I’ll admit I have my favourite bagmaking pattern designers, but a chat with Cyndi of the Nosy Pepper got me thinking…if we asked all of you, what do you look for in a pattern and who is there that I simply must try? I have tested for several designers and stick with my favourites for the most part, so maybe I’m a bit biased, which is why I want your help to compile a list. I’d love to hear what you think. Is there a hidden gem out there? What makes you keep coming back to certain designers? Once the answers are all in, we’ll share the results with you. While we’re giving everyone a chance to take the poll, Cyndi and I will be featuring designers we’ve interviewed for the series.

There may be a designer with a knockout pattern, but for this list, I’m not looking for one-hit-wonders. When you find a designer you like, it’s good to know you can trust them for several designs.

Do you love the style of a particular bag, but then find yourself scratching your head trying to follow the instructions? If so, we need to find you a new designer! For this category, consider if you like pictures vs. diagrams, lots of wordy instruction, or clear and concise. This one is definitely going to be different for a lot of people, because it reflects your learning style.

For this category, we’re not just looking for price. Does the designer offer sales often? or do a lot of giveaways? Can you buy bundles or packages of patterns? Does the pattern offer more than just instructions to create a bag? 

What if you’re stuck on a step, can you get help? Maybe this designer has a facebook group for you to ask questions in. Perhaps sew alongs are set up, or YouTube videos to refer to. 

Innovation can be either the style of bag, or methods of construction. Isn’t it awesome to learn a new technique while sewing a bag, that you can then use in other patterns?!

Just click below to take our poll.

Thanks so much and make sure to check back soon for exclusive interviews with top designers. Oh! There’s also a giveaway for you to enter, starting here tomorrow!