Did you know that sewing is all the rage? Well it is. It’s all part of the earth-friendly, simplify your life, do-it-yourself movement. I’m not the only one who thinks so, either. Newspapers and magazines are featuring articles on the Threadheads and sewing green. And sewing studios are opening up across the US (And maybe Canada? A girl can dream).
You all know that I am nothing if not a trend-setter. I got into sewing some 3 1/2 years ago, and even design my own patterns. They’re not always appreciated, it’s true, but you do what you can with what you have. 
Anyways, since I am such a trendsetter I thought I’d spread the coolness around. I am sharing my toy diaper bag pattern with you here. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into it, so I really hope it’s intelligible. Like I said, you do what you can with what you have.
“But Amber,” you may be saying, “I would rather eat dryer lint than sew! And who has that kind of time?” To you I say read to the end of the post because I’m giving away a couple of the bags I sewed while writing the pattern.
Toy diaper bags in the sunshine
Toy Diaper Bag Pattern
When finished these bags are 10″ wide, 7″ high, and 4″ deep. The accompanying change pad is 9″ x 11″. They have one pocket inside, making them a really great size for a kid to cart around. They also make a nice purse or bag for an adult, so if you want to use them that way you can just skip the change pad.
Click on the toy bag pattern PDF for the materials list, pattern pieces, and assembly instructions. I know the file is a little big, but it has lots of photos in it as part of my effort to provide clarity. If you really, really want this pattern but can’t download it let me know and we can work something out.
Back of a change pad
Giveaway
Edited: The giveaway is now over. Thanks for participating!
These are the bags that are up for grabs (click for larger image):
Good luck, and happy sewing!
So nice Amber I personally love the flower one of course..
You should go to Strocel.com & I'll enter you in the giveaway.
okey dokey
The Ladies STILL love these, Amber. And I get asked ALL THE TIME where can some hip mama buy one for HER daughter…
I'm glad they're still enjoying them. I particularly loved that stripey fabric, I used the last of it on a baby blanket & thought of you guys.
Oh, I’d like that for a purse. Well I if I don’t win one, perhaps I’ll have to sew my own. But I’m keeping my fingers crossed!
is sewing the new cooking? seem to have that and baking down heck I can even knitt fairly well but sewing has long eluded my skill set…. even with pictures i think it is hopeless amber!!!!! but thanks for the pattern anyway!!!
lol
victoria
I love them! How inventive.
Those are so nice Amber ,I’d love the Floral one..well they’re all nice.
Those look great! I’m trying to get back into sewing myself, but I think I need to go for a refresher class. Sad really, considering my step-mom used to be a seamstress in a wedding boutique. If I don’t win one (psst! Shipping doesn’t cost much to Calgary), I’ll attempt your pattern. Would look great for a purse…
Beautiful bags!! With this little one almost here I think I need to brush up on my sewing skills….at the very least to make halloween costumes
The bags are awesome! I know that Kiaera would love one for her babies. Unfortunately, I excelled in the cooking part of Home Ec, but was a bit of a disaster in the sewing department!
Amber, where do you find these amazing fabrics? They’re all so pretty. Around here, about all we have is Jo-Ann Fabrics, a huge chain that’s good for quilt supplies (and tons of crafting stuff) but doesn’t have much variety when it comes to textiles. There’s Fabric Row in Philadelphia, but parking is a nightmare down there, and it’s very hit or miss. A lack of good fabric sources was one of the reasons (well, that and time) why my sewing has fallen by the wayside. I don’t suppose you know of a good mail-order source?
Impressive Amber! (so this was the unforementioned – is that a word? – sewing project!) Maizie, my mouse would die for one of these. She doesn’t know this of course yet, she being only two and all and likely not willing to die for anything (at least not “milkie”-related) – but she would *enjoy* one of these bags immensely all the same.
I love your tags and you do lovely work. How kind of you to offer up two of your bags for our enjoyment!
