Bag Pattern Release Uncategorised

You can purchase the digital sewing pattern here: The Merryn Handbag Sewing Pattern, or read on to find out more about this unique, structured handbag and see some inspiration from our incredible pattern testing team!

If you like a bag with striking hardware, the Merryn Handbag is going to be your new favourite bag to sew! I designed the Merryn to combine a structured doctor-bag shape with stunning hardware. You can wear this bag over your arm, over your shoulder, or using the crossbody strap.

The bag shown in the image is made using our tan colour Gwyn faux leather which is available to pre-order here.

What’s Special About This Sewing Pattern?

The Merryn Handbag is all about the details. It features a beautifully clean top zip closure to keep your belongings secure while maintaining a sleek, modern profile.

The exterior hardware gives the bag an upscale, designer look. It’s a great bag for showing off faux leather or genuine leather.

The handles have lots of options: rolled or flat, strap wraps or no strap wraps, short or long.

This is my first pattern using our new “Strap Wraps” hardware. They are purely aesthetic, but don’t they really add something to the finished bag? These work really well for rolled handles, anything up to four layers of faux leather.

What’s Included in the Sewing Pattern?

Digital PDF file with step-by-step photo instructions.

Handy cutting chart and pattern pieces to print at home.

Full video tutorial to guide you through every step of the construction.

Instant download right after purchase.

Dual measurements: All measurements are provided in both imperial (inches) and metric (centimetres).

A0 file included for use with projectors or print shop printing.

What Skill Level is The Merryn Handbag?

This is an Intermediate sewing pattern. While the main construction of the bag is fairly straightforward, working with a structured stabiliser makes assembling the exterior slightly more challenging. Installing the hardware and straps requires a bit of patience and precision. If you’ve made a few beginner bags and are comfortable sewing through multiple layers or using double-sided tape and rivets, you will fly through this pattern. As always, I walk you through every step with clear photos and a comprehensive video tutorial.

What Supplies Do You Need?

Fabric (I like to use faux leather or canvas for the exterior, and quilting cotton for the lining):

– 1 yd [100cm] exterior fabric (cork is NOT recommended as it won’t wear well on the fold)

– 1 yd [100cm] lining fabric

Interfacing & Stabilisers:

– Medium weight woven interfacing – enough for all cotton fabrics (G700, Fast-Fuse, SF101 or similar)

– 13″ [33cm] Medium/firm stabiliser (Bouncy Firm 210, Decovil Light or Flexi Fuse)

– 15″ [40cm] Ultra firm stabiliser (Peltex 71F, Firm Fuse or similar)

Notions:

– 30″ [77cm] No.5 zip tape and two zip pulls

– 17″ [44cm] of 3/8″ [1cm] wide elastic for pen holders etc (optional)

– 19″ [48cm] of 1 1/2″ [4cm] wide elastic for bottle holders (optional – and 2″ [5cm] wide elastic will work fine too)

– 24″ [61cm] of 1/8″ [4mm] wide piping cord (optional for rolled handles)

– Double sided tape

Hardware

– 2 x 1″ [25mm] Swivel hooks

– 4 x 1″ [25mm] Strap wraps (optional, for use with rolled handles)

– 5 x 1″ [25mm] Strap sliders (for faux leather, use thick strap sliders)

– 6 x 1″ [25mm] Strap ends (increase to 10 if having flat handles)

– 6 x 2/3″ [16mm] Bag feet (optional)

– 2 x 3/4″ [18mm] D-rings

– 4 x 1 1/2″ [38mm] O-rings

– 1 x No.5 size zip end

– 25 x Medium Double cap rivets (optional – and reduce to 17 if using strap wraps)

Hardware kits are available to purchase here

Complete kits are available to purchase here

What is the Finished Size of the Merryn Handbag?

9” tall x 14” wide x 6” deep [23cm x 35.5cm x 15cm]

When unfolded, it is 11″ [28cm] tall

Get Inspired by the Pattern Tester Bags!

Our pattern testing team have made some amazing bags preparing for this pattern release. They experimented with everything from sleek solids to striking contrasting prints. Check out some of their incredible creations below:

Made by Andrea of Addie Kakes

Made by Tanya of Weave & Woven

Made by Nanou

Made by Amanda P

Made by Debbie B

Made by Diane R

Made by Art’Lequine

Made by Harriet

Harriet used Beige and Arctic Blue Mora faux leather for the exterior and vintage postcards canvas for the lining.

Made by Jo of Country Cow Designs

Made using Gwyn faux leather and bonded poly for the exterior. Water resistant cotton canvas for the lining.

Firm-Fuse stabiliser for the side panels, Flexi-Fuse stabiliser for the main panels, Fast-Fuse interfacing for the lining fabric.

Made by Laura of Element.L

Laura made her Merryn Handbag using the rolled handles method. She added a zip pocket facing inside her bag – this addition isn’t included in the pattern.

Made by Nanou of Lolucana

Made by Pauline S

Pauline made her Merryn Handbag using printed faux leather for the exterior, and Mora faux leather for the handles.

Made by Sandra of S B Creations

Sandra made her main exterior panels using two fabrics sewn together. This step is not included in the pattern but is great for inspiration and ideas.

Made by Sophie of Soelia

Sophie made her bag using corduroy. Rather than leaving the stabiliser out of the top of the exterior panels, she sewed a line across the main panel, to create a fold.