What's really stopping you from making the bag in your head?
The Perfect Bag Pattern Doesn't Exist... Until You Draft It.
Introducing the Bag Maker Community!
If you're a bag maker who always ends up changing the pattern, this is your chance to finally make bags exactly the way you want them, in your size, with your pockets, designed by you.
You may cancel your subscription at any time to stop future payments.
You've made lots of bags, but NOT the one in your head.
I get it.
You can sew a zipper and box a corner without even thinking about it. You know exactly how your bag should look: where the pockets go, how deep it is, and how it closes.
So why can't you find the pattern?
You've scrolled the pattern shops for hours. You've asked in Facebook groups for "something like this, but with..." You've bought the almost-right one and spent your evenings changing it, only to unpick it again.
The problem is simple...
A pattern is just a list of decisions somebody else made. The size, the depth, the pockets, the closure. The chances a stranger made every one of them the way you would are almost zero.
That’s why drafting your own patterns is the only way to make bags exactly the way you want them.
To make the bag you want, you need to follow..
The 5 Steps of designing YOUR dream bag
Every bag I've ever designed went through the same five steps. Once you know them, you can design any bag you like.
Which step are you stuck on?
STEP #1 · SKETCH YOUR BAG
Decide on every detail you want: the shape, the pockets, the closures and the style lines. Then sketch your bag so you can see it all come together.
STEP #2 · MAKE A BASIC DRAFT
Turn your sketch into simple shapes on paper. Rectangles, circles and boxed corners. No hard maths.
STEP #3 · ADD THE DETAILS
This is where your bag starts to look like your bag. Take the details from your sketch and draw them onto your draft, one at a time.
STEP #4 · CREATE YOUR PATTERN PIECES
Trace your draft into pattern pieces you can cut, sew, and use again and again.
STEP #5 · TEST YOUR DESIGN
Make a prototype to test your pattern, so you know your bag works before you cut into your good fabric.
Finally! Turn Any Bag Idea Into A Pattern
Zips. Gussets. Pockets. Boxed corners... oh my!
You've already got the pieces. Let me show you how to put them together.
You've put in the hours at your sewing machine. You've made tote bags, backpacks, pouches and more. You can sew almost anything a pattern throws at you.
Now, what are you left with?
A stack of patterns, a head full of techniques, but still no bag that's truly yours.
If you're like most bag makers, you have more patterns than bags you really love!
The Bag Maker Community is your chance to finally see how bags are built, connect all the pieces, and draft the bag you actually want.
Instead of following someone else's plan, I'll show you how to make your own, built around what you carry, how you live and the style you love.
That's what designing your own bag is all about.
Every bag idea you have becomes a bag you can actually make!
How I designed my first bag?
So, back in 2018, a friend asked me to make a bag for her daughter’s First Holy Communion.
Here’s the funny part. I had no idea bag patterns even existed! So from the very start, I knew I’d have to make my own.
I found a few photos on a blog, worked out the pieces, and drafted the whole thing myself. And I was so proud of it.
Then, the night before the ceremony, we tried to put the church book inside. It didn’t fit!
If I’m perfectly honest, I felt like a total loser.
I managed to save it by moving the button and shortening the flap. But I never forgot that lesson. Always start with what goes inside the bag.
A year later, I went to a leather workshop and made a small crossbody bag with a flap and a buckle closure.
But here's what blew my mind. The whole thing was cut from one single piece of leather! I drafted one pattern piece, hand-stitched two seams, and turned it into a 3D bag.
From that day on, I saw every bag as simple shapes.
From never having made a bag to over 30 published patterns.
Six months after that class, I released my first sewing pattern. And the rest is history.
Now I get to help bag makers just like you design bags of their own. I’m completely self-taught, no design degree, and I promise you don’t need one either.
Testimonials
See what BMC members say:
Discover Exactly What's Inside The Bag Maker Community
The Designer's Vault
Over 20 step-by-step video projects, each one taking you from a blank page to a finished pattern. It's not a course you have to follow in order. Jump into whichever project teaches the skill you need, and combine what you learn to create a bag that’s completely yours.
Live Q&A Sessions
Twice a month, you can bring your sketch, your draft or whatever you're stuck on. Send your question in ahead of time and I'll answer it live. Can't make it? Every session is recorded, so you can watch the replay whenever it suits you.
Co-working sessions
Once a month, we meet live on Zoom to draft and sew together. It's the easiest way to set aside time for your own bag, chat with other makers, and actually get it finished.
Supportive Community
A friendly space just for members. Share your finished bags in the showroom, post your ideas on the dream bag board, and get feedback from makers who know exactly what you're working towards.
Some of the projects inside the Designer's Vault
Everything you need to go from following patterns to designing your own.
✓ The Designer's Vault (£997)
✓ Live Q&A sessions, twice a month (£97 a month, £1,164 a year)
✓ Monthly co-working sessions (£47 a month, £564 a year)
✓ The BMC community (£67 a month, £804 a year)
Total value: £3,529 a year
But you can get it all for just £25 a month, or £250 a year!
Flexible Membership. Cancel Any Time.
