The Bergen Bag pattern is the perfect everyday handbag! This firmly structured bag is big enough for a book or iPad on top of the necessities, and it has been designed with travel in mind. Many open slip pockets (one cannot have too many pockets!) so everything has its proper place, and a large safe zipper lining pocket, with room for both boarding passes and passports.
This bag comes with many different design options, it can be made with bag frame (open ended or closed) or zipper closure, with handle connectors or without or with high or low bottom decor as can be seen in the second group photo:
Left: Zipper top closure, handle connectors and low bottom.
Middle: Open ended frame closure, handle connectors, high bottom.
Right: Closed end frame closure, no handle connectors, low bottom.
This pattern comes with both inch and centimeter measurements.
More Inspiration To see even more, beautiful Bergen Bags for inspiration, make sure you check out this post: Bergen Bag Parade And don't miss my pattern testers work here: Pattern Testers Bags).
BASIC SKILLS NECESSARY
This is a pattern for the intermediate bagmaker.
MEASUREMENTS
Finished size: ~10” (25cm) high, ~13” (33cm) wide and 4” (10cm) deep at the base.
SUPPLIES NEEDED
Fabric:
½ yard (45cm) - Exterior: Cotton fabric, vinyl, faux leather or cork fabric (patterned exterior), please consider the bulk when sewing, not all domestic machines will be able to handle sewing the layers with fabric thicker than cotton. More fabric will be needed if you want a certain part of the print for the front of the bag.
½ yard (45cm) - Vinyl: Vinyl, faux leather, cork or similar where the edges can be left raw, but please consider the bulk when sewing, not all domestic machines will be able to handle sewing the layers with a very heavy vinyl.
½ yard” (45cm) - Lining: Cotton fabric for lining.
Interfacing:
22” x 20” (55x50cm) - Heavy fusible interfacing: Fast 2 Fuse Heavy, Pellon 72F Peltex 2 Sided Fusible or Pellon 71F Peltex if you prefer one sided fusible.
1 yard (90cm) - Thin fusible interfacing: Fusible interfacing for lining and all cotton fabrics like Vilene G700 woven fusible or Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex.
Notions:
1 - Purse frames 7 1/2” (19cm). If you need help locating these I have a list here on my blog. You can use the closed ended frames, or the open ended ones like from Emmaline Bags as you prefer. OR if you’re making the version with zipper closure: 1 - #5 Zipper 14” (35cm) (or longer): Should match the exterior fabric if you wish to have a zipper closure for your bag. If you’re uncomfortable replacing zipper pulls, choose an open ended zipper.
1 - Metal zipper end: You can use one of these, or you can choose to sew a little cover of your own design.
(4 - 1” (2.5cm) Rectangle rings: or D-rings with 1” (2.5cm) interior measurement. Only needed if making handle connectors)
1 - 14” (35cm) #3 zipper (or longer): Should match the lining fabric and not have a big/bulky pull.
4 - Bag feet: If desired.
Rotary cutter, cutting mat and ruler.
Double sided wash away quilting tape I warmly recommend. Fabric glue & wonder clips.
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PDF BAG SEWING PATTERN
This is a PDF sewing pattern file for download and printing yourself. It's a full color pattern with step by step instructions, each accompanied by a color photo to make it fun to sew and the pattern easy to follow.
You're most welcome to sell items made from my patterns on a small scale.
