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!
The 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.
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.
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.
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)
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)
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.
I 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.
Thank you so much to my lovely pattern testers, who turned in some absolutely gorgeous bags! Without further ado…
Namrata 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!
Margareth 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!
Wendy 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!
Anna 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!!
Lori 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!
Melisa 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!
Kim made this beauty in new Cotton+Steel Rifle Paper Co. fabric, in the handbag size. I think this is gorgeous with the brown leather!
Sheri 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!
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!
Donna made her bag in a newprint-style fabric and paired it with some machine quilting and faux leather. That textured leather is just fab!!
Maria 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!
Cyndi of The Nosy Pepper made this brilliant version in Melody Miller fabrics, and this bag totally looks like a vintage find! Beautiful work Cyndi!
Sandie 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!
This lovely vision in gold was sewn by Laura. What a perfect pairing with the gold vinyl and teal zipper!
Terry 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!
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
Your BOM is spot on – What more could a woman want – it truly makes a statement of professionalism
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.
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.
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
This is a great bag!! Will you have the pattern for sale even if I am not a bag of the month member?
Love this bag. Will you be making it available for sale after the Bag of the Month Club round is over?
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!
Thank you so much Mary, so happy that you liked this bag! I will definitely keep this in mind for future bundles!
Please does all your bags comes along with video instructions to sew along with ?
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!