I pretty much like all the patterns form the ‘Breaking the pattern’ book by Named Patterns.

After making the Halla Coat (blog post here), which is the last pattern in the book, I wanted to make the Nummi bag, which is the first project in their book.

This is the simplest of the book. I wanted my bags to be reversible. As a result, I altered the construction process a little, to account for this. This also means that I did not use bias tape to finish off corners on the inside because all the raw edges ended up in the inside.

For the bags, I used fabric already in my stash that was soft furnishing fabric or leftover denim or mixed linen from other projects.

For one of the bags, I made a pocket and added it to the bag boy before I started construction.

I had to stop and consider how I would attach into the side seam my label because of the French seams. It was not difficult. After the first stitching with the wrong side together I carefully stitched my label into the seam allowance and them proceeded as normal.

I shortened the straps after making the first bag by about 10 cm because they were too long for me. Also, I cut the straps piece 16 cm wide and folded in half and then again towards the middle, which resulted with 4 layers of fabric and no exposed edges. I prefer this method for straps as they are stronger and balanced. This works well with medium weight fabrics.

As I mentioned before I like my bags to be reversible if they have a lining. To make my Nummi bags reversible I left a gap in the bottom of the lining, which I later closed by hand to make it invisible.

It does not take long to make one of these bags. For your information, I have added a picture with me wearing it. This is for the second bag I made which had the shorter straps.

Because I made my bag reversible and did not use bias binding to finish off the corners, I wanted the lying to stay put and not move away from the main bag. So, before I slip stitched it closed, I lined up the corners of the main bag with the ones for the lining and overlocked/serged them together. You can sew them together as well. But make sure it’s done on the seam allowance.

Depending on your mood you can either use it with whichever side you like best that day.

 

I already have lined up a few more of these bags to make as presents or to match some outfits I made, from which I still had some fabric left and it was not enough to make something else. With this bag, you can have the pockets to the outside or to the inside. You can even draft pockets with zips. There is no limit to what you can do with this bag pattern. It’s entirely up to you what you want to do.

I like this book because the authors inspire you to make your won alterations give you a few ideas how you can change the patterns that come with the book to make the projects more you or to fit with your style or preferences. No wonder that this book became my favourite sewing book in my sewing library.

Have you already tried patterns from this book? How do you find them? Please let me know in the comments below or on my social media accounts, whichever is easier for you.