Summary 

• Easy to read instructions, colour photographs, and pattern pieces
• Beginner level bag sewing pattern
• Classic handbag shape
• Can be carried as a shoulder bag (nestled under your arm), in the crook of your elbow, or as a handbag
• Two short two-tone strap handles
• Budget friendly with minimal hardware
• Easy 'turn-through-ability' for finishing off the bag
• YouTube sew along with Mrs H

Bag Features

(Re) introducing The Happy Handbag, a beautiful barrel-shaped bag pattern that exudes joy with its happy features!

This pattern was designed by Mrs H for the January – April 2023 season of Bag of the Month Club, and was previously exclusive to Bag of the Month Club subscribers. Now, it's available for everyone to buy as a downloadable PDF or as a bundle of paper format and PDF format together.

The Happy Handbag has two short handles, making it perfect for popping on your shoulder or resting in the crook of your elbow, and the pattern includes instructions on how to sew these as two-tone – using a different fabric on each side of the handle.

With minimal hardware, the bag has two magnetic snaps securing the top and a bag base with four purse feet protecting the bottom of your bag. There’s also a zipper pocket and a divided slip pocket inside the large central space of your Happy Handbag.

This is a also lovely quick sew! More experienced bagmakers will find it super simple, but please don’t worry if you’re a newer bagineer as the pattern guides you through the making process step-by-step. Plus, we have a full-length video tutorial for The Happy Handbag on our YouTube channel, so you don't need to sew alone!

The skills covered in this pattern include how to:

• sew a zipper pocket
• sew a divided slip pocket
• insert plastic mesh bag base
• install magnetic snaps
• install purse feet / bag feet
• sew two-tone strap handles

The Happy Handbag sewing pattern is dedicated to Mrs H's mother. While Mrs H was designing this pattern, her mother began a journey through cancer with surprising optimism – from diagnosis at a routine mammogram through surgery and ongoing treatment. Because the cancer was found early, she is expected to make a full recovery. Please attend your mammograms, if you’re invited for one!

Get your Happy Handbag pattern today and start sewing your own joyful masterpiece!

Pattern Features

The Happy Handbag is classified as a beginner level bag sewing pattern. It is written in UK English and has been thoroughly tested by a team of expert pattern testers. Although this bag can be sewn on a domestic sewing machine, our testing team recommends not using thicker fabrics (such as leather, or some faux leathers and vinyls) for your first make on a domestic machine. 

The Happy Handbag sewing pattern features comprehensive instructions, pattern pieces, and colour photographs.The paper pattern is an A5 booklet with printed pattern pieces. The downloadable PDF pattern features printable pattern pieces and a text only section to save on ink and paper costs.When you buy our PDF sewing patterns, they are immediately added to your online account. Access this through My Downloadable Products on your dashboard, or find out more about how to download and print PDF sewing patterns here: How to download and print your PDF sewing pattern.

Buy The Happy Handbag sewing pattern direct from Sewing Patterns by Mrs H today!

Pattern FAQs

What difficulty is this sewing pattern?

The Happy Handbag was designed for beginner level bagmakers. However, if you get stuck, click here to visit our Facebook group for support: Facebook Support Group for Sewing Patterns by Mrs H.

How big is the finished bag?

The Happy Handbag has finished dimensions of:

12 1/2" Width x 8 1/2" Height x 7" Depth (32cm x 22cm x 18cm)

What materials do I need?

• 3/4 yd (0.75m) exterior (use quilting cotton for beginner level)
  OR 23 1/2" x 13" (60cm x 33cm) exterior and 12" x 44" (30.5cm x 112cm) contrast
• 3/4 yd (0.75m) lining
• 24" x 24 1/4" (61cm x 61.5cm) foam stabiliser
• 1 1/2 yd (1.5m) medium weight fusible interfacing 1yd (90cm) wide, narrower will need more
• 12" x 5" (30.5cm x 12.5cm) bag base or thin cutting mat
• 1 x 7" (18cm) #3 zip (cut continuous zip 9" (23cm))
• 4 x 1 1/2" (3.8cm) O rings
• 2 x 18mm slim magnetic snaps
• 4 x 1/2" (12mm) purse feet

Optional

• 8 x Small rivets : 5/16" Caps x 14" Post (8mm x 6mm)
• 1 x Bag Label

You will also need the following

• Double sided basting tape
• Zip foot & walking foot
• Wonder clips
• Fray check
• Pressing cloth
• Pinking shears
• Duct tape
• Chalk marker/erasable pen

What's the tag for social media?

#HappyHandbagbyMrsH

Where can I find more inspiration?

Click here to visit our blog and see some of the amazing tester makes: Blog: Introducing The Happy Handbag (Bag of the Month Club 2023).

Bonus inspiration! Here is a very small sample of some of the stunning sews made by members of Bag of the Month Club:

Keep an eye on our blog for more of our bagineers' brilliant bags soon or, for even more inspiration, pop over to our Facebook group!

Is there a sew along for The Happy Handbag?

Yes! You can find the sewalong for The Happy Handbag on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvmPKQdNmJU

I've found a mistake!

Oh no! We're sorry to hear that. Please let us know by sending an email to mrsh@mrs-h.com so we can add it to our list to correct when the pattern is next updated.

I have a question not answered here

Send us an email to mrsh@mrs-h.com or pop over to the Sewing Patterns by Mrs H Facebook Support Group and we'll do our best to help!