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AllPeopleQuilt’s editors highlighted four bag patterns in 2013, each for a different feature: an open everyday-carry design, a tailored handbag with pockets, a clothesline-and-fabric-strip construction, and a compact tote. The roundup is a useful snapshot of those projects, not a ranking or a current guide to pattern availability.
What were the editors’ favorite bag patterns?
The June 14, 2013 feature from AllPeopleQuilt presented four patterns selected by staff members of American Patchwork & Quilting and Quilts and More. Staff members made the bags and described what appealed to them. The descriptions below reflect that feature; it does not compare construction quality or rate the patterns.
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| Pattern | Designer | Standout feature in the 2013 feature |
|---|---|---|
| Flea Market Bag | Grand Revival Designs | Simple, open everyday carry with room for a water bottle, notebook, and books; its broad area also displays fabric. |
| The Harmony Handbag | Studio Kat Designs | Contrasting pleats and ties, a feminine shape, tailored details, and multiple pockets, including a small beverage pocket. |
| Bali Bag | Aunties Two | Clothesline covered with narrow batik fabric strips. |
| Tag Along Tote | Terry Atkinson for Atkinson Designs | A compact 7-by-8-inch bag made with three fat quarters, as described in the feature. |
How to choose among the four
Flea Market Bag: open everyday carry
Mary Irish, an administrative assistant, liked the simple design for carrying a water bottle, notebook, and books while traveling or going to appointments. The feature also notes that the large open area shows off the fabric. It does not specify the finished dimensions or capacity.
The Harmony Handbag: pockets and tailoring
Design director Nancy Wiles called out the contrasting-color pleats and ties, feminine shape, and tailored details. The feature describes multiple pockets, including a small pocket for a beverage. It does not provide a full pocket layout or dimensions.
#1 Best Overall
- PATTERN S9308 SIZING: Simplicity one-size pattern includes totes, bags, and pouches designed for a comfortable, adjustable fit. Check the finished measurements on the envelope before cutting so your make turns out just right.
- IN THE ENVELOPE: Printed tissue pattern pieces and clear step-by-step illustrated sewing instructions guide you from start to finish. The envelope also lists the suggested fabrics and the notions you need, so you can shop for materials with confidence.
- AMERICAN SEWING HERITAGE: An American sewing icon since 1927 and proudly made in the USA, Simplicity has been trusted by home sewists for nearly a century for accurate, easy-to-follow sewing patterns.
- MAKE IT UNIQUELY YOURS: Create custom pieces using your favorite fabrics, prints, trims, and embellishments. Personalize your bag to reflect your style, or use the cover photos as inspiration for handmade makes that are truly your own.
- EASY AND REWARDING TO SEW: A satisfying sewing project for beginner and intermediate sewists, perfect for everyday carry, travel, organizing, gifting, and craft fairs.
Bali Bag: clothesline and fabric strips
Assistant editor Jody Sanders described clothesline covered with 2-1/2-inch-wide batik strips as the bag’s defining construction approach. The feature mentions precut strips such as Hoffman Fabrics Bali Pops or Moda Fabrics Jelly Rolls as a possible head start. It does not give a complete materials list.
Tag Along Tote: compact project with a stated fabric quantity
The feature describes this tote as 7 by 8 inches and says it uses three fat quarters. That is the clearest fabric quantity provided for any of the four patterns; no complete supply list or difficulty rating is given.
Rank #2
- PATTERN S9310 SIZING: Simplicity one-size pattern includes totes, bags, and pouches designed for a comfortable, adjustable fit. Check the finished measurements on the envelope before cutting so your make turns out just right.
- IN THE ENVELOPE: Printed tissue pattern pieces and clear step-by-step illustrated sewing instructions guide you from start to finish. The envelope also lists the suggested fabrics and the notions you need, so you can shop for materials with confidence.
- AMERICAN SEWING HERITAGE: An American sewing icon since 1927 and proudly made in the USA, Simplicity has been trusted by home sewists for nearly a century for accurate, easy-to-follow sewing patterns.
- MAKE IT UNIQUELY YOURS: Create custom pieces using your favorite fabrics, prints, trims, and embellishments. Personalize your bag to reflect your style, or use the cover photos as inspiration for handmade makes that are truly your own.
