Sewing Patterns

Choose one of our handbag styles, and download a pattern! If you have basic sewing skills (all of these bags feature straight lines and super simple instructions) you can transform that dress hanging in the back of your closet into a one-of-a-kind accessory in just a few hours!

Even if you've never sewn before, try! E-mail and phone support is available (details with your pattern purchase.)

Laura Diaper bag

A large diaper/day bag with interior pockets and and a gathered exterior over a straight lining. Straps can be lined with flexible vinyl plumbing tubing for tube-shape and support. Perfect design for a gown that has a chiffon overlay over satin.

Diane Half Circle Handbag

A small clutch-sized bag that uses round bamboo or lucite handles.

Annie's Reversible Princess-seam Tote

A classic 'boat and tote' style tote bag with unique faux princess seams that secure the pocket in place. This tote is reversible for even more versatility! Our easiest pattern to sew.

Coming soon!:

Aimee messenger bag/diaper bag

Classic messenger bag with zippered inside pocket, and open pockets for organizing all of your mama and baby gear. Two water bottle pockets on the outside, with gussets and elastic. This is our most complicated pattern - using many pieces, but still simple construction techniques.

Debbie clutch

A handy clutch with ruffled trim that's perfect for a date night out or for storing your mom stuff inside your larger baby bag. Perfect for using smaller pieces of formal gown, especially when you want to preserve most of the gown to recycle into a useable dress or other item.

Laura Diaper bag

A large diaper bag with interior pockets and and a gathered exterior over a straight lining. Straps can be lined with flexible vinyl plumbing tubing for tube-shape and support. Perfect design for a gown that has a chiffon overlay over satin.

Annie's Formals bag designs and patterns are © Ann Siegle. Any copying and reselling is strictly prohibited. You are more than welcome to sew them as gifts. I'm a working mother, and this craft helps support my family!

Notes for successful patterns:

Use good interfacing. I recommend only two types - heavy, almost cardboard-like fusible Timtex (find this online at timtexstore.com or a quilting store in your area) or FusibleFleece (available at large retailers like JoAnn's). Fusible fleece can be used on the tote style, or any of the slouchy round-handled bags. The structured bags like the Diane, Debbie and Laura require the heavier Timtex.

You can pile up several layers of heavyweight interfacing if you don't have access to either Timtex or Fusible Fleece, but as heavy as your bag feels during construction, it will feel lightweight once you pack in your stuff in it ;) Trust me. Go way heavier than you think you will need. And before you finish your bag top, be sure to stuff some stuff in it, pin your handles on and carry it around your house for a few minutes.

Support bag bottoms: I use either plastic canvas, plastic corrugated sheets or Sintra plastic (you'll find the first two at your local craft stores, the latter at a sign shop, where small scraps will be free, just ask them). Complete instructions are in your bag pattern for sandwiching the plastic inside fusible interfacing and stitching the fusible interfacing seam allowances to your bag bottom.

Create structured handles: I use clear vinyl plumbing tubing. Available in your plumbing section of a hardware store in various diameters (I like the 1/4" and 3/8", but it comes even thicker.) You'll see photos in your pattern instructions.