New Zippered Hobo Bags

I've been working on some new bag styles. I tend to get bored quite easily and I'm always testing new ideas for upcoming patterns. I really enjoy making the zippered hobo bag pattern by NapKittenPattern on Etsy but wanted to create my own version. I also wanted to incorporate some leather accents - especially for the bottom. I've heard so many times how important it is to be able to set your bag down without dirtying the bottom.

And I came up with this idea:

Joel Dewberry's Swallow Study in Forest Home Dec Sateen
with tan leather

It is a medium sized bag: about 15 inches wide at the widest part, 10 inches high in the center and about 4 inches deep. The strap is adjustable so the bag can be worn over one shoulder or cross body. Attaching the strap does require leather or faux leather with finished edges and some metal rivets. The bag itself is sewn the same way as a very large zipper pouch so the strap is attached in the very last step. I also love tassels so I thought a leather tassel attached to the zipper pull would be a very nice touch.

Inside the bag are 3 slip pockets and 1 zippered pocket. The main closure is a metal YKK zipper. 

A bag like this does take a long time to make (about 3 to 4 hours total) which explains the higher cost in comparison to my other bags.

I did make 3 of these in total but sadly ran out of rivets so I will need to wait to make more. Here are more photos for your viewing pleasure!

Joel Dewberry's Wildflower in Mulberry Home Dec Sateen
with tan vegan leather

Hand bleached denim with tan leather

The last bag was made using a dark navy denim that I bleached myself to create a beautiful random pattern. I will share my experiences with this technique in a future post. I am really loving the surprises I get with each different fabric, texture and pattern!

A few more photos of the bottom and interior:

And modeled by yours truly to get a better size reference:

If you are interested in photos of all 3 bags including pricing, you can find them in my Etsy shop:

• Joel Dewberry's Swallow Study in Forest Home Dec Sateen with tan leather
• Joel Dewberry's Wildflower in Mulberry Home Dec Sateen with tan vegan leather
• Hand bleached denim with tan leather

My latest patterns - The Peony and The Thistle Pocket Tote

Apparently I really like to design totes with front pockets! Last time I posted - which I realize was an obscenely long time ago - I was almost done my Peony Tote. It has since launched and can be purchased here or here.

I have since designed and released the Thistle Pocket tote. This tote is what I consider to be medium sized bag and of course has my usual adjustable strap. I personally can't use a shoulder bag and need to be hands free. I also included the front pocket because I've heard from many customers throughout the years that they really preferred an outside pocket with a closure on the outside of their purses.

You can use a variety of different fabric combinations for this bag! Use your imagination to create beautiful combinations of coordinating or contrasting fabrics! You can use whatever type of button or embellishments for the flap. I've even made a version with some decorative stitching on the flap.

Here are a few combinations I've tried with this pattern:

For the interior of the bag, I give instructions for one large slip pocket but you are free to add more pockets to the interior if you wish. I've also included instructions for a zippered pocket.

I've recently been asked my a few pattern customers to design bags with a zipper closure however I didn't get to that this time and stayed with a magnetic snap closure. My next pattern however, will have a zippered closure.

As for measurements, this bag is about 13.5 inches wide at the widest point and about 10.5 inches high. The depth is 4 inches and since the strap is adjustable, you can make it as long as you like. I think a beginner could tackle this project but it's best suited for someone which some previous bag making skills.

You can try out the Thistle Pocket tote yourself by purchasing it here or here.