This Purse is a Cinch! Lol

While this bag wasn't the first bag I ever made, this is the first drawstring pattern that I had ever followed. It is also one of the reasons I enjoy making bags. The Cinch Top Tote by Shabby Fabrics on YouTube is a tutorial rather than just a pattern. I found this pattern to be super easy to cut out and make.

The entire pattern is made of nothing but different sized rectangles. Jennifer, our hostess, goes through how to cut and interface each piece. This bag is one I would highly recommend for a beginner. No zippers and fusible fleece is used for the stabilizer, making this bag an easy starter bag. The drawstring is the trickiest part in my opinion.

I didn't add anything to this pattern when I made all of the bags I have from it. I did misunderstand the instructions the first time. Though I don't even know what it was that I did wrong. (Well... wrong is relative. It isn't necessarily wrong, so much as it is not constructed as per her instruction.) I put the cover piece on wrong for the first bag, but every bag I made since the prototype has had the correct construction.

If I were to come up with any ideas as to how to change up this pattern, I would say of course you could always alter the size. But even better, pockets are always a great addition. I have also thought about putting in a very simple loop to clip your keys to. I also used paracord rather than making the drawstring. Then there is also the thought of changing the interfacing.

As I mentioned earlier, the original bag calls for fusible fleece, but if you were to use insulated fleece, you could make it into a cooler sack. I haven't tested this theory though. I worry that maybe you wouldn't be able to fully insulate the bag. But perhaps you could use foam if you wanted a bag that would be sturdy. In my opinion though, it doesn't need it. The fusible fleece seems to be enough to make it stand alone, but it by no means will be stiff. I do recommend you interface the handles to keep them flat, other wise regular use will cause the handles to wrinkle. Though, if you are short on SF101 and don't mind wrinkly handles, then by all means.

I have used these bags as my personal purses and also as project bags. I have been able to fit upwards of four regular sized skeins of yarn in one purse! If I need a new project bag, this is the first pattern I turn to. I have sold a few as well. It is a fun sew and if you want something simple and a tiny challenge at the end, give this one a try!

Thank you for reaching the end of my thoughts! I write reviews like this and post them here every Friday! Please, enjoy your stay and comment below how I can make this blog better!