January’s New Pattern Make ~ The Kristin Bag ~

I like to try new bag patterns once a month if I can squeeze in the time.  Sometimes they are from new to me designers, other times they are from designers I enjoy.  This month I am sharing a pattern from iThinkSew called The Kristin Bag.  To see previous months reviews read March,  February , January, and November, or type in ‘Pattern Reviews’ in the search bar to read more!

The Kristin Bag is a PDF pattern that is sent to you immediately after purchase.  It is  fully typed pattern with clear picture images of each step and computerized pattern pieces. You can print this pattern in Letter/A4 sizes too.

For my tote I used a combination of materials.  The straps and bag bottom are a textured upholstery vinyl, the exterior and several interior pieces are a home decor mid-weight cotton blend.  The interior is a grey lighter weight corduroy.  I used Pellon SF101 and Soft&Stable for my interfacings and also quilted the exterior with wide stitches.

This is an easy pattern. A beginner could make a Kristin easily with or without the zippers. There is one closure zip and one interior zip written in the pattern, but I opted to just add the main exterior one. Directions are included for zipper installation for those that are new to them.

Pattern pieces are few.  There is a main panel for the interior, two for the exterior and pieces for the interior zipper or pockets.  I liked the look of the straps sewn into the bottom of the top exterior panel.  I followed the pattern, but next time I think I’d add a rivet or two at the base of the strap for a visual feature. It’s not structurally needed, but would look sharp!

The gusset is an elongated oval which gives the tote a wide roomy base. I added 4 purse feet to mine (not in pattern).

I have been sewing with iThinkSew patterns for years and have enjoyed them all.  I have read many mixed reviews of iThinkSew patterns though.  I honestly think your enjoyment of their patterns depends on how you interpret directions of sewing patterns.  There are a few free patterns on the iThinkSew site so try one out first to see if it works for you.

Here is my corduroy interior with alterations.  Since I used the big zipper closure I made six roomy pockets to store all my ‘stuff’. I think the interior could have been sewn at a larger SA to make it a bit more snug, but that’s a personal preference not the pattern.  This would make a great baby or toddler bag don’t you think?

The pattern offers two sizes: A small that finishes at 18” WIDTH X 11 1/2” HEIGHT X 6” DEPTH, and a large LARGE: 22” WIDTH X 13” HEIGHT X 7” DEPTH.  I wanted to try and make it a tad smaller to see how it would look so I printed the pattern pieces at 85%.  My finished sizes were approx. 16″ wide at top, 12″ wide around bottom with similar depth.  A great size for me!

I give this pattern a two-thumbs-up.  I think it’s an all-around versatile bag and will be making more for sure!  Interested in purchasing this Kristin bag? It will be available in my Etsy shop mid-week!