Sew Sweetness

Bag Lab: Sew Curved Edges with a Straight Line

Sara Lawson — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 16:14:34 +0000

In this demonstration, I will show you how to sew curved edges with a straight line.

The post Bag Lab: Sew Curved Edges with a Straight Line appeared first on Sew Sweetness.

Natalma Bag

Sara Lawson — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 23:56:09 +0000

The Natalma Bag came about because I wanted to design a bag using a bit of hardware that I have never used before – a metal 3-ring binder mechanism!

Watch the trailer video below:

Finished Size: 14″ long x 12″ tall x 4-1/4″ deep (35.6cm x 30.5cm x 10.8cm)

Supplies Needed:

1 yard/metre of quilting cotton for exterior fabric*
1-1/2 yard/metre of quilting cotton for lining fabric*
1/2 yard/metre of foam interfacing (By Annie’s Soft and Stable, Pellon Flex Foam, Bosal In-R-Form, or auto
headliner; if using Flex Foam, it is only 20” wide so please purchase 1 yard)
3 yard/metre of 20” wide Pellon SF-101 Shape Flex fusible woven interfacing (or med-weight fusible interfacing)
1 yard/metre of Pellon #71F Peltex fusible interfacing
1/3 yard/metre of fold over elastic (1/2” or 3/4” wide)
1/4 yard/metre of mesh (I used By Annie mesh)
2” long piece of 1-1/2” wide Velcro (hook and loop)
2 yard/metre of 1-1/2” wide webbing
14” handbag zipper (either #4.5 or #5)
44” long handbag zipper (I recommend zipper-by-the-yard)* *either a single- or double-pull zipper
Two 1-1/2” swivel clips
One 1-1/2” metal slider
Two 3/4” d-rings
One 3-ring binder mechanism with two rivets (*See Note)
Optional: 4 additional rivets (or Chicago screws), for Handles

*Due to the layers of this project, I do not recommend fabrics thicker than quilting cotton

Important Note: A Letter-size or A4-size binder mechanism should be used. Make sure that the mechanism measures approximately 11″ (28cm). I have found both letter-size and A4-size mechanisms readily available online that are 11″ (28cm) long. I used a mechanism with 1″ (2.5cm) rings.

The mechanism will likely come with two rivets already; due to the layers of fabric and interfacing, you will likely need to purchase double-cap rivets with long post length (such as 10mm post length).

The pdf pattern includes 16 pages of sewing instructions, complete with 46 step-by-step photos.

Also included in the PDF pattern are printable pattern pieces for your home printer. The following files will all be included with your PDF pattern purchase:

SVG Files (for electric cutting machines, such as the Brother Scan N Cut and the Cricut Maker)
Projector Files (for use with home projectors for cutting out fabric; please see the group Projectors for Sewing for more information)
A0 Files (large-format 33″ x 46″ pattern page for printing at your local copy shop, in case you would rather not tape together the pattern pages that are included in the PDF pattern)

Thank you to Chera Phipody for the lovely Natalma Bag photos.

And you can find the Natalma Bag pattern and video now in my shop. Please check out the fantastic work from my pattern testers below!

by Marion

by Tracy

by Jaime

The post Natalma Bag appeared first on Sew Sweetness.

Tapit Organizer

Sara Lawson — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:14:16 +0000

I often really enjoy designing a pattern for a particular use, and while the Tapit Organizer has somewhat of a broader use (storing sewing supplies/notions, cosmetics, toiletries, etc.), it still has a lot of possibilities.

Watch the trailer video below:

Finished Size: 11″ long x 8″ tall x 7″ deep (28cm x 20cm x 18cm)

Supplies Needed:

3/4 yard/metre of exterior fabric
3/4 yard/metre of lining fabric
1/2 yard/metre of foam interfacing (By Annie’s Soft and Stable, Pellon Flex Foam, Bosal In-R-Form, or auto
headliner; if using Flex Foam, it is only 20” wide so please purchase 1 yard)
2 yard/metre of 20” wide Pellon SF-101 Shape Flex fusible woven interfacing (or med-weight fusible interfacing)
1/4 yard/metre of Pellon #71F Peltex fusible interfacing
1-1/2 yard/metre of fold over elastic (1/2” or 3/4” wide)
1/4 yard/metre of mesh (I used By Annie mesh)
Two 20” handbag zipper (either #4.5 or #5)*
24” handbag zipper (either #4.5 or #5)* *you can use either single- or double-pull zippers
30” handbag zipper (either #4.5 or #5)*
Two rivets or Chicago screws

The pdf pattern includes 11 pages of sewing instructions, complete with 31 step-by-step photos.

