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One Bag, Three Ways | Debbie Shore Sewing Pattern With Video

Quick Links: What you'll need Project steps

Debbie Shore's bag sewing pattern can be adapted to make three different designs.

This is a smart bag pattern in more ways than one – it not only looks great, but you can make multiple different versions. The pattern for this bag can be adapted and personalized in many ways. I’ve provided instructions for three different versions but I’m sure you’ll be coming up with adaptations of your own! Bag 1 is a simple lined bag with a magnetic snap closure, bag 2 is quilted and features inside pockets and a flap closure, while bag 3 has a smart contrast trim and closes with a zip panel. The pockets are optional on any of the bags: I’ll explain how to make a zipped pocket and a patch pocket – add more if you like, and these would also work on the outside of the bag.

If you’re new to bag-making, try using a patterned cotton fabric for your outer fabric as you’ll find it more forgiving than a plain – the odd wobbly stitch is easily disguised in the print! If using faux leather, you may need a non-stick presser foot to help the fabric glide under the foot smoothly.

Since bag 3 is the most complex, this is the bag that I am demonstrating in the video, but many of the steps apply to all three bags, so even if you are making one of the other two bags, I would still recommend watching the video.

The materials listed apply to whichever of the three bags you wish to make unless specifically stated otherwise.

Note: Use a ¼in (5mm) seam allowance.

Finished size (including handles): 13 x 17 x 4½in (33 x 43 x 11.5cm)

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You will need:

Equipment

• Sewing machine with optional zip foot and a non-stick foot if using faux leather 
• Fabric glue pen 
• Erasable marking pen for bag 3: I used a heat-erasable pen 
• Repositionable basting spray for bag 3: I used 505 
• Optional: glue stick if using faux leather for bag 3 
• Optional: spray starch if using cotton fabric – I use Best Press 

Materials

• 44 x 14in (112 x 35.5cm) of outer fabric for the sides and base  
• 36 x 4½in (91.5 x 11.5cm) of fabric for the handles, or 36in (91.5cm) of 1¼in (3cm) wide webbing – 1in (2.5cm) wide webbing can also be used but you will need to increase the seam allowance at the top of the bag slightly to allow a snug fit against the handles, as explained in the steps 
• 44 x 14in (112 x 35.5cm) of lining fabric 
• 44 x 9in (112 x 23cm) of fabric for the contrast trim of bag 3 
• 11 x 10in (28 x 25.5cm) of fabric for the zip panel of bag 3 
• 9 x 12in (23 x 30.5cm) of fabric for the zip pocket of bag 2 
• Two rectangles of fabric 8 x 5in (20 x 13cm) for the inside patch pocket of bag 2 
• 7 x 7in (18 x 18cm) of fabric for the flap of bag 2 
• 36 x 17in (91.5 x 43cm) of fusible fleece  
• 3½ x 7in (9 x 18cm) of fusible fleece for the flap of bag 2 
• 8in (20cm) zip for the zip pocket of bag 2: mine was a 12in (30.5cm) zip that I cut to size  
• 16in (40in) zip for the zip panel of bag 3  
• Magnetic snap for bag 1 or 2 
• 2in (5cm) button plus fabric to cover it for the flap on bag 2  

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