Quite honestly, we've only ever made the hobo bag from this pattern. We've made lots and lots of hobo bags, though -- it's a great pattern, easy to make and you feel so accomplished when you're done. Makes a great gift, too: one year many, many people got hobo bags for the holidays and they were ALL delighted. So much better than the ubiquitous gift certificate to a coffee shop, don't you think?

Bags are designed for medium to heavyweight woven fabrics. Our hobo bags worked very well in herringbones, Twigs, Hemp Linen, chambrays, and flannels, among other fabrics. In general you'll want either two mid-weight fabrics or one heavier and one lighter one. This pattern is Kwik-Sew 3171.

VIEW A

Bag is unlined with zipper at top edge.

Material Required:

Fabric 60" (152 cm) Wide - 1 3/8 yd (1.30 m)

Fabric 45" (115 cm) Wide - 1 1/2 yd (1.40 m)

Notions: Thread, one 18" (46 cm) zipper.

VIEW B

Tote bag is lined and has inside zipper pocket, zipper at top edge, and bottom stabilizer.

Material Required

Fabric 45" (115 cm) or 60" (152 cm) Wide - 3/4 yd (1.70 m)

Lining 45" (115 cm) Wide - 1 yd (0.95 m)

Lining 60" (152 cm) Wide - 5/8 yd (0.60 m)

Notions: Thread, one 16" (40 cm) zipper, one 9" (22 cm) zipper, 4" x 10" (10 cm x 25 cm) piece of cardboard or mylar.

VIEW C

Hobo bag is lined and shoulder straps are tied together.

Material Required:

Fabric and Lining 45" (115 cm) or 60" (152 cm) Wide - each 1 1/4 yd (1.15 m)

Notions: Thread.

VIEW D

Bag is lined and has handles from contrast fabric with cording or purchased "ring" handles can be used.

Material Required:

Fabric and Lining 45" (115 cm) or 60" (152 cm) Wide - each 1/2 yd (0.50 m)

Contrast Fabric for handles (optional) 45" (115 cm) or 60" (152 cm) Wide - 5/8 yd (0.60 m)

Notions: Thread, 1 5/8 yd (1.50 m) of heavy cording for handles, or purchased handles.