I love sewing for my 9 yr old niece. I’ve made her a lot of dresses but never a proper handbag. So, when the little fashionista asked me to make a bag with lots of pockets, I got the perfect opportunity to design one for her: The Iris Crossbody Bag (releasing early next year). I used a basic pattern I had worked on many years back, replicated the colour blocked front of the Aurora pattern, included a flap and a few pockets. Well, then I got a call from her little sister asking for a red bag. So I designed a simple, mini version of the Iris crossbody bag for the little one. It looked so cute that I had to make it into a pattern.
The Iris Mini Crossbody bag is a perfectly sized crossbody bag convenient for everyday use. It measures about 9″ long, 7″ tall and is about 2.25″ wide. The Iris Mini bag is a very versatile pattern which can be made using different types of fabrics, for example, quilting weight cotton, vinyl, cork, etc., or a combination of these.
Fashion your Iris into a bag truly hard to resist. Choose a monochromatic palette or use colour as an accent, pick out a fun focal print for the flap or add a little embroidery or even some HTV. You can also choose to colour block each panel like one of my testers.
Crafted with a minimalist design, this compact bag is finished with an interior zipper pocket, a front flap with a magnetic snap closure and a detachable, adjustable strap. Multiple options have been provided for the strap anchors based on the material you are using. The fabric strap anchors are sewn into the top seam and the vinyl strap anchors are rivetted on. If you are sewing on a domestic machine then the vinyl strap anchor might be a better option for you. You can also add a metal strap anchor.
As always, my very talented testers have also added their own flair to the pattern and created stunning Iris bags. They have tested out the pattern using different types of fabrics, interfacings, stabilizers, closures and straps . Some have chosen to use readily available chain straps and some have used webbing with pretty accent connectors (not in pattern). A couple of testers have used fancy designer magnetic snap buttons, another chose a half moon clasp and a few used turn locks. Another talented tester has made an adorable grinch bag with light fixtures. Whichever option you go for, the Iris will make a beautiful bag designed for everywhere life takes you.
Show off your charismatic personality and good taste in accessories with this gorgeous arm candy.
Tester Pictures:
The cherry on top is that this pattern is absolutely free to download. So what are you waiting for?? Get the pattern and make an Iris crossbody for yourself or your loved ones now!!
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