I told you I wanted one of these shoulder bags for myself! I have made two for Julia which you can see here and here. The pattern is a freebie from Very Purple Person.
They are so fun to make, don’t take too much time and not a lot of fabric so why not? It is a great way to use this sweet Japanese fabric that was given to me by my friend Patty. She vacationed in Japan about a year ago and when she returned she sent me five pieces of fun fabrics. Three of them were a beautiful cotton-linen blend and I have been holding on to them and thinking of how I wanted to use them.
Each cut is 1/2 yard and I was happy to be able to squeak a bag out of this one! I had to piece the shoulder strap a bit but you can’t even see it. The fabric has a great weight to it. I washed and dried it first because I suspected there would be some shrinkage. It was minimal though. Rather than sewing a gusset into the bottom of the bag for width, the designer simply used two wide darts at the bottom corners of the outer and interior fabrics. Very easy!
As usual, I added two interior patch pockets. Purses need pockets to keep the little things from always ending up at the bottom of the bag. The lining is an older print that has been in my stash forever. How great to use it up and have one less piece in the pile!
A simple hair elastic was added to loop around the button as a closure. I did this after the fact (meaning I forgot to stitch it in while constructing the bag.) But this was not a big deal. I basted the elastic (with my machine) where I wanted it. Then I folded up a square of fabric so no raw edges showed and stitched it over the bottom of the elastic. Let’s call it a design element, shall we?
This button has been in my button jar for a very long while and it is perfect! I am happy to add this bag to my collection. A selection of different purses is fun to have – I am one who changes them out all the time. This one will be great for the fall which is just around the corner! If you are intimidated by making a bag, this is the pattern to try. It truly is simple. The most difficult part is turning the whole thing right side out as you pull it through the shoulder strap as it is bulky and can feel awkward. If you try it and have any problems, email me. Happy to help.
Adding a pocket or two to the interior (or exterior) is simple as well. Here is a link to a great tutorial if you need more information. Again, if you need help, send me a note.
Finally, I have a great giveaway happening on Instagram today and tomorrow. Be sure to click over and check it out!!
Love these hobo bags and your version with the special fabric is terrific. That button is quite something and so much fun that you had it!
Well, thank you! I have so many buttons and sometimes as I pick them up at thrift stores and what not, I wonder what the heck I am collecting them for. Then I find one that works with a project and it just tickles me. Simple pleasures.
There is nothing more satisfying than having a pattern, finding you have the right fabric and notions, right down to the button! What a cute purse, Bernie! Great idea adding that elastic loop that way. I need to keep that in mind, since I often forget elements like that.
For sure! I had everything I needed for this bag in the sewing room. I was irritated when I realized I had stitched everything up and forgotten to put a closure at the top of the bag. This actually worked fine and looks sort of cute so all is well that ends well. 🙂
Love your hobo bag, and the button is PERFECT! You write the best blogs. :-0
Christine, what a sweet thing to say. I am so glad you like reading my posts. The button makes me happy! Isn’t that a funny thing but sometimes it is the little touch on a project that finishes it off just right.
That is a great bag, Bernie! I really love the tree fabric! I enjoy making my own tote bags and use them as purses, so will have to remember that pattern.
I have about four or five bags I have made and I really enjoy using them. The first couple are a bit wonky so it is nice to see improvements being made. This pattern is a good one to have – so fast and simple but it looks great.
Great looking bag! I do like your closure “detail element,” 😉
Great fabric also!
Hi Katherine – thanks a bunch! I really love the fabric and the fact that is was a gift from Japan makes it even better. I want to think of a way to use the other two cuts now. They are really adorable. One is kitchen themed. I was thinking pot holders but then they will get so dirty (I tend to ‘use’ my pot holders a lot.). Any ideas???
You’ve done it now, Bernie. My daughter saw your lovely bags on IG and wonders why she doesn’t have one! She’s a bag lady! I make her more bags than anything else! And she keeps asking for more! Guess I know what I’ll be making next, lol. Thanks for the link!
Hahaha! I saw that on the comments over at IG. Funny girl. Well, at least this is a very easy pattern!! She is lucky to have you. 🙂