Relic Crossbody Bag Sewing Pattern — Notorious Alice
Some bags are made to carry your things. The Relic Crossbody Bag by Notorious Alice is made to carry a story. Inspired by creative reuse, Relic is a distinctive intermediate crossbody pattern that celebrates forgotten fabrics, thrifted textiles, and reclaimed materials — turning what you already have into something genuinely one of a kind. With its unique folded top band, front slip pocket with integrated zipper, and spacious interior, this is a crossbody with serious character.
Why We Love It
- Unique folded top band — The signature design detail that sets Relic apart. Functional and striking, it is what makes this bag instantly recognisable.
- Front slip pocket with integrated zipper — Two pockets in one, built right into the front panel. Smart, practical design for everyday carry.
- Built for creative reuse — Vinyl, cork, denim, canvas, reclaimed fabrics — Relic is designed to work with whatever you have and love. Every version ends up completely different.
- Optional details that polish the finish — A hidden magnetic closure and bag feet let you customise how polished your Relic looks.
- Bonus drawstring dust bag pattern included — A thoughtful extra for gift-givers or market sellers who want a complete presentation.
Size & Skill Level
Finished size: 9″ W × 9″ H × 4″ D (23cm × 23cm × 10cm)
Skill level: Intermediate — best suited for confident sewists comfortable with zippers, hardware installation, and layered bag construction.
What’s Included
- Printable PDF pattern pieces
- Detailed step-by-step instructions with photographs
- Measurements in both inches and centimetres
- Bonus drawstring dust bag pattern
- PDF digital download — instant access after purchase
Perfect For
- Intermediate sewists ready for a pattern with real design complexity and reward
- Stash-busters and upcyclers who want a bag that celebrates imperfect, reclaimed fabrics
- Makers who love distinctive, one-of-a-kind bags with a story behind them
- Anyone looking for a versatile everyday crossbody that works across a wide range of fabrics
Tips for Success
- Read through before you cut. The folded top band construction is intuitive once you see the sequence — previewing the steps first saves unpicking later.
- Interface lighter-weight fabrics. If working with reclaimed or thinner materials, interfacing the bag body panels helps achieve the structure Relic is designed for.
- Watch the tester video. One of Notorious Alice’s testers, Leanne Clay, created a full video walkthrough — a brilliant companion to the written instructions, especially for the zipper integration step.
About the Designer
Notorious Alice creates bag patterns built on bold design and thoughtful construction. Her work encourages makers to look at what they already have with fresh eyes — to see forgotten fabrics and thrifted finds as the start of something new. The Relic Crossbody is a perfect expression of that philosophy: a bag with real personality, designed to become whatever you bring to it.
