Say hello to my latest bag pattern, the Serena Saddle Bag! Originally drafted from a cereal box, this compact and curvy number has become one of my favourite bags to make over the years and also one of my best sellers. So I've finally transformed it into a proper digital pattern to share with you!
The Serena Saddle Bag ('serena' is calm or tranquil in Italian) is the classic 'D-shaped' saddle bag with a modern twist! Padded all around with defined curves and piping on the flap, I love the addition of a carry handle for a more chic look!
This style of bag works well in a medium weight quilting cotton, tweed, linen, canvas, vinyl, cork, laminated or coated cottons. You can choose one main fabric, or a combination of fabrics, for example, this version is in a glossy laminated cotton teamed up with vinyl and copper metal hardware.
Here is one in all laminated cotton with webbing for the shoulder strap.
I have aimed this bag pattern at the 'intermediate sewer or confident beginner' as it teaches you the basics of bag making that you can carry through to other bag styles too, such as installing a magnetic snap, adding piping to a flap, sewing a zipped pocket and making an adjustable strap. With over 60 photos and step-by-step instructions, this pattern is perfect for the more visual learner.
Serena has been thoroughly tested by a group of sewers from around the world at various levels of sewing experience and on a variety of machines. Here are their amazing results and their feedback on my new pattern!
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Sze in northern Virginia, USA chose this stunning fabric to feature on her bag, with a pop of orange inside for added wow factor. "I love all the tips you added in bold within the instructions. They are very helpful. For me, the difficult part was attaching the gusset piece to the body. It turned out well though. I had so much fun making this. Thank you!"
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Anna of The Country Studio Bags in New Zealand made her Serena in this dramatic floral print. I love how she topstiched the seam down around the gusset to really define those curves! "Lovely bag pattern, good, clear instructions, lots of useful photos as well."
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Mitzi of Sew Awesome Creations in Australia went for bold red poppies on the flap teamed up with a very thick black vinyl. "Great easy to follow step by step instructions with lots of pictures makes this a great bag pattern for confident beginners as well as seasoned bag makers".
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Veronica in Detroit, USA made a darling version of the Serena featuring a beautiful machine embroidered floral design on the flap, a pop of red piping and pinstripes. "I love the pattern. I just got a new embroidery machine and wanted to give it a test. I love the end results."
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Alison (UK) chose a fun campervan print to feature on her Serena. She did not have piping cord to hand, so made her own stripy pleated binding instead for the flap and it came out super cute! "It came together lovely, (the pattern) reads so well and was so easy."
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Kacy's bag in a fun fortune telling print with zesty lime green eyes inside says "The pattern was SUPERBLY written!"
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A monochrome version of Serena by Candice in Maryland, USA
You can also join my Sew Sofia Bag Patterns Facebook group for support and to show off your bag makes as well as sign up to my mailing list to receive news just for bag makers.