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Buttons, free bag pattern

This weeks runaway refashion is all about buttons… that’s one item I am not short of! I inherited my Gran’s button box, and my mother-in-laws. There is something special about using buttons passed on down through the generations. Some of the buttons have stories attached to them, sadly lost now as the generation passes away.

Button box

The refashion seems a great way of using lots of odd buttons to add a twist to one of my favourite tutorials.

Recycled Tweed Bag Tutorial Vicky Myers Creations

This makes a super cute small bag.

Looking for ideas for you stash of buttons? This small bag pattern is the perfect sewing project to show off your vintage buttons. #DIYButtonsbag

I started with some wool fabric I had been passed on in a gorgeous burgundy colour.

Personally I am rather passionate about bag making – if you are new to bag making I have the perfect Beginners Bag Making Course for you which covers so many essential skills for bag making, and includes many free bag tutorials. 

To make your own cut out the bag pieces as per the downloadable Tweed Tote Bag instructions. Add fusible fleece to the main bag piece. Mark out 1″ squares with tailors chalk and a quilters ruler. As you can see from the image I started from the top of the bag each side marking out 8 squares towards the base of the bag (central column on image below).

stitch lines

Stitch these grid lines in a complimentary colour, I chose a strong orange.

Have fun selecting a variety of buttons.

Choose buttons for the upcycled button bag

 

Hand stitch the buttons into place, leaving the top and side line of squares. This enables you to stitch the side seams in place. It has the added bonus of providing a frame around your gorgeous buttons.

Tack into place Annies Soft and Stable to the main bag piece, this adds strength and stability to the bag (mine is quite heavy with the weight of the buttons)

Button bag in progress

Sew up the bag as the tutorial. I did moderate slightly, placing the lining inside the bag with the top seam allowance turned in (as the outer is shown above) and top stitching the two together.

Wool Burgundy Tote Bag - step by step instructions to make your own

 

Free tote bag pattern, great use of your button stash

This bag is available from my Etsy shop  – its that time of year where I need to start building up stock ready for Christmas sales.

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Pam F

Thursday 13th of April 2017

I really want to make this bag but I don't have Office so I can't download....any other way to get it? Thanks for some great inspiration!

Vicky

Sunday 16th of April 2017

Hi Pam,I will copy and paste the instructions into an e-mail for you, Vicky

Clare

Wednesday 8th of March 2017

Love it but the download pattern doesn't work.

Vicky

Monday 13th of March 2017

Hi Clare, it seems to be working for me, how odd! I will send you the pattern by email. Vicky

Wendy

Saturday 3rd of September 2016

This is so cute, and what a clever way to use up those fun vintage buttons! Thanks for giving us the instructions on how to make one. This is going on my list of fun things to make!

sonja

Friday 2nd of September 2016

What a great idea. It looks very nice. Thanks for sharing how to make one.

Denise/DIY Crush

Wednesday 31st of August 2016

Oh my, this bag is darling! Just a great idea to display some beautiful buttons!! Thanks for sharing at our DIY Crush Craft Party on Thursdays! Hope to see your newest projects this week!

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