Doodle Purse(or Satchel for boys) Tutorial

Here is a tutorial for my Doodle Purse(or a doodle Satchel if you are making it for a boy). This is my very own pattern, created by me. Feel free to use it, share it, enjoy it. But please do not sell the pattern. You may sell your own doodle purse creations if you wish, but please would you let your customers know where you got the pattern(I'm just asking for credit where credit is due) all you have to do is create a link back here, I would really appreciate it. Of course, if you don't want to make one, you can buy one from my Etsy shop. If you make one, I would love to see it. Please add your picture to the doodle purse flickr pool.


What you need

2 fabric pieces(one for the out side and one for the inside) and 1 fusible interfacing piece 10"x15"
1 fabric piece 12½"x6"(crayon pockets)
1 fabric piece and 1 fusible interfacing piece(optional) 10"x12"(doodle pad pocket)
2 fabric pieces and 2 fusible interfacing pieces(optional)15"x5"(handles)
1 fabric piece and 1 fusible interfacing piece 10"x4"(optional Velcro closure)
1 hair elastic(for button closure)
1 button or 1, 2" strip of Velcro
matching thread

The first thing you need to do is pick your fabric. You can choose from a variety of fabrics. Almost any woven fabric will work. If you are using a heavy weight fabric, you may chose not to use the optional interfacing. Fabrics that I have used include quilting cottons or broadcloth, denim, corduroy and flannel. Have fun with your fabrics, you can use a variety of colours and patterns for the pockets, handles and closures or you can keep it simple with just one or two different fabric choices. I usually use a craft weight interfacing for the main body of the doodle bag, but something lighter weight for the pockets and handles. But that is entirely up to you and how much body you want your doodle bag to have when it is finished.

Next you will need to cut your pieces as described above. I highly recommend that you use a cutting mat and rotary cutter. It just makes life so much easier.

Once you have all your pieces cut you will want to fuse your interfacing to the appropriate pieces. For the main body you will want to fuse the interfacing to the outside fabric.

Now you will want to take your crayon pocket piece, fold it in half so that it measures 12½”x3" and iron it.




Now fold the doodle pad pocket in half so that it measures 10"x6" and iron it.





Take the handle strips and iron the in half long ways. Open it out and fold the edges into the middle and iron. And then fold it in half again ironing it flat.




(Picture to come) If you are doing the Velcro closure you will want to fold it an iron it the same as the handles(but folding it shortways).

For the handles. Sew a 1/4" seam down the open edge, repeat down the folded edge also. Set aside for use later.







(Picture to come) For the Velcro closure fold inside out and sew a 1/4" seam along the top edge only. Turn right side out and sew a 1/4" seam along the open edge, top and folded edge. Place one side of the Velcro on the top edge about a ½" down and stitch.

Now take the inside piece for your doodle bag, fold it in have and iron it. Open it out and place the doodle pad pocked about ½” above the halfway mark (the fold).



Pin and sew a 1/4" seam.









For the crayon pockets you will want to make a mark starting in the middle and working out to the edges at 7/8" intervals.



Between each mark you will then make about a 1/4" pleat and pin it. Once you have made all 10 pleats, baste them to secure them.




Then apply the crayon pocket the same as the doodle pad pocket but 1 1/2 " from the fold.




Press the pockets away from the fold line. You may want to baste the edges to secure them.




Once the crayon pocket is in place you will stitch a line from bottom to the top on each marking to make the individual crayon pockets. Be sure to backsitch two or three stitches at both the start and finish of each line.


Now put the inside and outside pieces right sides together and pin to secure. Starting on one short end sew a 1/4" seam all the way around the doodle bag leaving about a 4" opening for turning.


Turn your doodle bag rightside out and press. Press raw edges of opening under 1/4". If you are using an elastic for a button closure, place it in the opening and pin it to secure it.


(Picture to come) If you are doing the Velcro closure, place it, Velcro side up about ½" below the top edge of the doodle bag and sew it with a 1/4" seam. Press up.

Place handles 1"from outside edge and ½” from top edge, and secure on either side with a 1/4" seam. Press up.




Top stitch around entire doodle purse catching handles, Velcro closure or elastic. If using an elastic double stitch to make sure it is well secured.


Fold doodle bag in half and mark placement for other half of Velcro or button and attach at placement. And you are done! Simply add a colouring book or a doodle pad and some crayons and you are all set.