There are no contracts or long-term commitments. You can cancel your membership at any time from your account, and no further payments will be taken. You'll keep full access to everything inside the BMC until the end of your current billing period.
I want you to join because the BMC is right for you, not because you feel locked in.
Look what BMC members are creating!
One of the most rewarding parts of running the Bag Maker Community is seeing the incredible projects my members create.
But don’t just take my word for it—see for yourself!
Click play and imagine yourself here with us!
Take a look inside!
Curious about what’s waiting for you inside the Bag Maker Community? Watch this quick tour of the members-only portal, where you’ll find everything from in-depth classes to vibrant discussion threads.
See how easy it is to navigate the resources, connect with fellow bag makers, and dive into the creative projects that are transforming ideas into beautiful bags.
What makes BMC different?
My formula: I teach you how to break down complex designs into smaller, manageable components. By focusing on individual parts like pockets, flaps, and closures. You’ll build your skills gradually and gain confidence as you create stunning, custom bags.
Step-by-step guidance: Each project is broken into bite-sized lessons, making it easy to follow along and apply what you learn right away. No more feeling overwhelmed- just clear, actionable steps that guide you through every aspect of pattern drafting and bag making.
Community support: In BMC, you’re never alone. Our community is here to offer support, share insights, and celebrate your progress. You’ll get the encouragement you need to keep moving forward, plus feedback to refine your skills.
Expert instruction: Benefit from my personal experience and expertise. I’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and guide you through the complexities of pattern drafting, making the learning process smoother and more enjoyable.
BAG MAKER COMMUNITY
IS for you if:
✅ You’re unsure how to start designing your own patterns or feel overwhelmed by the process.
✅ You want to learn the essentials of pattern drafting and construction without feeling lost or confused.
✅ You need a creative outlet and a supportive space to boost your confidence and mental well-being.
✅ You’re eager to create bags that stand out from the mass-produced options available.
✅ You’re frustrated with the limitations of pre-made patterns and want to draft your own designs from scratch.
✅ You’re seeking a friendly and inclusive online community where you can express your creativity freely.
✅ You struggle to find time to learn new techniques but want concise, easy-to-follow tutorials that fit into your busy schedule.
BAG MAKER COMMUNITY
IS NOT for you if:
❌ You’re not ready to actively engage and invest time in improving your bag-making skills.
❌ You’re not interested in challenging yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone.
❌ You’re an experienced professional looking for advanced techniques, or you already have an extensive skill set (though you’re welcome to benefit from community interaction and support!).
❌ You’re not prepared to take practical steps and apply what you learn to your projects.
❌You’re not comfortable being part of a positive, supportive community focused on encouragement and growth.
FAQs
"What is the Bag Maker Community?"
The Bag Maker Community is an exclusive online space for bag makers and aspiring bag designers. It's a place where we connect, build meaningful relationships, and learn from each other. You'll find tutorials, live Q&A sessions, curated resources, and a supportive community to help you bring your bag design visions to life.
"Can I cancel my membership at any time?"
Yes. You can cancel your membership at any time, whether you’re on a monthly or annual plan.
Cancelling your membership stops any future payments from being taken. You’ll continue to have access until the end of your current paid billing period.
If I cancel early, do I lose access immediately?
No. You’ll keep access until the end of the period you’ve already paid for, and then your membership will automatically end.
Do you offer refunds?
No. All memberships are billed upfront and are non-refundable. Cancelling a subscription does not result in a refund for unused or remaining time in your current billing period.
"What if I have questions or need help with a project?"
You can ask questions during our live Q&A sessions or post them in the community forums. I am here to help and support you every step of the way.
"When will it start?"
The BMC is already up and running! Once you join, you'll have immediate access to all available resources, tutorials, and community forums.
"I've tried to learn this before, but I just don't quite get it. How will this be different?"
I'm all about the 'WHY'...
why the chosen construction method is important, why are annotations so important, why does this need to match up etc.
Every project is different, so with the knowledge of the 'why', you can apply the techniques to work for your individual creation!
"Does it matter if I work in centimetres or inches?"
You can work with whichever unit works best for you, but stick to one, as mistakes can tend to happen when mixing between the two.
"How long will I have access to everything?"
As long as you maintain an active member, you will have unlimited access to all the content, resources, and community features. This includes our tutorials, live Q&A sessions, templates, and community forums. You can access everything at any time, allowing you to learn and create at your own pace.
If you decide to cancel your membership, you will lose access to these benefits.
"I’m in a different time zone, will this effect my ability to participate?"
Not at all! All tutorials are pre-recorded and available in the portal, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. Additionally, our live Q&A sessions are recorded, so if you can’t join us live, you can always access the replay at a time that suits you. This way, you won’t miss out on any valuable content or community interactions.
"How much time will I need each week to get results?"
Don’t worry about finding hours of extra time each week! All our tutorials are pre-recorded, and the lessons are typically 5-20 minutes long. You can easily fit these into your schedule at your own pace. Whether you have just a few minutes or a bit more time, you’ll be able to progress and see results without feeling overwhelmed.