Also included in the PDF pattern are printable pattern pieces for your home printer. The following files will all be included with your PDF pattern purchase:

SVG Files (for electric cutting machines, such as the Brother Scan N Cut and the Cricut Maker)
Projector Files (for use with home projectors for cutting out fabric; please see the group Projectors for Sewing for more information)
A0 Files (large-format 33″ x 46″ pattern page for printing at your local copy shop, in case you would rather not tape together the pattern pages that are included in the PDF pattern)

Thank you to Chera Phipody for the lovely Tapit Organizer photos.

And you can find the Tapit Organizer pattern and video now in my shop. Please check out the fantastic work from my pattern testers below!

by Karen

by Amanda

by Donna

by Tracy

by Jaime

The post Tapit Organizer appeared first on Sew Sweetness.

Urban Sea Backpack

Sara Lawson — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:17:14 +0000

I love backpacks! The Urban Sea Backpack has tons of pockets, both on the inside and on the outside. This bag just makes me happy!!

Watch the trailer video below:

Finished Size: 12″ long x 15″ tall x 7″ deep (30.5cm x 38cm x 18cm)

Supplies Needed:

1 yard/metre of exterior fabric
1-3/4 yard/metre of lining fabric
1 yard/metre of 45” wide Pellon #TP971F Thermolam fusible interfacing (or fusible fleece)
4 yard/metre of 20” wide Pellon SF-101 Shape Flex fusible woven interfacing (or med-weight fusible interfacing)
8” long piece of fold over elastic (1/2” or 3/4” wide)
11” x 6” piece of mesh (I used By Annie mesh)
14” handbag zipper (either #4.5 or #5)*
18” handbag zipper (either #4.5 or #5)* *you can use either single- or double-pull zippers
24” handbag zipper (either #4.5 or #5)*
Two Dritz strap adjusters for 1” wide strap
1-1/8 yard/metre of 1” (2.5cm) wide webbing
False bottom material, 10” x 6”

Note: The false bottom material offers extra stability to the bottom of the backpack. A variety of different materials can be used, such as foam core board, plastic cross stitch canvas, 1/4” plywood, etc. I used a piece of corrugated plastic.

The pdf pattern includes 18 pages of sewing instructions, complete with 47 step-by-step photos.

Also included in the PDF pattern are printable pattern pieces for your home printer. The following files will all be included with your PDF pattern purchase:

SVG Files (for electric cutting machines, such as the Brother Scan N Cut and the Cricut Maker)
Projector Files (for use with home projectors for cutting out fabric; please see the group Projectors for Sewing for more information)
A0 Files (large-format 33″ x 46″ pattern page for printing at your local copy shop, in case you would rather not tape together the pattern pages that are included in the PDF pattern)

Thank you to Chera Phipody for the lovely Urban Sea Backpack photos.

And you can find the Urban Sea Backpack pattern and video now in my shop. Please check out the fantastic work from my pattern testers below!

by Chelsea

by Tracy

by Donna

by Marion

by Shawn

by Karen

by Amanda

by Jaime

The post Urban Sea Backpack appeared first on Sew Sweetness.

Aspidistra Train Case

Sara Lawson — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 23:37:36 +0000

The Aspidistra Train Case came about because I wanted to challenge myself to come up with a pattern with a clear vinyl window. However, I wanted to do it with a single exterior and lining layer, rather than having four strips of fabric to accomplish it.

