This is part 3 of my series of posts that go through my thought process when designing a new pattern.

Building on my Techniques

I love all the unique techniques I’ve come up with in my pattern designs. My cocoon method for tabless zippers came about because I was designing a small bag. When you add a tab to a zipper, especially at both ends, you can’t open the zipper all the way. You can leave one end of the zipper loose, but then you need to add hardware or a fabric tab to cover the end bit. And then that end just dangles inside or outside the bag. You can turn the end of the zipper and sew it into the seam, but then there is an unsightly gap between the zipper and the bag exterior. Also, that method doesn’t result in the same exact look for every bagmaker. Some might leave more of a gap, and some less. Some find it a frustrating technique.

My cocoon method actually took me a month or more to perfect. Once I got it, I fell in love! I’ve used this technique in several of my patterns. I’ve also encouraged others to use this method when making bags from other patterns.

Another construction technique is what I call my Briamar Pocket. It originally came about when I was designing my Bellaclip Backpack, and wanted to add a zippered pocket in the bottom overlay. I struggled to get it right, and when I finally came up with something that I loved, I released it as a standalone pouch called the Briamar Bag.

I’ve used a pocket method similar to that pocket in a few patterns, both with and without a zipper. It’s featured in my Gena Bag Add-On guide as an alternative exterior pocket design, and in the lining of my Big Rock Tote.

My new techniques might seem intimidating at first, but they’ll feel familiar as you go from one of my patterns to another. They’re all related!