Sometimes, it’s sleek simplicity you’re looking for. Other times, pulling out all the bells and whistles is what makes a project, and your heart, sing. Our Happy Garden Patchwork Sling combines several of your favorite things in one beautiful bag: embroidery, decorative stitching, lettering, ribbons, and patchwork. It's a bag that is "happy to be
A fabric gift bag, for the holidays and beyond, certainly needs to be cute, but more importantly… it needs to be fast, ‘cause time’s a’wastin’ and we have gifts to give! Use your serger or sewing machine to whip up beautiful bags in small, tall, and is-that-for-me jumbo. When flat, the Tall and Narrow bag
They used to be called “fanny packs” – but who wants to focus on their fanny?! Our S4H design is a Waist Pack – it’s more flexible and better looking. Find the full pattern and all the step-by-step instructions in our S4H Etsy Shop.
The eye-catching splash of embellishment on the front panel is embroidered appliqué. It combines the traditional fabric layering of appliqué with the gorgeous thread art of embroidery. There’s a full pattern + a placement template.
Unique seasonal style, but with a timeless silhouette perfect for any fabric combination. The project gives you a chance to fussy cut and pattern match, outline motifs with a quilting stitch, add pleated side grommets, and more.
A smaller tote is a lovely option as a handbag alternative. A softer structure and open top makes it easier to toss in more items than a traditional purse would hold. We used the Janome Bi-Level feet for the flat felled seams and more.
Grab and go! This duffle has the smaller size and softer structure to make it the carryall you reach for first when heading out the door. Not too big; but the drawcord top opens wide so you can load in lots. Not too stiff; it’s lightweight and extra comfy to sling over your shoulder. Not
With its wide webbing straps and sturdy carry handles, this is a hardworking carryall when you’re out and about – fill it up with storables when you’re home. A full 14” wide x 13” high x 10” deep! Available now in our Etsy Shop.
Build your bag-making foundation. You’ll learn (or practice if you’re already a pro) how to make box corners, assemble layered handles, create bold topstitching, pattern match a pocket, insert a magnetic snap, and more.
Santa’s got a brand new bag. Christmas stockings hung by the chimney with care are a favorite holiday tradition, but… could there be another way to corral some of Santa’s gifts? S4H trend-spotters noticed something new in recent seasonal ads from high-end retailers: Santa Bags – cute and clever totes that work as an alternative
The go-everywhere design of this zipper pouch features curved corners, straight line quilting, a diagonal zipper, and a narrow wraparound sidewall. An adjustable strap makes it flexible to wear around the waist or over the shoulder.
Our basic tote design is quite easy and can be made with any machine; the embroidery accents kick it up a notch. We feature a full design on the front pocket, using the companion single element inside. The designs are a FREE download.
You’ve all seen puffer jackets. The look has now shown up on high-end bags! S4H leads the pack, bringing you a DIY version. We combine ripstop nylon and high loft batting, creating the texture with straight line quilting + ruler work.
Ragging – letting your seam allowances show and fray on the outside – is traditionally found on blankets, pillows + quilts. We stepped outside that box to use the technique on a pair of trendy canvas + flannel totes.
The boxy shape of a classic duffle provides plenty of “real estate” for a dramatic fabric choice as well as for professional finishes; like piping, decorative layering, and unique zipper choices. We check all the boxes with this bold bag.
This must-have travel accessory is a strap to secure a tote or backpack on top of your rolling suitcase. Our design is a fully adjustable loop that is easier to make and more secure when buckled. Sounds like a travel win-win.
Three cute bags in three handy sizes. So easy and so useful as gift bags or for any small storage task. Make a coordinated set with matching accent borders as we did or choose just one size now, saving the other options for later.
For this stand-out-from-the-crowd barrel bag, try a lightweight canvas in a bold, colorful print. Clip on the adjustable strap and shorten to wear over the shoulder – extend to wear crossbody. Or, unclip and use the double handles.
Cute and clever gear can help keep fitness goals on track. This yoga mat sling, exclusive to our Etsy Shop, is a great start. It combines gorgeous ribbon with tough, wipe-clean PUL. Drawcords top and bottom make it flexible.
Find some colorful fabric, program a gorgeous machine embroidery design, and create your own custom fabric gift bags. Each side panel is just 6” x 10” – we used scraps and pre-cuts. The finishing touch: beaded cording to cinch and seal.