Watch the trailer video below:

Finished Sizes:

small – 6” long x 2-1/2” tall x 6” deep (15.2cm x 6.3cm x 15.2cm)
medium – 8-1/2” long x 2-1/2” tall x 6-1/2” deep (21.6cm x 6.3cm x 16.5cm)
large – 9” long x 3-1/2” tall x 7-1/2” deep (22.9cm x 9cm x 19cm)

Supplies Needed to Make 1 Train Case:

1/2 yard/metre of exterior fabric
1/2 yard/metre of lining fabric
9” x 7” piece of 16-gauge clear vinyl
1/4 yard/metre of foam interfacing (By Annie’s Soft and Stable, Pellon Flex Foam, Bosal In-R-Form, or auto
headliner; if using Flex Foam, it is only 20” wide so please purchase 1/2 yards)
1 yard/metre of 20” wide Pellon SF-101 Shape Flex fusible woven interfacing (or med-weight fusible interfacing)
6” x 4” piece of Pellon Decor Bond OR Decovil Light
10” x 8” piece of Pellon Peltex #71 OR Decovil Heavy
Double-pull handbag zipper (either #4.5 or #5) –
small – 20” (51cm)
medium – 25-1/2” (65cm)
large – 29-1/2” (75cm)

The pdf pattern includes 8 pages of sewing instructions, complete with 20 step-by-step photos.

Also included in the PDF pattern are printable pattern pieces for your home printer. The following files will all be included with your PDF pattern purchase:

SVG Files (for electric cutting machines, such as the Brother Scan N Cut and the Cricut Maker)
Projector Files (for use with home projectors for cutting out fabric; please see the group Projectors for Sewing for more information)
A0 Files (large-format 33″ x 46″ pattern page for printing at your local copy shop, in case you would rather not tape together the pattern pages that are included in the PDF pattern)

Thank you to Chera Phipody for the lovely Aspidistra Train Case photos.

And you can find the Aspidistra Train Case pattern and video now in my shop. Please check out the fantastic work from my pattern testers below!

by Marion

by Zoey

by Shawn

by Michelle

Sew Sweetness Aspidistra Train Case Video+PDF Sewing Pattern

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by Tracy

by Kilah

by Karen

by Sandra

by Jaime

by Dawn

The post Aspidistra Train Case appeared first on Sew Sweetness.

Sewcial Sunday 08.02.2026

Sara Lawson — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 20:14:16 +0000

Here are all of the products that I talked about on this week’s Sewcial Sunday for August 2, 2026!

You can watch me LIVE every first Sunday of the month at 7pm CT on Facebook and YouTube! If you miss the live show, you can watch the recording anytime.

Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter!
Join my private Sew Sweetness group for more sewing fun!
You can find the Sew Sweetness Groups by State/Country here

NEW PATTERNS AVAILABLE NOW!
Sourdough Starter – https://shop.kingarthurbaking.com/items/classic-fresh-sourdough-starter
Sourdough Pizza Crust recipe – https://littlespoonfarm.com/sourdough-pizza-crust-recipe/
Sourdough Brownies recipe (I substituted milk chocolate chips) – https://littlespoonfarm.com/sourdough-brownies-recipe
Sourdough Granola recipe – https://www.farmhouseonboone.com/homemade-rustic-granola-recipe/
Sourdough Blueberry Buckle recipe – https://simplicityandastarter.com/sourdough-blueberry-buckle/
Sourdough Peanut Butter Cookies recipe – https://littlespoonfarm.com/sourdough-peanut-butter-cookies-recipe/
Libs Elliott ‘Perfect Day’ fabric – https://www.etsy.com/search?q=libs+elliott+perfect+day+fabric
Kaffe Fassett ‘Rose Bloom’ fabric – https://www.etsy.com/search?q=kaffe+fassett+rose+bloom+fabric
Anna Maria ‘Iconic Lifespan Patina’ fabric – https://www.etsy.com/search?q=anna+maria+iconic+lifespan+patina+fabric
Anna Maria ‘Silhouette’ canvas fabrics – https://www.etsy.com/search?q=anna+maria+silhouette+canvas+fabric
Corduroy Fabric coming soon – https://sewsweetness.com/product-category/fabric/corduroy
Sweet Potato Quilts Block of the Month Party – https://quiltclub.sweetpotatoquilts.com/bomparty2026
‘Amish with a Twist II’ quilt pattern – https://www.nancyrinkdesigns.com/shop/p/ruysch-arrangement-2zp24
Pink Door Fabrics ‘Amish with a Twist II’ BOM – https://www.pinkdoorfabrics.com/products/amish-with-a-twist-ii-block-of-the-month

Did you know that you can view my bag-making video tutorials at any time?
Just click here to see what’s available to watch!

