Recommended Fabrics

We recommend opaque woven fabrics of any weight: cottons like lawn, broadcloth, sateen, corduroy, and canvas; linen and linen blends; wool suiting, gabardine, and tweed; rayon challis or twill; silk taffeta, dupioni, shantung; and brocade. Nearly any woven fabric can
be used as long as it has enough structure to support the items you will put into the handbag. Lighter weight fabrics are appropriate for the smaller bag, and heavier weight fabrics can be used for the larger bag.

Stretch wovens are acceptable, but knit fabrics are not recommended.

For the lining, we recommend light- to medium-weight woven fabrics: cotton lawn, shirting, broadcloth, sateen, and cotton/silk blends work well. You can also line the bag with any of the light- to medium-weight fabrics listed for the outer fabric.

For the fusible fleece interfacing, we recommend: Pellon 987F, although any fusible fleece can be used. You can also use sew-in fleece interfacing, if desired.

Notions & Supplies

• Fabric for the bag
• Fabric for the lining
• Thread to match
• Fusible fleece interfacing

For the small bag, you’ll need about 1/2 yard (0.5 m) and for the larger bag, you’ll need about 3/4 yard (0.7 m) each of the fabric, the lining, and the fleece interfacing.

Measure yourself around your upper bust (under your armpits and above your breasts, without a bra on), the fullest part of your bust (while wearing your preferred bra), the smallest part of your waist, and the fullest part of your hips (this is likely around the fullest part of your butt). Make sure to hold the measuring tape snugly and parallel to the ground. Compare your body measurements to the size chart.

Find your upper bust measurement on the size chart to find your garment size, and then scan down the cup sizes in that garment size column to find your cup size. For instance, a 37-inch upper bust will make you a size 10, and a 39-inch full bust means you need a B cup. Don’t worry if your waist doesn’t match the size 10 column’s measurement of 32 inches; you can grade the waist in or out as needed. It is most important to choose a size to fit your upper bust and cup size, as the waist is easier to adjust up or down.

Sewing pattern sizes are very different from ready-to-wear garments and bra sizes, so be sure to work with your measurements when choosing a size.

Charm’s 2-20 size range is designed for a body with an hourglass shape. Our 18-34 size range is designed for a body with less waist definition.

Still not sure which size range to choose? Learn more about our two size ranges here.

If you have never used a PDF pattern before, this short video is full of tips: How to Use A PDF Pattern.

It will show you how to choose which PDF format to use, how to print just your size(s), and how to easily assemble and cut out your pattern pieces.

We offer digital patterns in two formats: letter-sized PDFs to print at home and A0 sized PDFs to print at a copy shop. In the US, we highly recommend printing A0 files with The Plotted Pattern. Outside of the US, these printers have been recommended.

When you join us as a Glamour Circle member, you will receive one or two vintage-inspired sewing patterns a month (with a companion sew-along video) and join the most creative and fun sewing community around!

Specific benefits at the Glamour Circle tier include:

• A vintage-inspired sewing pattern on the first day of every month
• A companion sew-along tutorial video for the pattern
• Another pattern or issue of Vintage by Gertie digital magazine mid-month
• Access to the entire archive of Glamour Circle patterns and videos!
• A monthly live Crowdcast with Gertie where she shares the history and inspiration behind that month’s pattern
• Access to our community hub on Discord to post your projects, ask for advice, and chat with other members
• One Charm Pattern for free randomly every calendar year (Gertie’s choice)

To view all of the patterns in the Glamour Circle archive, click here and filter for “Pattern Availability = All Glamour Circle Patterns.”

Yes, absolutely! Unlike other monthly sewing memberships, when you are a Charm patron, you get access to the entire archive of sewing patterns available to your tier.

To view all of the membership patterns available at each tier, click here and filter for “Pattern Availability.”

Click here to join the membership on Patreon. There is no long term commitment required, and you can cancel at any time.