Take your laptop or other electronic device on-the-go in this stylish Quilted Slimline Device Case. It’s fashionable on the outside; smartly padded on the inside, so your devices are stored safely, protected from scratches and dust, and can be easily shuttled from here to there. It’s available now in our S4H Etsy Shop – make
A bold bow makes a dynamic fashion statement on a small pouch. Our unique slip-thru pleated band is a clever way to clutch this clutch. Slide one hand behind the band and grab onto the bottom to carry. In our Etsy Shop.
Color coming your way! Our dramatic duffle has a soft, round shape and an easy going, shoulder sling style. Boho patchwork and ribbons adorn the outside, and we haven’t forgotten to add plenty of handy pockets on the inside.
With a slim silhouette and two deep pockets, this pouch is the go-to accessory that can go-anywhere. We used waterproof canvas bound with fold-over elastic. Brand new to sewing? This project can add to your skills.
Wide wale corduroy is such a cool fabric. Although it’s most often seen in the garment category, we knew it would also make a gorgeous tote. Our choice: a solid ice white corduroy with bright cotton for the lining and striking webbing.
Whimsical Tula Pink fabric and her eye-popping Tula webbing is paired with a solid faux suede for the upper trim and the clever front flap that covers deep, double pockets. A lightly quilted texture keeps it fashionably fabulous.
Fabric shopping bags are a green alternative to plastic – and so much prettier! We created a set of two totes in a handy shoulder sling style. They fold down into a matching wrap-and-tie carrying case. Use your favorite quilting cottons.
We all love knowing what happens “behind the scenes.” It plays into our innate curiosity, and it’s what drives all those crazy reality TV shows! There are no battling housewives here, but we do have a look at each of the four designer collections we chose for our set of shoulder sling shopping totes –
A solid color lets the lines and details of a bag’s design shine, like this tote’s pleats, curving sidewall, front flap, and twin needle stitching. The pleated pockets expand to drop in your items, but when empty, pop back flat.
We took a classic, box-style zippered case and embellished it with a blend of Sashiko style straight stitching and Sashiko style machine embroidery. Learn the techniques to simulate this beautiful handwork tradition with your machine.
Sashiko means “little stabs” and references the running stitch that is a defining feature of this traditional handwork. The style can be created by machine using a Triple Stitch, often found in your machine’s utility stitch collection.
We love the vintage vibe of this great fold-over, dual carry tote. Thicker fabric + topstitching detail work together to provide a perfect blend of softness and stability, and to show off the power and precision of Janome machines.
This cool carryall can be worn as a backpack, crossbody, or carried by hand. Study canvas combines with bright sport nylon plus faux leather for the base, tough webbing straps, and stretchy mesh. Don’t worry; the zippers are easy.
Now you can have your bag match your mood. We used the flexibility and functionality of our Janome studio machines and accessories to help create a trio of striking straps that clip on and off a single camera style shoulder bag.
This adorable zipper pouch is all about the gorgeous ribbons. We show you how to stack and stitch them in place. A peek-a-boo vinyl insert through the center lets you see what’s inside your pretty pouch.
Who says functional can’t also be fabulous?! This generously-sized tote is perfect for everything from daily chores to weekend getaways. You’ll love the two carry options and the top inset zipper. Exclusively in our Etsy shop.
Stash and store necessities when you’re out and about. Use with your own clip-on wrist strap as a mini purse or ditch the strap and pop the pouch into a larger tote. A beginner-friendly project, but with fun, new techniques to try.
Size, style, features, and functionality all come together in this popular, mid-size duffle. It features precision Janome sewing techniques, bold fabric, pretty piping, and dramatic decorative stitching on the straps.
One bag done three ways! It’s fun to see how a basic bag can evolve. This is the third version of our Trio, featuring straight line quilting across the upper panels, plus an adjustable, detachable strap, and a zippered front pocket.
Our Bright Spot Tote Trio is all about showing how one project can be done multiple ways to create a variety of finished looks. We love the bright colors, custom monogram, and decorative stitching featured on this happy version.
Our Bright Spot Tote series shows one bag project done 3 ways on 3 different machines. This basic design finishes at a generous 16” x 16” x 7” with clean lines, cool reverse box corners, and layered structure accented with precise topstitching.