Watch past Sewcial Sunday videos!

The post Sewcial Sunday 08.02.2026 appeared first on Sew Sweetness.

Bag Lab: How to Use a Piping Foot

Sara Lawson — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 20:54:39 +0000

In this demonstration, I will show you how to use a piping foot. The piping feet available for your machine may vary depending on sewing machine brand.

For more detailed information on making the piping, check out my video: https://sewsweetness.com/2017/10/video-make-attach-piping-bag.html

The post Bag Lab: How to Use a Piping Foot appeared first on Sew Sweetness.

Bag Lab: Sewing Zippers Through a Curve

Sara Lawson — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 20:42:27 +0000

In this demonstration, I will discuss how to sew a zipper through a curve.

Tools shown in the video:

Precision Turning Tool – https://sewsweetness.com/products/precision-turning-tool
By Annie Stiletto – https://sewsweetness.com/products/stiletto

The post Bag Lab: Sewing Zippers Through a Curve appeared first on Sew Sweetness.

Sewcial Sunday 07.05.2026

Sara Lawson — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 20:40:37 +0000

Here are all of the products that I talked about on this week’s Sewcial Sunday for July 5, 2026!

You can watch me LIVE every first Sunday of the month at 7pm CT on Facebook and YouTube! If you miss the live show, you can watch the recording anytime.

Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter!
Join my private Sew Sweetness group for more sewing fun!
You can find the Sew Sweetness Groups by State/Country here

NEW PATTERNS COMING AUGUST 2, 2026 – sign up for the waiting list!
Remaining bag acrylic templates are 50% off – https://sewsweetness.com/product-category/acrylic-templates
Kai Scissors – https://sewsweetness.com/?s=kai&post_type=product
Sourdough Starter – https://shop.kingarthurbaking.com/items/classic-fresh-sourdough-starter
Rae Ritchie ‘Fairy Solstice’ fabrics – https://www.etsy.com/search?q=rae%20ritchie%20dear%20stella%20fairy%20solstice&ref=search_bar
Deborah Edwards ‘Ravens Call’ fabric – https://www.etsy.com/search?q=ravens+call+deborah+edwards+fabric&ref=search_bar&instant_download=false
Jayme Marie Designs ‘Bookworm’ fabric – https://www.etsy.com/search?q=jayme+marie+designs+bookworm+fabric&ref=search_bar
Kaffe Fassett ‘Pastel Voluptuous’ wideback fabric – https://www.etsy.com/search?q=kaffe+fassett+wideback+fabric+pastel+voluptuous&instant_download=false
Toy Story 5 movie – https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/toy-story-5-72482
‘Amish with a Twist II’ quilt pattern – https://www.nancyrinkdesigns.com/shop/p/ruysch-arrangement-2zp24
Pink Door Fabrics ‘Amish with a Twist II’ BOM – https://www.pinkdoorfabrics.com/products/amish-with-a-twist-ii-block-of-the-month

Did you know that you can view my bag-making video tutorials at any time?
Just click here to see what’s available to watch!

Watch past Sewcial Sunday videos!

The post Sewcial Sunday 07.05.2026 appeared first on Sew Sweetness.

Bag Lab – Stand to Sew?

Sara Lawson — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 15:45:12 +0000

In this video, I will show my usual sewing setup – standing! What do you think? Do you sit or stand to sew?

The post Bag Lab – Stand to Sew? appeared first on Sew Sweetness.

Sew Sweetness

Bag Lab: Sew Curved Edges with a Straight Line

Natalma Bag

Tapit Organizer

Urban Sea Backpack

Aspidistra Train Case

Sewcial Sunday 08.02.2026

Did you know that you can view my bag-making video tutorials at any time? Just click here to see what’s available to watch!

Watch past Sewcial Sunday videos!

Bag Lab: How to Use a Piping Foot

Bag Lab: Sewing Zippers Through a Curve

Sewcial Sunday 07.05.2026

Did you know that you can view my bag-making video tutorials at any time? Just click here to see what’s available to watch!

Watch past Sewcial Sunday videos!

Bag Lab – Stand to Sew?

Did you know that you can view my bag-making video tutorials at any time?
Just click here to see what’s available to watch!

Did you know that you can view my bag-making video tutorials at any time?
Just click here to see what’s available to watch!