Capable Beginner

The Blithe Bucket Bag

Printable PDF Pattern   |   Instant Download

A sweet drawstring bag for holding your stitchy projects, featuring external pockets and eye-catching cathedral window.

$19.80
$19.80
AU
GST Included
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THE BLITHE BUCKET BAG

The Blithe Bucket Bag

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Try a simple drawstring tote with a twist. This is a sturdy bag with just the right amount of slouch. It has edgy, modern storage and an unexpected Easy Cathedral Window front and centre. The open bag measures 7.5" W x 12" H x 5.5" D making it the perfect hardworking bag - with roomy storage and built in pockets.

Pattern features

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Easy to Follow Instructions
Video Tutorials
Printable Templates
Clear, Supportive Diagrams
Cutting Table & Supply Lists

Play with Applique

If you're a fan of applique, try this scandi-themed design where you can feature all the colours from the main fabric. Whether you like needle turn, raw edge, or woolen applique, this design will look stunning ...

Play with Applique

If you're a fan of applique, try this scandi-themed design where you can feature all the colours from the main fabric. Whether you like needle turn, raw edge, or woolen applique, this design will look stunning ...

Feature a Fussy-Cut

If applique isn't your thing, or you'd just like a quicker finish, try fussy-cutting a favourite fabric for a fabulous finish ...

Feature a Fussy-Cut

If applique isn't your thing, or you'd just like a quicker finish, try fussy-cutting a favourite fabric for a fabulous finish ...

Functional External Storage

Every bag works even better with more pockets - the external pockets on this bag give you plenty of options for extra notions, and even your keys and phone ...

Functional External Storage

Every bag works even better with more pockets - the external pockets on this bag give you plenty of options for extra notions, and even your keys and phone ...

Thoughts from Ali

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In my quest for better organisation, I’ve turned my attention to larger storage solutions.

I love drawstring tote bags for the room they offer, so I set about designing something roomy, sturdy, and beautiful all at the same time.

For me, that’s the fun of sewing – designing something unexpected, beautiful and yet still functional, because at the heart of it all, we need to use what we make!

This is one of those projects that looks complicated and yet is really simple to construct. The cathedral window on the front is made from simple squares, and yet once it’s done, you really can’t tell how it’s made!

You can choose to make an applique window version with a sweet Scandi themed design. Use needle turn applique, raw edge applique, woolen applique – simply choose whichever technique you’d prefer.

I've designed 3 alternate applique centres if you'd like to try something different - try the Olive, Lotus & Hexaswirl pattern for a different adventures!

If applique isn't your thing and you'd like to speed up the process, simply feature your favourite fussy-cut front and centre. This is a fabulous way to use some of that long hoarded fabric you've been 'saving' for a special project.

Read more
Meet Ali Phillips
Sewist & Pattern Designer

Ali Phillips is an Australian sewist and entrepreneur with a passion for family, creativity, and organisation.

Supplies & materials

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Get a helpful list of the supplies you'll need to make this pattern.
Fabric & Interfacing

The Bag

  • ½ yard (45 cm) x WOF – Main Fabric Exterior(front, back, pocket, flap)
  • Fat ⅛ (18” x 10”, 45 cm x 20 cm) – Contrast Borders
  • 6” x 6” (15 cm x 15 cm) square – Fussy Cut Design (fabric cut on pointe) OR See Appliqué Panel
  • Fat ¼ (18” x 20”, 45 cm x 50 cm) – Bias Binding + Drawstring Connectors)
  • ½ yard (45 cm) x WOF – Lining (front, back, pocket, flap)
  • Fat ¼ (18” x 20”, 45 cm x 50 cm) – Casing & Handles

Appliqué Panel

  • 8” x 8” (20 cm x 20 cm) – solid background fabric
  • [5] 5” x 5” (12.5 cm x 12.5 cm) – coordinating solid fabrics for appliqué

Interfacing

Notions & Little Bits
  • [2] ½” (14 mm) – Magnetic snaps
  • 2 yards (1.8 m) – 5 mm Cord or 10 mm Ribbon for drawstring
  • Appliqué needles (milliners – size 9-11)
  • Fine, strong thread – preferably polyester thread like Superior Bottom Line thread OR Invisafil in a blender colour
Tools
  • Pins and binding clips
  • Fabric safe marker
  • EPP glue stick
  • Small sharp scissors
  • Tacky craft glue

Feedback & reviews

03

I want to say kudos to you on designing an easy to read and follow pattern. Although I have been sewing for years, several of the skills used here were new to me, and your directions are spot on. I also love the diagrams and found them very helpful.

Amber

I think you designed a fantastic pattern! I have made several handbags and drawstring bags in the past and this is my new favorite pattern! Thank you for including such a remarkably easy and beautiful way to showcase a cathedral window, I love the overall aesthetic attractiveness to your graphic design and the illustrations are like none other I have seen so far. Beautiful job!!!

Eugenia

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