Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern
Bags, Uncategorized

Coalition Bag

I am the October designer for Bag of the Month Club, and I’d like to introduce my contribution to the club, the Coalition Bag!

bagotbuynowblue_1The Coalition Bag is available in both handbag and duffle bag sizes. I really wanted to have both sizes available, and I’m so pleased because the duffle version is my new favorite bag! I’m going on a trip in a few weeks and I can’t wait to use it.

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern

The unique feature of this bag is that it has a continuous zipper that extends from the top of the bag through both side panels. An accent surrounding the zipper makes this process as smooth as possible. The lining is attached while you are sewing the rest of the bag, so there is no need to sew it in at the end.

4

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern

The bag has side pockets, which are both on the exterior and in the lining. The pockets are perfect for slipping your cell phone or other small items in, and in the duffle version, you’ll be able to fit a water bottle and other larger items.

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern

Finished Size:

handbag – 13-1/2” long x 8-1/2” tall x 6” deep (34.3cm x 21.6cm x 15.2cm)
duffle – 20” long x 11-1/2” tall x 10” deep (50.8cm x 29cm x 25.4cm)

bag1

Supplies:

  • 3/4 yard (0.7 metre) of Exterior Fabric for handbag size (quilting cotton) OR 1-1/2 yard (1.4 metre) for duffle size
  • 1 yard (0.9 metre) of Lining Fabric
  • 1 yard (0.9 metre) of solid fabric (quilting cotton or leather) for straps and accents
  • 2/3 yard (0.7 metre) of foam interfacing (By Annie’s Soft and Stable, Pellon Flex Foam, Bosal In-R-Form, or automotive headliner; if using Flex Foam, it is only 20” wide so please purchase 2 yards)
  • 3 yards (2.75 metres) of 20” wide Pellon SF-101 Shape Flex fusible woven interfacing (or medium-weight fusible interfacing)
  • 1/6 yard (0.2 metre) of Pellon #71 Peltex fusible ultra-firm interfacing
  • Four 1” (2.5cm) wide metal rectangles
  • handbag zipper – 20” or 24” (60cm) for handbag -OR- 26” or 30” (70cm) for duffle

 

For optional side strap:

  • Two 3/4” (1.9cm) d-rings
  • 1-1/2” (3.8cm) metal slider
  • Two swivel clips with 1-1/2” (3.8cm) opening

Optional false bottom: 1 sheet of plastic cross stitch template and foam core board (in the school supply section)
Optional: if using cotton fabric for accents, I highly recommend 1/2” (1.3cm) wide Wonder Under or basting tape (2 yards)

1

If you’re not familiar with my patterns, all templates are included (and feature cutting lines if you choose to use leather for certain parts of the bag, like the accents). The instructions feature full-color step photos, as shown below.

coalitionscreenshotI made my handbag version with faux leather for the accents and straps, and for my duffle version, I used Essex linen and canvas fabric – so as you can see, the bag looks brilliant done up in cotton fabric as well as the leather accents! It’s up to you.

7

2

 

Thank you so much to my lovely pattern testers, who turned in some absolutely gorgeous bags! Without further ado…

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern, sewn by Namrata of BagstockNamrata of Bagstock made this breathtaking version in Alison Glass fabrics paired with lemon yellow vinyl. What a great combination, and I love the metal zipper also!

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag, sewn by MargarethMargareth of Maggie Made Bags made the duffle size version of the pattern, and she styled it beautifully so you can get an accurate idea of how large the duffle is. I love the modification that Margareth added to the strap to feature both vinyl and quilting cotton, and that vinyl pocket really pulls everything together! So lovely!

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern, sewn by Wendy of W.D. HandbagsWendy of W.D. Handbags made this stunning tartan of the bag. It looks so lovely with the creamy camel leather! Eek! And check out that awesome pocket on the side! Well done Wendy!

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern, sewn by AnnaAnna made the handbag size for a trip, and she used cork fabric (Straw Green) for the accents and handles. Major pretty points, this is amazing!!

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern, sewn by LoriLori made her bag in this brilliant elephant fabric (‘Elephant Caravan’ by Timeless Treasures – I had to investigate for myself so I could order some of this fabric as well, lol!). Love love this so much and the strap with the vinyl and webbing is brilliant as well!

