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The Pick-A-Pocket Purse is a small, 8 × 10 × 4-inch fabric bag with six outer pockets formed as you sew on its straps. The 2010 American Patchwork & Quilting project specifies three coordinated cotton prints, thin firm batting, and a personal-use-only pattern download.
What is the Pick-A-Pocket Purse?
Designed by Monica Solorio-Snow of Happy Zombie, this bag is organized around six exterior pockets. The straps are not simply attached handles: stitching them to the bag layers creates the pockets. The finished purse measures 8 × 10 × 4 inches, according to the American Patchwork & Quilting project page and its 2010 project PDF.
What fabric and batting do you need?
The instructions assume 44/45-inch-wide fabric and 1/4-inch seam allowances. Choose three coordinated 100% cotton prints:
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute| Piece | Fabric and cut dimensions |
|---|---|
| Straps | 1/4 yard; cut two strips, each 4 × 34-1/2 inches |
| Pockets | 2/3 yard; cut two rectangles, each 14-1/2 × 16-1/2 inches |
| Bag and lining | 2/3 yard; cut two rectangles, each 14-1/2 × 20-1/2 inches |
| Batting | Two pieces of thin, firm batting, each 10-1/4 × 14-1/2 inches |
The fabric quantities and cuts are specified in the project instructions; allow for accurate cutting and follow the pattern layout rather than assuming extra fabric is included.
#1 Best Overall
- PATTERN S3052 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.
How do you make the Pick-A-Pocket Purse?
- Make the straps. For each 4 × 34-1/2-inch strip, fold it lengthwise and press the long edges to the center. Refold, then topstitch 1/8 inch from each outer edge.
- Prepare the pocket pieces. Fold each 14-1/2 × 16-1/2-inch pocket rectangle in half lengthwise. Each folded piece measures 8-1/4 × 14-1/2 inches.
- Build the two bag units and form the pockets. Layer a folded pocket piece with a bag/lining rectangle and batting as directed. Pin a strap at the bottom, leaving 4 inches between its sides. Stitch up one side for 10-1/4 inches, across the strap, and back down the other side. Repeat for the second unit. The strap stitching divides the outer fabric into the purse’s six pockets.
- Join the units. Put the two bag units right sides together and sew around them, leaving a 5-inch opening at the top center for turning.
- Shape the flat bottom. At each corner, match the bottom seam to the side seam to flatten a triangle. Sew a 4-inch line, 2 inches from the triangle’s point, then trim the excess. Repeat on the lining corners.
- Turn and finish. Turn the purse right side out, finger-press the seams, slip-stitch the opening closed, and insert the lining.
How many pockets does it have, and what fits?
The design has six outer pockets, created by stitching the straps to the layered bag pieces. The project description calls them pockets for everyday necessities, but the published instructions do not specify pocket-by-pocket dimensions or tested capacity. Choose small items that fit the individual openings rather than relying on an unstated load or durability rating.
Can you sell or redistribute the pattern?
No permission to redistribute or reproduce it is granted by the pattern itself. The PDF states: “Pattern may be downloaded for personal use only. No electronic or printed reproduction permitted without the prior written consent of Meredith Corporation. Meredith Corporation 2010. All rights reserved.” That language distinguishes making a purse for personal use from sharing or reproducing the pattern; it does not grant commercial pattern rights.
Rank #2
- 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.
Is this the same as the Pick a Pocket Wallet?
No. The Pick-A-Pocket Purse is an 8 × 10 × 4-inch sewn bag pattern with six outer pockets. The separate Pick a Pocket Wallet is a paid PDF pattern with card, zipper, slip, ID, and phone pockets, and a stated closed size of about 3.5 × 7.5 × 0.5 inches; see its product page.
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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
- 1. Multiple Sizes with Color-Coded Lines – Each pattern includes multiple sizes, clearly distinguished with color-coded lines for easy identification and accurate cutting.
- 2. Complete Package with English Instructions – Includes one heavyweight kraft paper pattern and one English instruction sheet, which provides detailed guidance on fabric selection and size reference.
- 3. Perfect Gift for Sewing Beginners – Designed with a Simple to Intermediate difficulty level, it offers clear step-by-step guidance, making it an ideal and thoughtful gift for anyone new to hand sewing.
- 4. Durable and Reusable Kraft Paper – Made from heavyweight, sturdy kraft paper that resists wear and tearing, allowing the pattern to be traced and cut multiple times while maintaining its shape.
- 5. Hand-Cut Experience and Creative Freedom – Designed to be cut by hand, this pattern invites you to engage deeply in every step from paper to garment, offering a satisfying and immersive sewing experience.
Rank #3
- 1. Multiple Sizes with Color-Coded Lines – Each pattern includes multiple sizes, clearly distinguished with color-coded lines for easy identification and accurate cutting.
- 2. Complete Package with English Instructions – Includes one heavyweight kraft paper pattern and one English instruction sheet, which provides detailed guidance on fabric selection and size reference.
- 3. Perfect Gift for Sewing Beginners – Designed with a Simple to Intermediate difficulty level, it offers clear step-by-step guidance, making it an ideal and thoughtful gift for anyone new to hand sewing.
- 4. Durable and Reusable Kraft Paper – Made from heavyweight, sturdy kraft paper that resists wear and tearing, allowing the pattern to be traced and cut multiple times while maintaining its shape.
- 5. Hand-Cut Experience and Creative Freedom – Designed to be cut by hand, this pattern invites you to engage deeply in every step from paper to garment, offering a satisfying and immersive sewing experience.
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