New Pattern: Suburbanite Handbag

I’m happy to release this newest pattern, the Suburbanite Handbag. I had so much fun designing it and really enjoyed sewing each version as I tested it. My testers enjoyed it as well! You may remember that I said I was designing a convertible backpack pattern. I was, and I am, but I reached a point on that pattern where I needed a creative break. This pattern flowed forth pretty quickly.

The highlight of the pattern is the corded handles. They may look difficult to you, but with a zipper foot and some patience, they are not too bad. And that’s probably the trickiest part of the pattern! I’d say you should have some bag making experience, but a confident beginner can still make this bag. It works well with vinyl, leather, and cork, but I made some out of home decor fabric and regular cotton and was also happy with the results. I feel like this is a very classy purse in vinyl. I made a version for myself while testing that I now use as my preferred purse—and I have a lot of purses!

So let’s talk about all the features of the Suburbanite Handbag! You can make it in three different sizes, Small, Medium, and Large. I use the Small as my main purse. It holds my wallet, phone, hand sanitizer, keys, tissues, and that’s pretty much all I want to carry around with me for my regular errands. The Medium is a better size if you like room to carry more things. It’s a great general purse size. And all sizes include lots of pockets! There are four exterior pockets (there are also instructions on how to make it without them), plus a fun half circle slip pocket on the inside and an interior zipper pocket as well. The Large is spacious. I use it on Sundays when I need to carry a binder, wallet, diapers, wipes, snacks, and I’ve easily fit my laptop in there as well. Plus I didn’t even utilize all the pockets! Also, there are two closure methods, magnetic snaps or top zipper. And if you are wondering how the purse is finished, it turns through the handle openings, which makes for a very clean finish.

The Suburbanite Handbag is on sale today through Monday, March 16th at midnight (Eastern US time). I’d love to see your finished versions! Share on Instagram (#SuburbaniteHandbag #ToriskaPDF) or on my Facebook Group.

And here are of course the pictures you’ve been waiting for, the tester pics! I’m going to start with size Small.

Gorgeous, aren’t they? Photo credit and thanks to Jan Alig, Kim Burch, Sandra Diehl, Tan Puey Hoon, Tanya Davis, and Yanna Michaelides.

Next, the Mediums.

I was really wowed by these bags. You can see that this pattern works in a variety of fabrics. Photo credit and thanks to Celia Oliver, Karen Kolodziejczak, Melissa Uhler, Roxanne Seymour, and Sandie Larsen.

And finally, the Large size.

What an awesome selection of inspiration for you. Photo credit and thanks to Glenys Binstead, Heidi Cushman, Lori Peoples, and Susie Poe.

I asked my ladies for some feedback that I could share with you and this is what they said:

“I love the look of this bag. The prep time was half what I expected considering how many pockets there are. The birthing process of this bag is very easy on arthritic hands, since the bag is not birthed through a small turning hole.”

“This was a fun bag to sew. From cutting out until completion was only about 5 hours and now that everything is familiar the next will be quicker.”

“This bag was easy to sew and every step was well written for understanding. It is a sturdy and great size bag to hold your wallet and all your personal needs. Love the pockets inside and out. I will be making every size for myself and for gifts.”

“Great, easy to follow pattern. Beautiful bag with lots of options. I see many more in my future”

I hope you enjoy this pattern and can’t wait to see what you create! I created a video showing more about this bag. Sometimes it’s easier to see what it looks like from a video.