Amy Butler's Modern Diaper Bag

Ever since we went to the coast for Thanksgiving and I found some cool fabric, I've been on the hunt for the perfect pattern to sew. The fabric that I bought was reminiscent of a friend's diaper bag that I had been admiring for a long time. I decided that I would sew myself a diaper bag for this baby. Next, I began the quest for the ideal diaper bag pattern. Well, lucky for me, I got Amy Butler's Little Stitches from my sister for Christmas. I found what appeared to be THE pattern amongst its pages. After cutting out the pieces, I studied the shear enormity of them and decided that I must make them smaller. I cut off several inches and sewed the exterior together. The bag was still HUGE and I'm a fan of big bags. I just couldn't imagine toting this elephant of a bag around so I took it apart, cut all of its pieces down again, re-basted interfacings, and started over. I was much happier with the product below.

I tackled the next step, which was more difficult than the first. Amy Butler gives no pictures of the interior of the bag and I couldn't figure out what in the world her directions meant. Neither could Grandma Net, the master seamstress. She and I decided to sew together the pocket "tube" that was suggested, then place it in the bag and pleat and sew to make the pockets how I thought they should fit. (I also luckily found a picture of the interior of the bag on someone's blog on the internet.) This idea suited me well because I never can seem to follow a pattern in its entirety. Below is a picture of the interior.



My last trial was the straps. I decided that I didn't like that there were no embellishments on this bag. I thought the bag would look better with the straps being attached with wooden rings. I went to my garage and found some wooden curtain rings that I am not using and converted them into purse rings. I then sewed the straps. To my chagrin, they were much to short. I had to start over and sew new straps. The second set turned out just right. I am now waiting on handbag feet to place on the bottom. I had to order them since no fabric store in town has any. Once those arrive, I can attach them and sew in the lining. I will then have what is shaping up to be a pretty terrific bag. My mom also got me a button to attach to the clasp. This bag measures 20" across the top and 13" across the bottom.

Here are pictures of the finished product and the dimensions I used.

• bottom panel 5" x 14"
• long panel 8" x 19"
• side panel 5" x 12 1/2"
• side pocket 7" x 8"
• Cut 3 1/2" off main panel sides when folded (so it will be 7" total)
• Cut 3" off main panel bottom

If you wish to add rings to the straps like I did, you will need to cut straps that are 3"x 26" long.

I also removed the cell phone pocket because I thought it broke up the line of the bag. Lastly, when placing the fusible fleece over the interfacing on the exterior pieces, it was my experience that the fusible fleece would not stick to the interfacing. I had to baste the fleece in place.