Anthropologie Inspired Bag

The "Ile Saint-Louis Bag"

Posted by Ms. Nikell

About

While browsing the Anthropologie website last week, I saw this really cute bag. I could've choked when I saw the $498 price tag. So, I decided to have a go at making it myself. I'll have a how-to on it soon!

It took a few days (about 5 days) because I kept taking it apart and redoing it so I could get it to look like the picture. I think I managed to get pretty close to the real thing. I used the one color fabric as opposed to the contrast they used. I like it better all one color anyway. I also lined it with a fun white and yellow strip material (courtesy of a recycled shirt). It has patch pocket and a zip pocket on the inside as well.

What do you think?

The how-to has a lot of steps but hopefully you will like the outcome. I am excited to see your different versions!

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You Will Need (3 things)

  • Matching or Coordinating Thread
  • 1 yd two types of Fabric outer and lining
  • 1 Patience And Time And Time

Steps (22 steps, 180 minutes)

  1. 1

    -Draw your pattern like the one pictured at the left.

    -Put your fabric down and trace the pattern out.The straight edge is your fold. Your bag should also be 11" from top to bottom.

  2. 2

    -Cut two of these pieces out.

    -Unfolded your bag should be 22" long at the top and 12 1/2" long at the bottom.

  3. 3

    -Cut one strip of outer fabric that is 6" x 36" long

  4. 4

    -Pin the strip to one of the outer pieces. (right sides together)

    -Now sew it together.

    -Pin the other outer pieces to the strip and sew it.

  5. 5

    -You should have a super wide bag similar to the picture at the left.

  6. 6

    -Repeat steps one and two for the lining.

    -If you want to add pockets, add them before sewing the lining together.

    -Pin the lining pieces right sides together and sew.

    -Set the lining aside for now.

  7. 7

    Grab the outer shell...

    -Starting at the center of the bag make four pleats on each side.

  8. 8

    -Make inverted pleats on the side panel

  9. 9

    -After pleating, your bag should be about 11" wide at the top laying flat.

    -Baste (wide) stitch it all the way around the top to hold the pleats together.

    (Be careful when stitching. I messed my pleats up here and had to start over)

    -Set aside

  10. 10

    Grab the lining...

    -Sew a baste stitch all the way around the top of the lining.

    -Pull the bottom thread to gather the lining until it is the same size as your outer shell (11")

    -Tuck the lining into the outer shell as illustrated. The wrong side of the lining should face the wrong side of the outer shell.

    -Baste stitch them together.

    Your bag is starting to take shape!!

  11. 11

    Let's make the straps...

    -Cut two pieces that are 20"x6"

    -Fold and press the edges in 1" so pieces are 4 inches wide.

    -Then fold the entire piece in half and press.

  12. 12

    -Stitch the edges together

    -Mark one inch from each end then fold the strip in half again.

    -Starting at on of the marks, sew along the stitch you just made until you get to the other mark.

    -Press the ends flat

    Set aside

  13. 13

    For the band...

    -Cut two pieces that are 24"x6"

    -Press the edges in 1"

  14. 14

    -Pin one piece to the inside of the bag as illustrated.

    -Sew along the bottom of the strip

    -Now pin the other piece to the outside of the bag and sew along the bottom as well.

  15. 15

    -From the outside, your bag should look like the picture.

    -Pin the other piece to the outside of the bag and sew along the bottom

  16. 16

    -Pin the two band pieces together along the top

    -As you pin, position the straps between the two band pieces and pin them in as well

    -Sew everything together

    Almost there!!

  17. 17

    Let's make the bow...

    -Cut two rectangles that are 10"x7 1/2"

    -Pin them right side together and sew. Leave a small opening in the center of one of the long side for turning it right side out.

  18. 18

    -Cut a small rectangle that is 1 1/2" wide and 2-3" long.

    -Press the edges in 1/4" so the strip is 1" wide

  19. 19

    -Fit the small rectangle around the larger one.

  20. 20

    -Sew the ends together to form your bow.

    -Hand stitch the bow to the center front of the bag.

    Drumroll please...

  21. 21

    Ta dah!!!!

    You have your very own Anthropologie Inspired Ile Saint-Louis Bag!!!

  22. 22

    Post your super cute version below