Since my last free pattern roundup, I've come across many more excellent ones, so I decided it was time for another roundup! Here is an assortment of free patterns I've found. I haven't made all of them, but many of the designers featured here are my favourites. Free patterns are a great way to try out a designer before you purchase one of their patterns. Many designers have their own style of instructions, pattern layout and techniques, so try some out and see what your preferences are. Free patterns are also great for when you're starting out; they give you a chance to get your feet wet before you invest a lot in the PDF world. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to go grab a copy of Blue Calla's free Gerbera Wristlet PDF pattern, righthere on Happy Okapi!

It's no secret I'm a huge fan of Swoon Sewing Patterns. Whether you're new to making bags, or you're experienced, this pattern will delight you! It's a great way to try out different interfacing, and if  hardware intimidates you, then you can skip the magnetic snap. You're even welcome to sell bags made with this pattern!

I love that this pattern gives you so many options! You can make it very beginner friendly, by omitting the piping, and using cottons and a magnetic snap, or you can challenge yourself by using vinyl, adding piping and using a turn lock. How about a quilted flap to mix things up? I think this would be a great quick gift to make for a friend's birthday, or just as a pick-me-up when you're looking for something fun to sew.

Anna at Noodlehead always has such elegant, designs, and this Trail Tote is no exception. It comes in 2 different sizes and has an adjustable strap and exterior zippered pocket. You can whip one of these up on a whim! Make your own piping for an extra special touch.

Thread Riding Hood is a Canadian blogger with lots of great patterns and tutorials. The Time Warp Tote is a pattern she worked on for Cloud 9 Fabrics, and really looks like a fun sew. The pattern format is not her typical style, and actually doesn't include any pattern pieces to print out, so if you're out of ink, but desperate to sew up a bag (don't tell me you've never been there, lol!) this project can still work for you. I also like that it uses a different weight of fabric than quilting cotton, so we can try out some other fabrics in our stash that have been feeling neglected.

What cute little bag! It's packed with features too! You get to try out  installing a turn lock, adding piping to a bag, elastic pockets, overlays, and darts. I like the idea of pairing the main print with a solid like Sara did with her sample bag. I bet it would look great with Essex Linen and a fun floral.

This is a simple versatile pattern that can be made exactly as described in the pattern, or easily changed to suit your style or needs. I personally love large casual bags like this, especially with tons of pockets inside so I have some semblance of organization inside the bag. Check out the tester photos for some ideas on how you can customize your own. This would also make a great bag for a print you just can't get enough of and are looking for a project to show it off.

Do you have some bamboo handles you've been itching to put to use? Here is a super quick and easy tutorial from Janelle at Emmaline for just that! I really love the simple construction method in the tutorial. My thrift store has a craft section and I always see handles like this there. You can really change the look of this bag depending on the fabric you use - dress it up or down. I think it would make an adorable bag for a girls' night out!

Now the only question is: which one to make first? I hope you've enjoyed this roundup. Follow me on Pinterest, for more tutorials, patterns and techniques.

Introducing the Primrose Satchel, the newest pattern from Blue Calla. I had a chance to test out this pattern and I'm thrilled with it! Make sure to read through to the bottom for discount details!

There are so many features packed into this bag! It has an adjustable strap, making it able to be worn cross body or carried on the shoulder. The back has an exterior zippered pocket.

The pattern calls for a slip pocket inside the main compartment.

I love bags with flaps, because we can use a feature fabric and really showcase it. I used a directional fabric, and used the same focus for my interior and exterior fabric, so I just flipped my pattern piece to make sure my print went in the right direction on the inside. Like many of the Blue Calla patterns, this bag also features pleats, and I think they add such a nice touch to the bag.

The pattern calls for a turn lock, and you can even get a hardware kit for the Primrose Satchel from my favourite Hardware supplier: Emmaline Bags! I had a chance to use the new Half Moon Magnetic Edge Clasp from Emmaline, and I'm in love! It's simple to install, but has a big impact beyond a simple magnetic snap.

This pattern is a PDF that you print yourself. I love PDF patterns because I don't have to worry about messing up the original pattern because I can always print it again. I like to read instructions on my tablet while I'm sewing, so I only print the pattern pieces. The instructions consist of ample full colour photos; with a layout of 2 columns per page. This is one of the easiest bags I've made in a while, and I think it would be great for a confident beginner. I love the versatility with the flap and the closure options, and you can add piping too, depending on which closure method you choose. The hardest part of this pattern is placing the zippered pocket at the back of the bag, pay careful attention not to place it too high, or you will have a difficult time topstitching at your final step. If zippers scare you, leave it off, the bag will still be really nice without it, and you can try on your next one.  I really like the method of closing this bag, leaving no seam to hand stitch (my sewing pet peeve). I recommend this pattern for anyone looking for a quick, easy sew with satisfying results.

