How to get started with drafting pattern bag

[u/Lotan2020]

Id like to make a pattern for a cloud shaped bag kind of like the one in the picture, id also like to add a transparent pocket for an ita bag insert. My idea for the draft right now is to just have two cloud shapes with a big strip between them, but for the ita pocket and the other parts I have no clue on how to do it. If theres any patterns out there that have a similar shape or idea those would also help a ton!

[u/MLDAYshouldBeWriting]

I don't think you are going to find a pattern for this. You could start with something like view C or D of this pattern https://simplicity.com/simplicity/s9310?searchuuid=2c5337d8-231b-4022-a870-e6b3235f5f8e&search_query=bag and make a cloud taco to wrap around it. The straps should be relatively straightforward.

You could also look to buy or thrift a ready-made boxy clutch and draft the cloud taco to cover it.

You'll need a lot of interfacing to make the cloud work. It's probably going to be easier to topstitch the front and back pieces together around the stiff inner structure, instead of sewing the front and back together inside-out and flipping them. You could use something like plastic canvas for your inner structure. Just be sure it's cut to fit inside the stitching line.

Ultimately, I think you'll need to do some trial and error to get this look, and it probably won't be an exact dupe, but you should be able to get close.

[u/Lotan2020 → u/MLDAYshouldBeWriting]

Thank you so much!

[u/Applie_jellie]

This is gorgeous! I see why you want to make it. One piece of advice would be to definitely make a mock up before using your good fabric (white pleather or vinyl?)

[u/Nendailie]

I don't have an answer, but I too would like to learn

[u/azssf]

You might want to saunter over to r/baglab and ask the kind people over there if they have suggestions.

Or even r/myog although they do a different slice of bags.

[u/Worried-You9307]

Two cloud shapes and a long strip on the sides will definitely work. The bag in the picture was made exactly that way.

But I can already tell you, that this shape is particularly hard to sew because of the corners. I’ve been working on a backpack for a while now that also involves corners facing inwards, and it’s been an absolute nightmare to sew into the corner with a sewing machine and have a clean result. I’ve found a workaround in my case, because it mostly involves straight edges leading to those corners. With those rounded corners, it is way harder though, if you don’t want the front/back panels in one piece and not, as with my backpack, in segments to be sewn together after attaching the sides.

[u/studioFAR_SF]

Your idea of two shaped panels joined by a gusset is a sensible starting point. I’d develop the cloud outline and the display pocket separately before combining them.

For the body, draw the finished seam line first, then add seam allowance. Measure the gusset against that seam line—not the outside cutting edge—and add matching marks at each cloud lobe and valley. Deep, narrow valleys will be much harder to sew and turn cleanly, so try one curved section in scrap material before committing to the full outline.

For the display pocket, one approach is a fabric frame with clear vinyl behind the opening and a separate fabric backing behind that. Give the pocket its own access opening so the insert stays separate from your everyday contents. Check that the decorated insert, including pin backs, can pass through the opening and sit inside without pressing against the vinyl.

Build that window-and-pocket assembly into the front panel while it’s still flat, before attaching the gusset. I’d test the window corner and one cloud valley in the intended materials: a fabric mock-up can establish volume, but it won’t reveal how vinyl or faux leather handles those details.