Start Sewing Bags with Confidence

Start Sewing Bags with Confidence

Join the Be Mandy Things community and grab your free zipper pouch pattern—plus bagmaking tips, resources & subscriber-only perks!

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  • HANDCRAFTED BAGS 
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    • GET THE SUNSET ZIPPER POUCH PATTERN
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  • Home
  • HANDCRAFTED BAGS 
    • ALL PRODUCTS
    • EVERYDAY TOTES
    • WRISTLETS, POUCHES & HANDBAGS
    • GIFT IDEAS
    • READY TO SHIP
    • LAST CHANCE DEALS
  • PDF SEWING PATTERNS 
    • ALL PATTERNS
    • BAGMAKING GUIDES & EBOOKS
    • TOTE BAGS
    • POUCHES & ZIPPERED BAGS
    • WINE & GIFT TOTES
    • QUILT BLOCKS
    • PILLOWS & HOME DECOR
    • GIFTABLE SEWING PROJECTS
    • BEGINNER-FRIENDLY PATTERNS
    • BESTSELLERS
    • FREE PATTERNS
    • FREE SEWING TUTORIALS
  • BRANDS I'VE SEWN WITH 
    • BRAND PARTNERSHIPS 
      • ART GALLERY FABRICS
      • POPPIE COTTON
      • SALLIE TOMATO
      • MEANDER & MAKE
    • LOOKBOOK FEATURES
    • PAST BRAND AMBASSADORSHIPS 
      • Benartex
      • Maywood Studio
      • Maureen Maker & StudioE Fabrics
    • PATTERN HIGHLIGHTS
  • WORK WITH ME 
    • COLLABORATE WITH ME
    • PATTERN COLLABORATIONS
    • PRESS & FEATURES
  • MY FAVORITE SEWING TOOLS 
    • AMAZON SEWING TOOLS PICKS 
      • BAGMAKING TOOLS ON AMAZON
      • QUILTING TOOLS ON AMAZON
      • PILLOW SEWING TOOLS ON AMAZON
    • BAGMAKING SUPPLY GUIDE
    • BAGMAKING WITH SALLIE TOMATO 
      • SALLIE TOMATO FAVES
    • AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
  • BAG MAKER’S BLOG 
    • BE MANDY THINGS ORIGIN STORY
    • BAG MAKING TIP BLOGS
    • SEWING TUTORIAL BLOGS
    • PATTERN RELEASE BLOGS
    • FABRIC COLLABORATION BLOGS
  • MEET AMANDA 
    • MY STORY
    • WHAT I BELIEVE ABOUT BAGMAKING
  • FREEBIES 
    • FREE SEWING TUTORIALS
    • GET THE SUNSET ZIPPER POUCH PATTERN
    • READING PILLOW PATTERN
    • DIY PLACEMAT TUTORIAL
    • BINDING PILLOW TUTORIAL
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Fabric Collection Showcases

3 Stylish Bags with Benartex Fabric You Can Sew Today

by Amanda Whisman June 07, 2025

3 Stylish bags with Benartex fabric showcasing colorful designs and patterns for sewing enthusiasts

(Benartex Ambassador Project)

There’s something so satisfying about turning a pile of beautiful fabric into a bag you’ll actually use—and get compliments on. When Benartex asked me to work with their Farmers’ Market collection, I knew I wanted to make bags that were not just fun to sew, but useful too.

If you’ve got fresh produce on your table or a handmade lunch in your hand, these bags were made for you. I picked three of my own patterns that really shine with this fabric line, and I’ll walk you through each one below.


1. Sunset Zipper Pouch Pattern

This one’s a fan favorite—and for good reason. The Sunset Zipper Pouch Pattern is a quick project with a big payoff. It’s got boxed corners, a smooth zipper finish, and an optional wrist strap, so it’s as practical as it is pretty.

I used a juicy fruit print from Farmers’ Market as the main fabric, and paired it with a bold stripe for contrast. It’s the kind of pouch that works as a clutch, cord keeper, or even a mini art supply bag. Perfect for scraps or fat quarters.


2. Starry Tote Bag Pattern

This is one of my newer patterns, and it's quickly becoming a go-to for sewists who want to make a big statement tote. The Starry Tote Bag Pattern blends traditional quilting with functional bagmaking—there’s even a quilt block featured right on the front panel.

Inside, you’ll find three generous slip pockets and a roomy interior that’s perfect for farmers’ market hauls, library books, or your latest craft project. I used a mix of veggie prints and coordinating tonals from the Farmers' Market line for a playful, down-to-earth vibe.

Starry Tote Front

Starry Tote Interior Perfected Pocket with Binding 


3. Let’s Eat Lunchbox Pattern

If you’ve been meaning to make a reusable lunch bag, this pattern is for you. The Let’s Eat Lunchbox Pattern is fully insulated and sized just right for everyday meals or snacks on the go. Bonus: It opens wide and stands up on its own, so no more digging around for your sandwich.

I used the sweet tomato print for the main body and lined it with a gingham from the collection that just screams picnic-ready. This is also a great pattern for gifting—pair it with a jar of homemade jam or a water bottle and you’ve got the cutest handmade present.

Let's Eat Lunchbox

Let's Eat Lunchbox Interior with Snap Buckle 


Whether you’re a confident bagmaker or just dipping your toe in, these three patterns are designed to help you build skills and finish with a project that looks polished (and store-bought—in a good way). The Farmers’ Market collection by Benartex adds that cheerful, colorful punch that makes each bag feel like a celebration.

Got questions about which one to try first? Drop them in the comments or email me—I love helping beginner bagmakers feel successful right out of the gate.

Happy sewing,
Amanda


Want a free pattern?

If you're new here—or just love free stuff—click here to grab a free bag pattern and get occasional sewing tips, pattern updates, and helpful bagmaking content sent straight to your inbox. No spam, just the good stuff. Let’s make something beautiful together.



Amanda Whisman
Amanda Whisman

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