny bag life!
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βCrafting is something that has come naturally since I was small and I just havenβt stopped. When I was smaller, I was interested in the end result. As Iβve gotten older, I realise itβs the process that keeps me coming back to craft. Itβs a meditative state for me and I find the repetitive action of the stitching and felting quite therapeutic.ββ
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Craving a world filled with warmth and whimsy? Itβs all in a dayβs work for textile artist @Cat_Rabbit, whose latest book, βTrinketsβ, is bursting with felty food friends to make and cherish. Cat invited us into her universe, filled with cheeky characters, layered storytelling and loads of humour. β
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Plus: try the super sweet pattern for Catβs Lucky Pickle, perfect to make as a stocking stuffer, extracted from Trinkets. β
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Read more from our βJust felt rightβ feature in Issue 64, at newsagents and stockists now!β
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Photos: Tatanja Ross @On_JacksonStreet and Cat Rabbitβ
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Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the Bondi Beach violence, especially the Jewish community. Also to the beachgoers, those who bravely helped and the first responders.β
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While it`s easy β and understandable β to get caught up in the horror of it all and direct anger at certain groups, remember this quote from teacher and author Erin Gruwell: "Don`t let the actions of a few determine the way you feel about an entire group."β
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βYou don`t fight racism with racism. You fight racism with solidarity," said Bobby Seale of the Black Panthers. And solidarity is exactly what we need right now.β
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If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Remember there is much more kindness in the world than hate. β€οΈβπ©Ήβ
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@LifelineAustralia has created a Bondi Beach Incident: Wellbeing support guide, where youβll find information about common reactions, reassurance that what youβre feeling is valid, and ideas for taking care of your wellbeing.β
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https://lifeline.org.au/bondi-incidentβ
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You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14, text on 0477 13 11 14 or chat at lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat anytime, no matter how this has impacted you.β
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@BeyondBlueOfficial is also available with free 24/7 support by phone on 1300 22 4636 or webchat at https://www.beyondblue.org.au/β
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Register.Find.Reunite. has been activated by @RedCrossAu to help people reconnect with family and friends. Visit redcross.org.au to access the service.β
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@NSWPolice Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) is operating 24/7 on 1800 227 228 for information relating to people impacted.β
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@LifeBloodAu is supporting Sydney hospitals. O- and O+ blood are always in high demand in emergencies. To donate (from anywhere in Australia β all states are welcome and helpful!) call 13 14 95 or use the Lifeblood app.
Just a reminder⦠from @SugarHouseCeramicCo
This holiday season be kind, patient and shop local!
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Last year we were extremely excited to receive funding from the Meta Australian News Fund, in partnership with the Walkley Foundation. The result of this is a fabulous new website, with a sustainable fashion and sewing directory that will follow early next year. We`ve worked with the lovely Amy and Jenny at @CrumpetClubHouse who have been making the magic happen β we can`t wait to show you the outcome! β¨οΈβ
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πOn the 12th day of Christmas, weβre giving awayβ¦ a GREENPAN FROST ICE CREAM & FROZEN DRINK MAKER! πβ
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Ice, ice, baby! Calling all kitchen magicians and dessert devotees: itβs time to churn, blend and devour your way to frozen heaven. Itβs our final giveaway β and hoo girl, itβs a goodie! Thanks to the clever folks at @TheOriginalGreenPan.Anz, one reader will cool their mitts on the Frost Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker β perfect for conjuring up home-made gelato, sorbet, smoothies, slushies and more!
Valued at $599, the Frost Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker is designed with GreenPanβs signature Thermolonβ’ ceramic non-stick coating, so you can whip up summer-ready sweet treats free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium.
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