While at RIT, I created my first fully functional bag, crafted from denim I thrifted alongside old jeans and blue fabric. Using a sewing machine, I spent over 300 hours from start to finish, learning the intricacies of sewing along the way. The bag features an adjustable strap, allowing it to transform into a tote for versatile use. Designed with functionality in mind, this bag is perfect for work, school, life, sports, and moms, making it a versatile, affordable option for anyone. It also includes two interior pockets for items like keys, wallets, and more.
To start creating this bag I first gathered inspiration from various couture and upper echelon brands and stores by doing trend research and analysis. I looked at current trends in the world of tote bags and learned about common themes like; oversized, darker color palettes, simplicity, boxy or geometric shapes, and silver hardware. These bags often catered to people with the idea of being used for “statement pieces”, but I wanted the bag to be used for more than just “fashion” and have the potential to be used for various settings.
After analyzing current bag trends, I created a customer profile featuring a 23-year-old tennis player attending school who needed a stylish yet simple bag that could carry tennis rackets while also being suitable for work.
My first round of ideation involved sketching various boxy shapes. I aimed to maintain a geometric look for both aesthetics and functionality, ensuring the bag retained its structure and allowed items to settle in an intentional way.
I first created a small tote with a pouch and a flip-over closure but found it too limited in space. I liked the self-closing design and shape but needed something larger. Taking these insights, I sketched a new design—a crossbody hexagonal bag prioritizing space and comfort. This version accommodates larger items like a tennis racket, laptop, and more.
After creating some more sketches I moved on to my second prototype.
Creating this prototype helped me understand my bag's complexities. The shape was difficult to project onto fabric, leading me to drop the fold-over closure and reduce additional pockets, focusing on one or two for practicality. With this, I approached the final steps of my design.
I moved on to creating my first pattern pieces by projecting my prototype onto tracing paper. Using these patterns, I cut pieces from scrap fabric to construct the first design.
After cutting the pattern pieces, I sewed them together to create my first fabric mock-up, bringing my design to life for the first time.
My first fabric prototype did not meet my expectations and was ultimately unsuccessful. I revisited my patterns, making adjustments to the size and shape before refining the design. After two additional iterations, I developed a revised muslin/fabric prototype.
Having found this design choice I quickly applied it to my bag and changed my pattern.
After creating my pattern pieces, I sourced denim from old jeans I had, as well as denim fabric that was generously gifted to me.
I applied my research to create a final bag design using denim fabric, repurposing old jeans for structure and style. The bag features two inner pockets and a zipper closure for a sleek, non-bulky finish. Its ability to shrink and expand adds versatility, making it suitable for various occasions and capable of holding multiple items. To retain the tote aesthetic while maintaining flexibility, I added a buckle to the strap, allowing users to adjust the bag’s size as needed. The final result is a practical, stylish, and adaptable bag that balances both form and function.
Thank you.