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Amy Butler Blossom Bag

This was the pattern that I was most looking forward to, from Amy Butler’s Style Stitches book (and you can get the pattern for free from Sew Mama Sew!). Honestly, it’s the most innovative sewing pattern for a bag that I have ever seen. There are many details that I have not seen in any other patterns, such as the tags on the handles, and the dividers inside the bag. In my opinion, it’s the closest design to a store-bought type bag, and it’s totally fabulous!

I sewed this up for Bree’s Style Stitches Sew Along, and also for the Amy Butler Sew Along (which ends on September 14th, so you still have time! Fun prizes!).

Fabric – The fabric I used for this project was Perch in blue, from Echino. The instructions call for using decor-weight fabric (which I did), but if you decide to use quilt-weight cotton, I don’t see that being a problem. For the lining, I used a 1-yard piece of seafoam green corduroy fabric that I got from my aunt. I like to use inexpensive fabrics for bag linings because bag supplies tend to add up, especially when you count the interfacing. This bag requires both woven and Peltex fusible interfacing. There is also a magnetic snap closure, and one of the dividers on the inside of the bag has a zipper.

Pattern Pieces – There are several pattern pieces to cut, as well as some pieces that you will cut using rectangular measurements. There is a short and a long strap option. I’m going to be honest, between cutting the fabric pieces and the interfacing pieces, you will be cutting fabric for around an hour. I also spent around an hour fusing all the pieces to the interfacing. The pattern instructions recommend that you use masking tape to mark all your pieces in order to keep track of them better, but I didn’t do this and had no problem, although of course it’s up to you. 🙂

Illustrations/Instructions – Like all the patterns in the Style Stitches book, there are no step-by-step photographs to guide you along. There are a couple of illustrations, but you are mostly relying on the written instructions. I think because of the intricacy of the bag, some people might be a bit intimidated to try this pattern, but I do think it is easier than other Amy Butler bags I’ve tried (like the Weekender Bag or the Take Flight Bag).

For instance, assembling the strap tags/handles take up a good chunk of the pattern instructions; however, this part of the pattern is not difficult at all. As you can see above, I have sewn down the strap tags to the main panel of my bag. Not hard.

The trickiest part was sewing the 2 side panels onto the main part of the bag, but even that wasn’t too bad. The Peltex interfacing makes it a bit tricky, but nothing near as difficult as other bags, and the side panels are not very large, so the hard part is over very quickly.

I enjoyed making the dividers on the inside of the bag…I know I will like having so much organization in my purse! The dividers are so simple to make, and even if you decide to skip the zipper, it would be no problem.

The only place I deviated from the pattern was that I added an extra bit of (fleece) fusible interfacing around the snap area on the flap; I am always concerned with the wear-and-tear that the metal snap will do to the strength of the fabric, so I usually do this on any bag with a magnetic snap. This scrap of interfacing would just be fused on before you insert the snap (you can see it in my photo, sticking out on the wrong side of the interfacing).

Conclusion – I usually have several things to say in my pattern reviews, but this is a pretty perfect pattern. If you set aside a couple hours to cut and fuse, then you’ll only have a few hours of sewing and you will be left with a beautiful, beautiful bag. I will definitely be making this bag again in different fabrics. I would recommend this sewing pattern to an intermediate sewer (or if you’ve made a couple bags before). Just fabulous, you really have to make this one!

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48 thoughts on “Amy Butler Blossom Bag

  1. Your bag is so beautiful! When I first saw the pattern online I was intimidated, but after reading your review I’ll definitely give it a try! Love the fabrics!

    http://www.sewdivertimento.blogspot.com

  2. Oh my. Your fabric is to die for. That BAG is gorgeous!!! I decided (sadly) not to do the sewalong because I don’t have the time, but now…maybe I’ll try to do it anyway. I can’t resist!!!

  3. Katy Cameron says:

    Oh that is gorgeous in that fabric, love it! I have the pattern pieces traced and cut out, and the fabric and interfacing ready to go, I just need to get to it (hopefully before the 14th!)

  4. Becky says:

    Gorgeous! I love the fabrics you chose. Just perfect. I’ve been eyeballing this bag in the book also. Glad to know it’s not as tough as the weekender!

  5. Lucy says:

    That fabric was made for this bag!! Totally stunning. I love it!
    Great tips too!

    http://charmaboutyou.blogspot.com

  6. susan says:

    The bag is beautiful and I would never have the courage to even attempt a pattern like that. You have done an amazing job!

  7. BeeSewSweet says:

    I love it! Your bag is just gorgeous! That print is perfect for this bag. I’m looking forward to making mine. Thanks for the tips.

  8. Emilie says:

    It looks fabulous Sara! I wanted to try this bag but the amount of different interfacings sort of put me off (plus I’m not sure I can find the right kinds around here). I’m glad to read your pattern review and I still have it on my list of bags I want to try. Great job!

  9. Kelly Irene says:

    Gorgeous! That fabric looks like it was made for the bag.

  10. WandaFish says:

    What a gorgeous bag! Thanks for the great review of the pattern – it might just have given me the confidence to try it 🙂

  11. Manda says:

    So so cute! Love the fabric you’ve used!

  12. Eleanor says:

    Your bag is beautiful and you made it sound fun to make. I have been torn about whether or not to make this one. I have the fabric but am not sure if I am up for all the cutting and interfacing. Thanks for the encouragement.

  13. Marci Girl says:

    Beautiful Sara! It really is a stunner! I have mine cut out, but alas ran out of interfacing, so a trip to the store is needed to finish this one and my Fringed Hobo bag!

