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| Bundled Up Bindle Bag by eSheep Designs... |
Having used the word "reticule" for my last pattern, today — dear students — I am here to teach you about the word "bindle".
While I knew the word reticule before I used it here, I had no knowledge of the word bindle before I started writing this post.
You see that circular piece of fabric in the picture? It's actually a "deflated" drawstring cinch-up bag that you have likely seen before. When I finished it, I thought that it looked like an upscale version of what a hobo would carry on the end of his stick.
Then of course, it suddenly occurred to me: what do they call that little package that a hobo carries on the end of his stick? There are still times when I think the internet is a good thing. Providing instant answers to such mind-probing questions is one of those moments.
Anyway, here is the definition of bindle from CollinsDictionary.com:
- (US & Canadian, slang) a small bundle of possessions carried by a homeless person
- a small paper packet containing drugs
You might very well think that I was inspired to make this bag as a result of the Retro Reticule project. Given its definition, perhaps I decided to create an actual drawstring bag? Actually no, the inspiration for this one came much earlier and is unrelated.
I first saw something similar in a discount store over a year ago. I remember looking at it and realizing how simple it would be to replicate. It was actually hexagonal in shape — likely to circumvent a patent that's out there for a circular item — and was made out of a cheap ripstop nylon in an ugly shade of tan. Honestly, it wasn't even worth the $3 that it was selling for in the discount store. (I didn't buy it.)
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| Bundled Up Bindle Bag all cinched up and hanging... |
It's taken me some time to get around to it, but here is my version. First of all, it's a true drawstring: you don't just yank it all up on one side, there are two "ends" to pull on to cinch up the bag. I used grommets to create the openings in the casing for the paracord. (My two lengths of royal blue and black paracord came from one of my dollar store bracelet kits.) On the outside, there's not a whole lot that's new and different.
Inside the bag, however, is where I put on my designer's cap and added features beyond the usual or expected.
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| The inside of my Bundled Up Bindle Bag combines ribbon, mesh, waxcloth and quilting cotton... |
I took the idea of interior pockets and upsized it, using mesh and waxcloth to add interest and greater utility.
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| The bag has regular pockets as well as wet storage pockets... |
These bags can be used for so many different purposes that I was sure that having parts of it be waterproof would be a bonus feature. The inside pockets that are covered by the mesh are for wet storage... either actual wet items like a swimsuit or items that could conceivably become wet like containers of sunscreen, lotion, water, juice, etc. The pockets formed by the main lining and the back side of the waxcloth are for dry storage.
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| All that stuff on the left... cinched up in the bag at right. |
In the picture above, at left you see a wallet and a reusable grocery bag in one of the dry pockets, and an eReader in another. In the centre section, there is a face cloth and a scrubbie in one of the mesh pockets, several small bottles of hotel toiletries in another mesh pocket, and some body wash in a third mesh pocket. On top of everything — in the main compartment of the bag, if you will — is some sunscreen.
On the right, all of that stuff is enclosed inside the Bundled Up Bindle Bag.
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| Bundled Up Bindle Bag can be customized to virtually any size for any purpose... |
This bag is easy to customize. (And if you ever thought that it would be hard to get a circular piece of fabric without something to trace around — or using a huge compass — you'll be happy to know that it's actually quite easy.) At its simplest, if you make it with two large circles of fabric without pockets of any kind, you can create a instant travelling play space for kids and their toys... think blocks, lego, matchbox cars, play-doh, puzzles, crafting kits. Since the drawstring channel creates a "lip" around the entire bag, everything stays inside so that you can just cinch it up and go: no mess, no fuss!
Made on a smaller level with the wet pockets, this would be ideal for a kids' camping toiletry carry-all. Make it a bit bigger and your college student will appreciate being able to cart his or her stuff to the shower in an organized way. Make it an "in between" size and it's an ideal on-the-go makeup bag if you or someone you know travels a lot.
Sew down some pieces of elastic and you can trap small cords or electronic gadgets securely. Add a zippered pocket for whatever you might need to keep safe. There are probably many more ideas and uses that can apply to this bag that I haven't thought of at all!
Pam's Test Bag
Pam over at Threading My Way has made many drawstring bags over the years, so I asked if she was interested in giving this pattern a quick run through. She did a fab job using just quilting cottons, mesh and simple bias tape. |
| Check out the bright, cheery exterior of Pam's Bundled Up Bindle Bag... |
A few years ago, my other half bought me a bright orange top and at first, I was horrified. Orange? That's something you eat, not wear! Oddly enough, it began to grow on me as I gradually added other orange-centric prints to my summer wardrobe. What I'm trying to say in a roundabout way is that I love Pam's choice of fabric!
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| Opening up the bag, you can see that the exterior fabric is also used on the interior pocket layer... |
The interior of Pam's bag features a quilting cotton layer where I had the waxcloth. Under the mesh, I believe she is carrying some english paper piecing hexis along with some thread, needles, sewing stuff.
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| Here is the view of the mesh pockets... |
I think I see some fabric hidden in the first layer of pockets. But instead of me guessing, maybe check out Pam's blog if you want to know more about her bag. (Thanks, Pam, for helping out!)
The PDF for this bag pattern is 18 pages long, with detailed instructions and over 30 photos to help you create your own Bundled Up Bindle Bag. Measurements are provided in both metric and imperial.
If you can wait for me to send it to you (within 24 hours;
please check your SPAM folder if not in receipt after that time),
use the PayPal button below to purchase this PDF directly from me:
If you want immediate access and don't mind paying a higher price,
you can purchase from my Makerist Shop.
NOTE: Due to the nature of digital products, all PDF sales are final and non-refundable.
TERMS OF USE
If you are "sew" inclined, feel free to make and sell as many Bundled Up Bindle Bags as you care to; I only ask that you credit me and this blog by attaching the following card to the item.
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