Designer in Focus
This month, we’re excited to highlight Andrie Designs! With over 10 years of experience in designing patterns, Andrie Designs has become a staple in the bag-making world. Let’s hear directly from the designer behind the brand!
What was your first pattern? Did you release this or was it for personal use?
My first ever pattern was the Insulated Lunch Bag (now retired). You can find out more about it in this blog post: Where It All Began. It was released and sold well; however, I chose not to re-brand it when I transitioned to Andrie Designs and decided to retire it, along with a couple of other early designs.
What made you become a bag designer?
I kind of just fell into it (see this blog post and also this one about my re-branding: The Face Behind Andrie Designs). After designing the lunch bag pattern, I found I had more and more ideas, so I just kept turning them into patterns... Then I was hooked and simply couldn’t stop! I love the challenge of designing new bags and the enjoyment of sharing them with my customers too much.
Could you share your approach to designing a bag?
It starts with an idea—whether I have a need that needs to be filled, whether a customer asks me for something in particular, or I simply see something that inspires me. From there, it’s pattern drafting, prototyping, illustrations, drafting instructions, and a whole lot of testing! I only ever finalise and release a pattern when I’m 100% happy with it and all its elements, which means that sometimes, some patterns take longer to prototype and test than others. If I’m not 100% happy with it, it doesn’t get released.
Have you ever used a template for making a bag?
They are awesome and make the cutting-out process so much easier! It’s also reassuring to know that, for repeated makes, the pattern pieces remain the same size for each bag (we all know too well how easily paper pattern pieces can ‘shrink’ after multiple uses from being accidentally trimmed with the rotary cutter!).
What is your definition of a great bag?
A great bag is one that looks great, is functional for its purpose, and most importantly, is a fun sew that has clear and precise instructions.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our bag-making community?
I have been designing bag patterns for over 10 years now and still absolutely love it! I know I wouldn’t be where I am without the amazing support of my fantastic admin assistant, my supportive testing groups, and of course all my wonderful customers that enjoy using Andrie Designs patterns to make their beautiful bags, so thank you, everyone!
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed this inside look at Andrie Designs! Stay tuned for more Designer in Focus posts coming soon.
Get templates here
See Andrie Designs site here