- EASY AND REWARDING TO SEW: A satisfying sewing project for beginner and intermediate sewists, perfect for everyday carry, travel, organizing, gifting, and craft fairs.
Materials the feature specifically mentions
- For the Bali Bag: clothesline and batik strips about 2-1/2 inches wide. Precut quilting strips are mentioned as a possible shortcut, with Bali Pops and Jelly Rolls given as examples.
- For the Tag Along Tote: three fat quarters, according to the feature.
The feature names fabrics used in its examples: Evelyn by Anna Griffin for Windham Fabrics; City Girl by Kitty Yoshida for Benartex; Bali Pops in Sherbet by Hoffman Fabrics; and Bijoux and Pop Garden by Heather Bailey for FreeSpirit. These are historical examples, not confirmation that those collections are currently available. It does not specify required brands for the fat quarters or precut strips, nor does it list complete notions or tools.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the roundup does—and does not—establish
The four patterns offer distinct features, but the 2013 feature does not rank them or identify an overall winner. It also does not assess which pattern is best for beginners, give full instructions or supply lists, or confirm whether patterns, fabrics, or sellers remain available today. Check with the designers or authorized pattern retailers for current availability before planning a purchase.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PATTERN S9803 SIZING: Simplicity one-size pattern includes totes, bags, and pouches designed for a comfortable, adjustable fit. Check the finished measurements on the envelope before cutting so your make turns out just right.
- IN THE ENVELOPE: Printed tissue pattern pieces and clear step-by-step illustrated sewing instructions guide you from start to finish. The envelope also lists the suggested fabrics and the notions you need, so you can shop for materials with confidence.
- AMERICAN SEWING HERITAGE: An American sewing icon since 1927 and proudly made in the USA, Simplicity has been trusted by home sewists for nearly a century for accurate, easy-to-follow sewing patterns.
- MAKE IT UNIQUELY YOURS: Create custom pieces using your favorite fabrics, prints, trims, and embellishments. Personalize your bag to reflect your style, or use the cover photos as inspiration for handmade makes that are truly your own.
- EASY AND REWARDING TO SEW: A satisfying sewing project for beginner and intermediate sewists, perfect for everyday carry, travel, organizing, gifting, and craft fairs.
Rank #4
- PATTERN S9304 SIZING: Simplicity one-size pattern includes totes, bags, and pouches designed for a comfortable, adjustable fit. Check the finished measurements on the envelope before cutting so your make turns out just right.
- IN THE ENVELOPE: Printed tissue pattern pieces and clear step-by-step illustrated sewing instructions guide you from start to finish. The envelope also lists the suggested fabrics and the notions you need, so you can shop for materials with confidence.
- AMERICAN SEWING HERITAGE: An American sewing icon since 1927 and proudly made in the USA, Simplicity has been trusted by home sewists for nearly a century for accurate, easy-to-follow sewing patterns.
- MAKE IT UNIQUELY YOURS: Create custom pieces using your favorite fabrics, prints, trims, and embellishments. Personalize your bag to reflect your style, or use the cover photos as inspiration for handmade makes that are truly your own.
- EASY AND REWARDING TO SEW: A satisfying sewing project for beginner and intermediate sewists, perfect for everyday carry, travel, organizing, gifting, and craft fairs.
Rank #3
- PATTERN S9525 SIZING: Simplicity one-size pattern includes totes, bags, and pouches designed for a comfortable, adjustable fit. Check the finished measurements on the envelope before cutting so your make turns out just right.
- IN THE ENVELOPE: Printed tissue pattern pieces and clear step-by-step illustrated sewing instructions guide you from start to finish. The envelope also lists the suggested fabrics and the notions you need, so you can shop for materials with confidence.
- AMERICAN SEWING HERITAGE: An American sewing icon since 1927 and proudly made in the USA, Simplicity has been trusted by home sewists for nearly a century for accurate, easy-to-follow sewing patterns.
- MAKE IT UNIQUELY YOURS: Create custom pieces using your favorite fabrics, prints, trims, and embellishments. Personalize your bag to reflect your style, or use the cover photos as inspiration for handmade makes that are truly your own.
- EASY AND REWARDING TO SEW: A satisfying sewing project for beginner and intermediate sewists, perfect for everyday carry, travel, organizing, gifting, and craft fairs.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