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern, sewn by Melisa Jane HandmadeMelisa of Melisa Jane Handmade created this stunning modern handbag in blue Echino fabrics. A bit of black sparkle vinyl goes perfectly with the black cars, and this is a magnificent finish!

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern, sewn by KimKim made this beauty in new Cotton+Steel Rifle Paper Co. fabric, in the handbag size. I think this is gorgeous with the brown leather!

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern, sewn by Sheri of Munkee MadeSheri of Munkee Made finished her version in cork fabric (this is Cork and Straw in Purple). What an amazing feat, and one of the most original bags I’ve ever seen! Beautiful work Sheri!

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern, sewn by Vanessa of Vintage Barn Girl
Vanessa of Vintage Barn Girl made this beautiful bag in Tula Pink ‘Chipper’ fabrics, complete with teal vinyl to match the highlights in the fabric. Wonderful Vanessa!

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern, sewn by DonnaDonna made her bag in a newprint-style fabric and paired it with some machine quilting and faux leather. That textured leather is just fab!!

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern, sewn by MariaMaria used upholstery fabric with black Cordura for the handles and accents. So pretty and proper and the perfect bag for the upcoming fall season! Perfection Maria!

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern, sewn by Cyndi of The Nosy PepperCyndi of The Nosy Pepper made this brilliant version in Melody Miller fabrics, and this bag totally looks like a vintage find! Beautiful work Cyndi!

Coalition Bag sewing pattern, sewn by SandieSandie made her bag in a red gingham fabric, and the straps and accents was made from repurposed fabrics. Love how this turned out and so great to see an example with fabric for the accents, it works beautifully!

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern, sewn by LauraThis lovely vision in gold was sewn by Laura. What a perfect pairing with the gold vinyl and teal zipper!

Sew Sweetness Coalition Bag sewing pattern, sewn by TerryTerry made the duffle-size version of this pattern in new Rifle Paper Co. fabric, and the colored vinyl really hits the spot! I think the blue was the perfect choice to pull out the detail in the print!

 

Thank you so much to my testers, I appreciate you all more than you know!

If you liked the Coalition Bag and aren’t yet a member of the club, head right on over to the Bag of the Month Club website and subscribe!

12 thoughts on “Coalition Bag

  1. Dear Sara,
    I love your blog and bags.
    My daughter lives in Chicago and When I discovered you a few years ago I wanted to try to set up a private sewing class for us and some of her friends and their moms, life has interfered for many reasons. (Apparently having busy careers and first babies keeps people busy these days lol
    Keep up the good work.
    Jane

  2. Maxine Mac Neill says:

    Your BOM is spot on – What more could a woman want – it truly makes a statement of professionalism

  3. Terry Sheldon says:

    Sara, I just love the look of the bag. However, there are no pockets on either the front or the back, either outside or inside, and that is what keeps me from choosing this bag to make.

  4. Jacque annen says:

    I love the coalition bag. Does the Essex linen on the gray one have a metallic finish? I would love to know the color name.

  5. Pat DeVore says:

    I like be your Coalition duffel so much. I have never seen really nice canvas like you used and wonder if you would share the name of the fabric? Thanks

  6. Elizabeth says:

    This is a great bag!! Will you have the pattern for sale even if I am not a bag of the month member?

  7. SuzannahAshley says:

    Love this bag. Will you be making it available for sale after the Bag of the Month Club round is over?

  8. Mary Aftowski says:

    I love your bags and purchased the last video bundle and looking forward to the upcoming bundle this month….fingers crossed you will do another bundle and include the coalition bag.
    I enjoy the feeling you are my sewing buddy as we work thru the projects and helps keep me focused to complete my projects. Thank you for all the motivation!

    1. Sara Lawson says:

      Thank you so much Mary, so happy that you liked this bag! I will definitely keep this in mind for future bundles!

      1. Fumix Bogetti says:

        Please does all your bags comes along with video instructions to sew along with ?

        1. Sara Lawson says:

          Hi there! We’re always working on new videos; you can see the videos currently available by going to my website and clicking on the ‘Video’ tab. Hope this helps!

Comments make my day and I love to reply!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.