Love the bags. I want to win one. And I am not just saying that because I don’t want to sew one.
Those are cute and with ten grand kids I know a few little blighters would love one.
Okay, these are so beautiful!!! And I love your tags…did you make them?
Oh, and even though I sew, I have a gazillion unfinished projects, and would LOVE to let you do all the work on this one
Awesomeness!!
Wow!! Amazing and the time and creativity you have uncovered, my hat is off to you. I look to you for inspiration. I have a sewing machine just asking to be used,– it is however always easier to make one when looking at the “original”. Monet & Mayven would love to add this to their midwife, baby, mommy collection. Here’s hoping ……………
Such beautiful work!
Q-ster asked me today for a shoulder-slung bag like Indiana Jones carries, so I think that will be my next project. I seem to sew a lot in brown these days. Some of the pretty patterns you’re using would be a nice contrast!
Amazing bags Amber. I’m afraid I failed all Home Ec classes pretty evenly. My Mum has been very ashamed. She was the Queen of making Cabbage Patch Kid clothes and Barbie clothes when we were kids. I would love one of these bags for Katie and her dolls. Thanks for offering them!
They are soooooo awesome! I don’t sew at all, but would love to win one of these babies. Then again, I’d be jealous not to have a matching grown-up bag. Could you throw one of those in there, too?
I LOVE them!!!! I don’t think the boys would appreciate them as much as I do….
Those diaper bags are way cooler than the pastel green vinyl monsterosity I had when Steve was a babe.
Those are so cute. I don’t think my little boy would carry one. But I’m going to keep these on mind to possible make one for a friend’s little girl. Or maybe I’ll win one! You should make these and sell them on Etsy. They do rock!
These look fantastic! I would love to make one, but I think that my sewing ability is limited to quilts and other things with easy, straight lines.
You should sell them on Etsy!
I love these bags! I would love to win one, but if I don’t, I will try the pattern and let you know how it goes.
Holy moly – you are one talented motha. Those bags are adorable. I can barely sew a button on.
I love all the different patterns. I’m too lazy to sew and don’t remember much from Home Economics so I won’t attempt to make one myself but i’d love to win one
Your toy bags ARE super cool!! =) I know my 6 yr old Princess/Doll Mommy will think so too!! =) If we don’t randomly win one…
we’ll have to see if Grma would make one from your pattern!! 
Great idea! Thnx 4 sharing it!
Wow, Amber – these are so adorable! Thanks for sharing your pattern – although looking at it reminds me how much admiration I have for people who sew! I am so intimidated just reading the words – ah, maybe someday when the kids are grown I will take the time for a class! Until then, I will hope to win one of your masterpieces!
Oh enter me! I don’t have th space to pull out the sewing machine right now, and it really needs a tune up anyway.
How fun! My daughter would love one of these! I hope to win, but I’d still like to try making one someday!
WOW!!! Amazing!! I love your bags!!! So adorable thank you for sharing the pattern!! I’d love a bag though – love the fabrics:)) Beautiful!
These are amazing. You are inspiring me to take time to be creative!!! really beautiful.
Me. ME ME ME ME!!!! 5 year old would love that.
I, however, cannot sew as i didn’t inherit the crafty gene, so ME MEMEMMEMEMEM!!! and they are very cool. Have you thought about selling them? Do you sell them?
Oh lovely!
Hey Amber,
Michelle nee Dreger here. I love these & will dl the pattern & pay someone to make it for me. I love to knit, as like that I can carry my project with me. I am not sure about sewing & sitting at the machine for an hour or 10.
Thanks for such a great design!!
Michelle
These are beautiful Amber. Do you make any that are adult sized? I think you could sell them on esty no problem. (I think I mentioned yesterday that I can’t sew. )
SUPER adorable!! I SO wish I could sew!! Thanks for the chance the win!!
OOOOoooooHHHhhh!! Pick me! Pick MEEEEEEE!!