This beautiful Primrose featuring Anna Maria Horner's Loominous collection is made by Kristy of Rock Baby Scissors

This stunner, using Alison Glass' Ex Libris, was made by Sheri of Lil' Munkee Designs

You can get the pattern at the Blue Calla site. As always, you can use promo code OKAPI10 to save 10% on any Blue Calla pattern, even sale priced patterns!

UPDATE: Unfortunately, the Primrose Satchel pattern has been retired. The Lilac Mini Messenger will achieve a similar look (minus the pleating) and it's free! Click here to download the pattern.

I'm really enjoying seeing all the completed Companion Carpet Bags from everyone! There is still some time to join in and win a prize. Head on over to the Handmade by Mrs. H blog for all the details and sewalong.

Now it's time to announce my next sewalong! Celine at Blue Calla has some really fresh and original designs, and I'm happy to share the news that my next sewalong will be one of her patterns: the Iris Convertible Bag!

Iris is a medium-large sized bag that can be worn as a shoulder bag, or as a cross-body bag. The bag is loaded with pockets and has a few different options to really customize for your needs. You can also choose different fabric types for parts of this bag, like a vinyl bottom for example.

Head on over to BlueCallaPatterns.com to pick up your PDF copy of Iris, which has been marked down to 50% off right now for a special sewalong price! Don't forget to use discount code OKAPI10 to save an additional 10%, and you can use that code on any of the patterns while you're there. Gather all your supplies and join me back here on October 9 for a weekend of sewing. You'll have plenty of time to finish to be eligible to be entered for the fantastic prize. If you need some help getting supplies, check out my Canadian Sewing Links tab for some great resources.

Enter your completed bag for a chance to win 2 patterns of your choice from Blue Calla and a $25 Gift Certificate to Funky Monkey Fabrics! To enter, post a picture of your completed bag on Instagram with #HappyOkapiBlueCallaSAL
or you can send me a picture of your bag through my contact page. You'll have until November 8 to complete your bag and enter it. The winner will be randomly selected. Be sure to follow my facebook page for updates.

Well, it's that time of year again! You know, where we all do a mad scramble to get everything ready for the first day of school, and avoid malls and stationery stores like the plague because it's far too crowded, or is that just me? My oldest starts back at school tomorrow and I'm excited, but also not looking forward to the mayhem that happens for most of September while we try to settle into a new routine.

I've been planning on making my oldest son a custom backpack for a while and was so pleased when I saw Erin from Diedelbug had come out with a tutorial to expand her Tiny Explorer backpack pattern to a Not-So-Tiny Explorer. The Tiny Explorer was a tad too small and the Back to Campus Backpack was a tad too big, so this tutorial was perfect; it adds 3" to the Tiny Explorer, making it tall enough to carry a folder. The tutorial also explains how to create a cargo pocket on the front. 

I let my son pick everything, right down to the zipper colours and webbing I used. For the exterior, he chose this Marvel licensed print from Funky Monkey Fabrics. I liked working with it because it's not really directional, so I didn't have to think too hard for the cargo pocket.

I'm not going to lie, this was not a quick sew, but that probably doesn't come as a surprise. It's also not cheaper than buying one; but the quality is superior to the cheap ones too. I made it with Pellon Flex Foam, and was advised I should increase the zipper panel width by 1/2" so that I could use a 1" seam allowance there instead because of the foam - thanks sewing friends, that was great advice! 

I used mesh in the outer elasticized side pockets, to make it seem more professional. Just perfect for a water bottle! I'm so glad I didn't skip the piping because it really does add that extra special touch.

The lining is super fun and since I prefer smaller scale for lining, I'm glad my son chose it. I convinced him to select this Mixology - Woven in black as the accent, for the pocket linings and straps. Both the Marvel (lining) and the Mixology (accent) are Camelot fabrics, available from Sitka Fabrics. I also used the tip from the Swoon Blog to help combat saggy linings when you do a drop in lining; it was my first time using that technique, and I'll definitely incorporate it into all my drop-in lining bags from now on. You can find that tutorial here. 

The Tiny Explorer Backpack pattern by Diedelbug is a PDF pattern. I really liked the layout of the pattern. There are 24 full colour pictures to go along with the instructions. I appreciated the rectangle dimensions in addition to the pattern pieces, as I prefer to use my quilting ruler and rotary cutter to cut those, and it's nice that the rectangles are included for others who prefer it that way.  I found the directions easy to understand; however, I am familiar with this style of what is called a "drop-in lining." There was a lot of what I call "fussy work," especially since I chose to add the cargo pocket from the tutorial add-on. The work is definitely worth it, but may deter a true beginner . I recommend this pattern if you're looking for a kids' backpack. The add-on tutorial was tricky to follow in a few places during the cargo pocket steps, but overall I really appreciated having that free extra option.