Recommended Fabrics

When it comes to choosing fabrics for this purse, you have so many options!

We recommend light-to-medium-weight wovens for the outer fabric and lining. You can use a heavier fabric if you think your machine can handle it, but you’ll be stitching through many different layers, so it may be a challenge.

Like any purse or bag that you intend to actually use, the structure is the most important part. The pattern requires a stiff, sew-in craft interfacing for the outer support. Do not use fusible interfacing, as it may create bubbling if the layers delaminate.

Fusible interfacing for the purse lining fabric is optional, but we do recommend adding interfacing to the tabs for structure and support. If you used a stiff, mediumweight fabric for the lining (like the yellow silk dupioni we used), we recommend that you don’t use interfacing. But if you’re using regular lining fabrics or a lightweight cotton, we recommend a fusible woven or weft interfacing applied to the lining fabric before construction.

Notions & Supplies

• Fabric for the purse
• Fabric for the lining
• Thread to match
• Stiff sew-in craft interfacing, like Lazy Girl Designs Stiff Stuff Firm
• Lightweight fusible woven or weft interfacing for the lining (optional)
• One metal chain purse shoulder strap
• One pair of ½-in (1.3 cm) metal D-rings
• One 3/4-in (1.9 cm) magnetic purse snap

Coming Soon!

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.(opens in new tab)

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

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(opens in new tab). Outside of the US, these printers have been recommended(opens in new tab).

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, Fit Clinic, or other digital goodie 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.”(opens in new tab)

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.”(opens in new tab)

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