I have a new free pattern to share with you! And just in time for Christmas because this one is quick and satisfying to make! I had the opportunity to design this bag for Carolyn‘s new collection Carkai (which is shipping to stores any day now) for Robert Kaufman. I can’t ever say no to working with Carolyn‘s designs, they’re pretty much my favorite thing ever – every time. I am always blown away by her color combinations! Needless to say her designs inspire me.
So this is the Gatherer Crossbody Bag, I had such a fun time sketching out ideas! Admittedly sometimes getting from sketch to a design I actually want to make can be so difficult as well as time consuming. But this one definitely wasn’t the case. From sketching to starting work on my prototype went really smoothly. I feel really lucky when that happens. And I couldn’t stop at just one bag, three is always more fun. Playing with the different combinations is my favorite. Especially on a new project that hasn’t been released yet. Secretly I want to keep the pattern all to myself at that point, and run off with the samples. hehe!
This is a small-ish bag (Dimensions:Ā 10″ wide x 9″ tall x 2 1/2″ deep) to be worn across the body. The flap closure is a fun opportunity to try out some leather or non-fraying faux leather or suede. I think you’ll find the button stud closure (or sub in this Loxx fastener, super easy to use!) to be really elegant as well as quick and easy to install. The piping adds a nice pop an definition to the flap and front pocket. Stop by my piping tutorial for making your own and you’ll probably never want the store-made stuff again.
The straps finish in a sort of raw state which I think compliments Carkai nicely. They simply gets knotted around each side loop, although you can also use swivel/lobster clasps if you like using hardware. My goal was to keep the bag simple and one that didn’t require a lot of ‘extras’ that can sometimes be difficult to track down.
I hope you’ll try one and maybe gift one to a friend, too!
Click here to download the FREE Gatherer Crossbody Bag
(the link is on the Robert Kaufman site on the right hand side)
ACK! just when I think you can’t get any better with design of your bags, you blow me away again! I also love the Carkai fabrics, they are perfect for this design and I can’t wait to make one!!! thanks Anna – you are the BEST!
The best! Love them all.
I love the look of this bag. Thank you for the free pattern! I need to find some of those ball stud thingys.
Thanks so much for the free pattern. I am eager to make one.
Thank you for the pattern! I am excited to make some. I have a niece and a sister who have birthdays in January and this will be the perfect gift for them!
LOVE! can’t wait to make one! Thanks for the free pattern!
This is a great bag. Thanks for the pattern.
thank you so much for this Christmas gift !
lovely bag. can’t wait to make one.
These are so pretty! Love all the fun details!
Beautiful details — love the leather and piping. And yes, Carolyn’s fabric is always amazing!
Love it! your patterns and Carolyn’s amazing fabrics are the perfect combination! I love the trail tote! I made it using Carolyn’s fabric. I use it everyday, and this bag looks around the same size as the small trail tote. It would look pretty cool in your Rain Walk fabric too. I’ll definitely need to make one. Or two š
Another GREAT pattern, Anna! Thanks!
Thank you so much. I’m hoping the Fabric Elf fixes my machine soon as I would love to make this bag. You’re very inspiring Anna. Jolly Holiday wishes. Sue
Beautiful bag, as always. Love all the little details.
I’ve been wanting to make a new bag and this just might be it!! I like it!
Thank you, Anna, for such a terrific bag! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. And the inside flap of the blue bag–glorious!
The best! ąøŖąø§ąø¢ąø”ąø²ąøąøą¹ąø°
Merci beaucoup !
Thank you so much for the free pattern, itĀ“s so beautiful! IĀ“ll make more than one
Adorable! Thanks, Anna!
Anna, thank you for another beautiful bag pattern!
My first lined bag project was your old-pants-to-messenger-bag. I still love that thing.
So lovely! I just ordered some button stud things so I could make this. I’m super excited!
Great post.
You have a interesting blog. Visit mine if you want
xoxo
welovefur.com
I am grateful for your work on this pattern!! These are the only kind of bags I use, especially when traveling. I like the dark blue print best. I will look online for the fabric. Thank you again, and a Merry Christmas to you.
These are adorable- love them all!! Thank you for taking the time to share! Happy Holidays to you and your family!:)
Wow thank you so much for the free pattern. This looks like a very useful bag. I love the button stud closure and tying the strap.
just finished two of these – adorable!
one for my and one for my little girl.
i also made a few super totes for Christmas gifts!
GREAT patterns!!!!
What type of leather did you use
Hi Beth,
Thanks for your comment. I used scrap leather on these. You should be able to track some down on Etsy fairly easily. I would say any weight of leather between 3-6 oz. would be okay for sewing with a regular machine. Hope that helps!
Hi, I have just finished one of these as a gift and love it! In fact so does everyone that has seen it. I have some of your other patterns and the terms of use are clear but couldn’t find anything on this pattern. Is it ok to sell finished bags on a home based scale as is the case with your other patterns? Thanks for a great pattern.
Hi Sarah, thanks for your comment. Because I designed the projects for Robert Kaufman Fabrics, they request that it be for personal use only – so no selling of the finished product. All my other patterns/tutorials/patterns in my book are okay to sell the finished sewn item. Giving design credit to me or referring to my website would be great, but is not required. Let me know if you have further questions.
Carkai Gatherer Crossbody Bag I would love this and other patterns but not sure how to get them after trying for a while. I am in Scotland and would be very pleased if you can email them to me but please let me know the cost first.
Thank you very much
Thanks Jeanette. š If you click on the link in this post it’ll take you to the Robert Kaufman site (I designed the pattern for them), the download link is in upper right corner of the main column. Hope that helps.
I have this bag in process. In step 6, you talk about a “slip pocket” on page 5? This is not mentioned in the cutting out directions.
Can you please tell me what I’m missing or where you give the dimensions? Thank you.
Hey Mary, it’s listed under the ‘fabric B’ cutting instructions. š Last one on the list.
Yes, I found it. I also found your other cross body bag on the Kaufmann website and was able to adapt the strap directions and add a inner zipper pocket. Overall, I enjoyed making this bag and would def. make another one.
Glad you enjoyed the free patterns! š
Thank you for the instruction and pattern Anna! I made this lovely bag today, but haven’t found any peace of leather..
Do you have any advises for this case, what to replace it with?
Thanks Karine! You could check Etsy for leather scraps or upcycle by finding some leather at the thrift store perhaps. Otherwise I would suggest making a tab out of fabric and then do a button/buttonhole. š
I found the decision! I used a piece of felt instead))
someone may have already said this….the link for the pattern at the bottom of the page (before the comments) does not work. (some HTML is missing leaving the link unusable)
Oh thanks, just updated that link. š
Nice. I will have to make it. Thanks for the pattern.
Just looked at your bag tutorials, I printed out the Gather Crossbody bag & I will be also making your Open Wide Zippered Pouch for gifts. Thank you these and the others you have written up.
Thank you for this great pattern. I have just used my hanwoven fabric for the exterior fabric and it worked fine.
That sounds lovely Caroline!
Can I shrink this pattern?(I have never tried that with a printer before).Love the design, just need it smaller….
Hi Therese, yes you can! It’s pretty easy with this pattern. You’ll want to set your printer to print at a percentage (90% or 80% for example).
I have to pay more attention! I think this is so dang cute. I have a ton of projects Iām working on but may have to putbs9methng on hold to make one of these.
The pattern does wonders for the fabric too. Thanks Anna for always sharing your talents with us. Your the goods!