Hi! I had an event, got my dress last minute, it was screaming for a matching circle bag. While I have experience bag making, and I can generally work out a simple pattern myself, I did not want to end up miscalculating anything and have to redo my bag when there was no time to do so. I was able to quickly knock out a bag, it wasn’t perfect due to user error (rushing it), but I went back and remade it right when I had time. In my remake, I knew I wanted the circle shape to really stand up, and I also wanted to minimize the…rumples(?) that are inherent in making vinyl bend at 90* while also going in a circle. To do this, I made inner vinyl lining panels interfaced with circles of plastic cross-stitch mesh. I cut the circles at the size of the vinyl circles minus seam allowance. I can’t remember offhand what the diameter was, but it’s easy enough to figure out if you measure the pattern.
Thank you so much, Marlene!
Your circle bag story absolutely made our day. Pulling together a last‑minute accessory to match a dress is no small feat, and we love that the pattern helped you get a quick version done in time for your event. And your remake? Brilliant. Adding structure with vinyl lining panels and plastic cross‑stitch mesh is such a smart way to keep that circle shape crisp while reducing those natural vinyl “rumples.” That’s truly expert‑level problem‑solving.
Thank you for sharing your process —and photos-- insights like yours are incredibly helpful and inspiring for other makers in the community. We loved seeing the process and the finished outfit. You look fabulous!!
If you ever want to share photos of both versions in our group, we’d be thrilled to see them in the Sallie Tomato Facebook Group. Your creativity always inspires the community.
The instructions were very clear and that's a must for this newbie. I am doing my in cork and either a leather or a dark corduroy. Will send a picture if it turns out. So far so good
Thank you so much, Lennie!
We’re so glad to hear the Circle Bag instructions felt clear — that’s wonderful to hear, especially as you’re just getting started. Your plan to make it in cork with either leather or dark corduroy sounds fantastic; those textures will give the round shape such a beautiful finish.
We’d love to see your bag when you’re done, and we hope you’ll share a photo in the Sallie Tomato Facebook Group. So far so good is always a great sign, and you’re doing amazing.
I haven't made it yet but can't wait to make
Thank you so much, Sidelle!
We’re excited to hear you’re looking forward to making the Circle Bag — it’s such a fun project, and we hope you enjoy every step once you dive in. It’s always great to have a pattern you can’t wait to start.
When you finish, we’d love to see it — feel free to show it off in our Facebook group.
Thanks again for sharing your excitement with us!
I wanted a pattern for a tomato purse to match my tomato dress that I just purchased. This pattern and these instructions were extremely easy to follow. I’ll be making another circle bag for sure.
Thank you so much, Cassandra!
We’re thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed the Circle Bag pattern and tutorial. A tomato purse to match your tomato dress is absolutely adorable, and we love that the instructions felt easy to follow. Knowing you’re already excited to make another Circle Bag truly makes our day. We hope you’ll share the photos you showed us here in our Facebook group — everyone would love to see your beautiful work. Happy sewing!
Can't wait to get started on this project. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much, Ranae!
We’re thrilled to hear you’re excited to get started on the Circle Bag. It’s such a fun project, and we’re glad the free download inspired you to dive in. When you finish, we’d love to see your bag—feel free to share photos in our Sallie Tomato Facebook group. Happy sewing!
Who we are
sallie tomato
Hey friend! I'm Jess, the Founder of Sallie Tomato. I originally opened my shop in 2014 during college. I began by selling items that I had sewn myself. It wasn’t until 2016 that I released my first pattern, the Puppy Pillow. Now, my passion is to design quality sewing patterns, so you can create too!
Sallie Tomato provides sewing patterns, purse hardware, handbag zippers, cork fabric, and select sewing supplies for bag making.
The name of my shop developed around my middle name, Sallie. Also, the tomato pin cushion is a well-recognized symbol of sewing. Thank you for visiting my website!
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Hi! I had an event, got my dress last minute, it was screaming for a matching circle bag. While I have experience bag making, and I can generally work out a simple pattern myself, I did not want to end up miscalculating anything and have to redo my bag when there was no time to do so. I was able to quickly knock out a bag, it wasn’t perfect due to user error (rushing it), but I went back and remade it right when I had time. In my remake, I knew I wanted the circle shape to really stand up, and I also wanted to minimize the…rumples(?) that are inherent in making vinyl bend at 90* while also going in a circle. To do this, I made inner vinyl lining panels interfaced with circles of plastic cross-stitch mesh. I cut the circles at the size of the vinyl circles minus seam allowance. I can’t remember offhand what the diameter was, but it’s easy enough to figure out if you measure the pattern.
Thank you so much, Marlene!
Your circle bag story absolutely made our day. Pulling together a last‑minute accessory to match a dress is no small feat, and we love that the pattern helped you get a quick version done in time for your event. And your remake? Brilliant. Adding structure with vinyl lining panels and plastic cross‑stitch mesh is such a smart way to keep that circle shape crisp while reducing those natural vinyl “rumples.” That’s truly expert‑level problem‑solving.
Thank you for sharing your process —and photos-- insights like yours are incredibly helpful and inspiring for other makers in the community. We loved seeing the process and the finished outfit. You look fabulous!!
If you ever want to share photos of both versions in our group, we’d be thrilled to see them in the Sallie Tomato Facebook Group. Your creativity always inspires the community.
The instructions were very clear and that's a must for this newbie. I am doing my in cork and either a leather or a dark corduroy. Will send a picture if it turns out. So far so good
Thank you so much, Lennie!
We’re so glad to hear the Circle Bag instructions felt clear — that’s wonderful to hear, especially as you’re just getting started. Your plan to make it in cork with either leather or dark corduroy sounds fantastic; those textures will give the round shape such a beautiful finish.
We’d love to see your bag when you’re done, and we hope you’ll share a photo in the Sallie Tomato Facebook Group. So far so good is always a great sign, and you’re doing amazing.
I haven't made it yet but can't wait to make
Thank you so much, Sidelle!
We’re excited to hear you’re looking forward to making the Circle Bag — it’s such a fun project, and we hope you enjoy every step once you dive in. It’s always great to have a pattern you can’t wait to start.
When you finish, we’d love to see it — feel free to show it off in our Facebook group.
Thanks again for sharing your excitement with us!
I wanted a pattern for a tomato purse to match my tomato dress that I just purchased. This pattern and these instructions were extremely easy to follow. I’ll be making another circle bag for sure.
Thank you so much, Cassandra!
We’re thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed the Circle Bag pattern and tutorial. A tomato purse to match your tomato dress is absolutely adorable, and we love that the instructions felt easy to follow. Knowing you’re already excited to make another Circle Bag truly makes our day. We hope you’ll share the photos you showed us here in our Facebook group — everyone would love to see your beautiful work. Happy sewing!
Can't wait to get started on this project. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much, Ranae!
We’re thrilled to hear you’re excited to get started on the Circle Bag. It’s such a fun project, and we’re glad the free download inspired you to dive in. When you finish, we’d love to see your bag—feel free to share photos in our Sallie Tomato Facebook group. Happy sewing!