Rio Convertible Tote - Pattern Release

Backpack Crossbody Handbag New Pattern Pattern Release Rio Rio Convertible Tote Tote

It's another pattern release!!!! This is a design that I initially had no plan on doing at all, I feel that there are a ton of tote patterns already out there. Then one night I decided that I wanted to carry my tote as a crossbody and as a backpack. Having that nice soft and slouchy feel while still having some style and a way to make it unique.

The Rio Convertible Tote (purchase it here) is my answer to that shopping bag we need but don't want to carry. It goes from little fold-over handbag to backpack, all the way up to tote filled with all your belongings! It's soft-sided, allowing the two sides to fold in, and allowing you to eliminate stabilizer altogether if you make it in cork, vinyl or leather if you want that super-soft style. 

The front panel is just perfect for featuring an embroidery design like this one designed by ByPiera specifically for this bag! Those Golden Girls are the perfect squad that we all attain to have! I stitched it out on a gorgeous gradient quilting cotton from Purple KATZ Quilting, as well as on the Mora faux leather from Emmaline Bags. You can get your embroidery file here, then join the ByPiera Embroidery Group on Facebook.

Rio in faux leather with Embroidery   Rio with Embroidery in fabric and Cork

Join my FB group to watch the buzz around this pattern! Sewing UhOh Creations Patterns.

Features

The Rio Convertible Tote is a small, soft-sided tote bag designed to be worn a variety of ways. Pull the sides into each other in the front and wear it as a backpack or pull the sides into each other in the center of the bag for a cool triangular shape in your hand. Carry it on your back, in your hand, or open it wide as a tote and use the strap crossbody. So many options - it’s all up to you! There is so much creative opportunity in this bag, you can add embroidery, quilting, applique or decorative elements like rivets or spikes.

The Pattern

The pattern for the Rio Convertible Tote includes diagrams for every single step, making things clear as you move through the design and pattern pieces for all the curved pieces.

If you are looking for a paper copy of the pattern - you can purchase it from Purple KATZ Quilting.

The Tester Photos

My testers have worked through their own personal COVID situations to bring you this incredible gallery of photos. They came up with ways to fussy cut, add in some applique, decorate with embroidery and quilting.... they did everything to this bag! And I kept getting told it was such a quick sew, they wanted to make more! I feel that is the best feedback ever!

I had two pre-testers for this one, the first bag was finished up by Line, and I love it! The pops of red with the metallic accents are perfect!

Line Vienneau Test Bag

Then later Line did up this one! I can't believe how perfectly that De La Luna print fits on the front of this bag! Who knew that Tula Pink had provided us with the perfect fabric line! and check out those spikes!

Line Vienneau Tester Bag

Then Patty of Patricia Roth Handbags (IG here) did up such a stunner with an incredible leather weave on the front panel of her bag - I can't believe the prep work that had to go into that panel! And the beautiful leathers came together beautifully!

Front of Patty's tester bag   Patty Tester Bag

Now I'm going to shock you with the incredibly fun version from Abbe of Just an E Sewing (IG here)!!! I love that she paired gorgeously fun fabrics with embroidery on the ends of her bag. That was ingenious!

Abbe Tester Bag   Abbe Tester Bag

Tara of Mooi actually did up 3 bags - and the first one she did has this awesome applique and detail on the front - it's so cool!!! Watch for her other two during the pattern release - you'll love them! 

Mooi - Rio in cork   Tara - Rio

And of course Michelle is in this testing group, she was one of my pre-testers and biggest cheerleader through this entire pattern. She even experimented with some Harris Tweed and cork for her very first version - which shows GREAT faith in my initial design LOL

Michelle Tester Bag   Michelle Tester Bag

And then with the pattern release coming up over Canada Day - Michelle did an incredible job of whipping up this celebratory version - just look at those beavers and Canadian flags!!!! So in love with this!!

Michelle Canada Day RioMichelle Canada Day Interior

I've made the Rio Convertible Tote up in fabric with embroidery, faux leather with embroidery and Harris Tweed with faux leather, and each version came out awesome with the exact "slouchiness" that I wanted!! I hope you love Rio as much as I do!!

Rio all ways

If you want to see me show off Rio later this week I'll be hanging out at Purple KATZ Quilting on Thursday where we'll do a Facebook Live on her Facebook page - so join us there!!!



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