  14. Wow! That came out gorgeous!! You always give me the confidence to try a new pattern. 🙂

  15. Grandma G says:

    What an adorable bag! Thanks for the review. I’ve thought of making one myself, but couldn’t decide. Now I’m tempted again! I did make the Weekender… it was a lot of work, but the result was so great that I’m now in love with AB patterns. In fact, I’m now using her techniques to replace those on a rather poorly-written pattern I purchased on Etsy.

    I must ask… did you fuse your interfacing over the entire outer pieces? They sort of have that slightly crinkly fused look… on your Weekender, too. Just wondering if you misunderstood the directions, which say only to fuse in the seam allowances and over the heavy interfacing, rather than directly to the fabric. Sorry if I’m sounding picky… just trying to help out in case you do a future project. With all the work AB bags require, you want to do it right for the best result possible. 🙂

  16. MN2NM says:

    I saw this over on Flickr and came to read your review. Thanks so much! I had read that this was a bit of a challenging pattern but I really love the shape. I might have to give it a go. So far, I’ve only managed the Birdie Sling (which I love!), but it’s on the beginner side of bag sewing 🙂

  17. It’s awesome Sara! Way to go… You should link this up to Craft Book month! http://www.craftbuds.com/september-is-craft-book-month/

  18. Beautiful bag, I am usually intimidated by AB patterns b/c of the chatter I hear. I think I’ll have to give this a try, you make it sound do-able!

  19. Jessica says:

    wow! this bag looks fabulous! It certainly does look like something you’d purchase at the store, great job!!

  20. Janet K says:

    That bag is beautiful – what a great use for the Echino fabric!

  21. ~Michelle~ says:

    Perfect fabric! No wonder you have Echino on the brain 🙂

  22. Lana says:

    Your pattern review of this bag is so timely for me as I’m about to start it. Thank-you! Your bag turned out beautifully and I’m glad to hear the pattern isn’t too bad!
    Lroghair (at) aol (dot) com

  23. Carla says:

    What a perfect bag! I’m still amazed you made this. It looks so complicated. thanks for sharing!

  24. KLMunoz says:

    I have made 2 of these bags now and the WORST part is cutting and interfacing!!!! Once that is done its wonderful!!!

  25. LJ says:

    This bag looks cool and I’m glad to hear that it’s not toooo difficult.

  26. Catherine says:

    Love this bag! The Echino fabric is perfect for it. I just finished cutting out all those pieces for my version of the blossom bag last night so your review of this pattern is perfect timing for me. Thanks for all your tips:-)

  27. Cherie says:

    I LOVE this bag, and especially the dividers! As much as I whine and moan about the details, interfacing, etc., Amy Butler wins, hands down, on style and making patterns that produce professional-looking results!

  28. Megan says:

    GAH! Bookmarking this, because I WANT ONE 🙂 Thanks for linking up to {Sew} Modern Monday and have a great week!

  29. Bry says:

    Wow, this came out fantastically! I love it!! 😀 Perfect fabric choice.

  30. Tammy says:

    I still have this bag on my to-do wish list. Your version is really pretty. I love the fabrics you used. Great job! And thanks for the review and tips!!

  31. Anonymous says:

    Wow, I love this bag. It was difficult to find this fabric in Europe. I bought the perch in raspberry from Echino at mondaysmilk.nl! Great shop with all kinds of lovely fabrics. Hope the fabrics will arrive soon….

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  33. Love, love, love the bag. The only way I’d own one is if I bought it already made. I’ve made ONE bag, and it was a nightmare, so I’m hesitant to attempt another. From now on, I’ll either win one already assembled, or I’ll buy it pre-made. Definitely not going to make one – I’d go bonkers! Yours is A-DOR-A-BLE. Absolutely beautiful!!

  34. Lisa says:

    I’ve got this pattern cataloged on my ‘to make soon’ list, I’ll definitely be bookmarking your post so that I can come back to those photos! Great job on the bag!

    Lisa
    sewgloried.blogspot.com

  35. Amorette says:

    i love the fabric you used on this bag- it is perfect! i made a blossom bag too, but i love yours more!

  36. ZiaMaria says:

    Hopping over from Craft Buds. Wow this is such a lovely bag, thanks for sharing!

  37. This is so pretty and functional–gotta love that!!!! Love the fabric you chose!!!!

  38. SweetSelena says:

    WOW! This bag is beautifully made. I have been intimidated by it…it’s been siting in que waiting to be brought to life. I am going to attempt this weekend, I printed out and cut th pattern tonight, need to get pick up some Peltex. The rectangular cutting you speak of, is that for the handles because there is no pattern piece for that? Thank you in advance or your help!!!

  39. Kristy says:

    This is beautiful!!!

  40. Pam says:

    After reading your review, I’ve downloaded the pattern. It looks stunning with your choice of material.

  41. The bag looks wonderful …….. lovely choice of fabric!!!!!

  42. Mickey says:

    Love the fabrics you used. Fabrics can really make or break a bag (IMHO). I have the book already (got it right after it came out). I have been reluctant to make this pattern because it looked so difficult but now I think I can tackle it.

    Thank you for reviewing it. You did a fantastic job!!!

  43. Sarah says:

    Hiya – thanks so much for the sew-a-long photos of the handles. I had a go at making the bag and your pics really helped.

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  45. Tiffany says:

    Do you think this bag would work well with the soft and stable or would you stick with the peltex?

  46. Baba says:

    HI. Just wanted to say thank you for this tutorial of sorts. I found it quite useful while making my own Blossom Bag.

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