The Minimalist - by Studio M Squared

This is our best selling pattern! Just re-written and re-published for a fresher look with clearer instructions! 

Megan W designed this little bag in 2008 for a customer who wanted a mini purse to carry her cell phone, credit cards and few other essentials. It became her best-selling item on Etsy, and many customers requested the pattern so they could make their own -- well, it's finally here! 

This purse is perfect for those times when you just need to carry the essentials. Whether you’re running errands, going to a sporting event, or hitting the town, you can customize it for your daily needs – with three separate compartments and two strap options, it’s super versatile. Keep your cell phone in the front pocket for quick, easy access. Stash credit cards, cash, business cards, even a passport in the main zippered compartment or in the zippered pocket on the back of the bag. Easily clip your keyring onto one of the swivel hooks and you’re ready to go! Wanna go hands free? Swap out the short strap for the long strap with adjustable slider and wear it crossbody!

Difficulty: For intermediate level sewists

Finished bag dimensions:
Small Bag: 4-3/8” wide x 7” tall (11.11 cm wide x 17.8 cm tall)
Large Bag: 4-3/4” wide x 7-5/8” tall (12.1 cm wide x 19.37 cm tall) 

This pattern includes clear, thorough instructions and color diagrams to help you along the way. Printable on 8-1/2" by 11" paper. Once you purchase the listing, you'll be given instructions on how to download the pattern immediately.  

Pattern pieces are included. 

*Note: the finished bag will fit the phone sizes as shown above even with a slim lined case. If you have a very bulky case such as an OtterBox, you may need to increase the size of the bag.

Recommended Materials: 
• Main Fabric: Quilting cotton
• Accent Fabric (for lining and gusset): Quilting cotton
• Fusible interfacing: Pellon SF101 or Pellon 911FF
• Sew-In Interfacing: Pellon 910 

Note: We do not recommend heavy fabrics such as canvas or denim for this pattern.  

Notions Needed: 
• (2) 7” (16mm) plastic zippers*
• (4) 5/8” (16mm) O-rings, rectangular rings or D-rings  
• (2) 5/8” (16mm) swivel hooks
• (1) 5/8” (16mm) slider

* Metal zippers will not work for this project, as you will need to cut them down. 

Tools Needed: 
• Rotary cutter, cutting mat & ruler 
• Pins and/or clips 
• Disappearing ink fabric marker or tailor’s chalk
• Point turner 
• 1” (25mm) bias tape maker (optional, but handy for making the long strap) 

Material Requirements: 
Both Sizes: (Small or Large) Require the Same Yardage: 
- Main Fabric: 3/8 yard (0.35m)
- Accent Fabric: Fat Quarter or 1/4 yard (0.31m) 
- Fusible Interfacing: 1/2 yard (0.46m)
- Sew-In Interfacing: 1/8 yard (0.1m)

Don't want to spend hours searching for the right hardware? We've already found it, and have created a kit for purchase in our shop! The Minimalist Hardware and Interfacing Kit includes all the interfacing and hardware needed for this pattern. All you need to provide is the fabric and zippers. Check out the listing for our kit here.