One of my favourite patterns is the Circus Bag. In this version, I have used the gorgeous fabric from the Tilda Jubilee collection. I love how these fabrics have a vintage and whimsical feel, perfect for creating a circus-themed bag for kids (or adults who love to play!).
Speaking of play, I think creative play is so important for children’s development and well-being. It helps them to express themselves, to explore different roles and scenarios, to learn new skills and to have fun. That’s why I designed the Circus Bag as a prop for creative play. It can be used as a prop for circus play, finger puppet theatre, and more!. And it’s also a great way to store their toys when they are not using them.
Did you realize that Tilda fabric is celebrating its 25 year anniversary? Tilda have gathered some of their favourite designs over the years to create the colourful Jubilee collection. The centrepiece is the Circus Life design from the Circus range. This is the print that I’ve used in all of the Circus Bag’s I’ve made over the past few years. I have fussy cut the ballerina for the tent opening but you could use the elephant or other parts of this whimsical fabric. Check out more of the Jubilee collection here.
I used Tilda Chambray dots for the tent fabric which pairs beautifully with the Jubilee fabric. I added pink wool felt for the scallop edging and a bright yellow button to the top of the tent opening.
The Circus Bag is an easy pattern for a confident beginner. The only tricky part is sewing around the curves, but if you go slowly and carefully, you can do it. Just follow the instructions and you’ll have a cute and functional bag in no time.
Hope you enjoyed this blog post and that you’ll give the Circus Bag a try. If you do, please share your photos with me on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #circusbag. I’d love to see your creations and how your kids use them for creative play. Happy sewing!
You can find the Circus Bag Sewing Pattern in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop for immediate download.
If you enjoyed this project, check out our article on sewing projects to sew for Babies and Children for more inspiration.
A while back you had a little girls tote pattern that had red polka dots on the bottom and I think a piece of white eyelet around the middle and another pretty material on the top. I loved the pattern but had no one to make it for but now I think i do so would like the pattern. It looked like a circus theme. I loo9oked through all the patterns but didn’t see it.
Hi Gracie – The only tote I have made with red polka dots is the mushroom bag. It has pompom trim around the middle. It is available in my pattern store.