Recently, I saw a pattern from a simple “baguette” bag that I liked, but I didn’t really see why I should pay $10 for a pattern when it seems so easy to make. So I decided to try my hand at designing my own version. I wanted the bag to be about 10 1/2″ long and 6″ tall, with a gusset and a zipper top. I don’t need pockets, but I do want an adjustable strap so the bag can be worn cross-body. I started with cutting rectangular pieces, then shaped the front and back with rounded bottom corners, and the gusset with a tapered top so the top of the gusset is only 1″ wide when finished but 2 1/2″ wide at the bag base.
First I made a prototype version out of canvas to make sure I had my measurements correct, stuffed all my wallets and junk into it, and modified as necessary. This was basically just a shell, no zipper or strap. Then I needed to decide on interfacing. I wasn’t sure how structured I wanted the bag to be: foam would make it stand up, but would I lose the nice soft feel of the faux leather I planned to use, and would it be too thick to sew nicely? In the end, for version 1 I decided to use woven interfacing on the lining, but no additional foundation. I have enough fabric to make a second version, and I may choose to try with foam to see what the difference is.
The next decision I had to make was how to install the zipper, given that there’s a gusset. I decided to try separating the zipper tape and attaching each side individually, then adding the zipper pull at the very end. Unconventional, but it worked.
Once the bag was complete, I thought I better write down my process, and discovered that this is an entirely different skill altogether. It’s not easy to put my actions into words. I have a new appreciation for the pattern designers whose patterns I follow with little difficulty, because this is not easy. Of course, pictures, diagrams, and videos all help make things clearer, which is why I always look for YouTube videos of the bags I want to make. I may not ever become a bag designer with patterns to share, but I need to at least be able to follow my own instructions. Some simple diagrams may help jog my memory.
Overall, this was a successful albeit slightly painful experience. I’m glad I tried to do it, and I feel confident I could do it again with another simple pattern. I need to be careful to document as I go, make notes, and draw pictures, so I don’t have to rely on memory alone. Another tool in my toolset!