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Kandou Patterns Mini Traveler Sling Pouch (Mini Traveler Sling Pouch ) Review
Review has 1 Helpful 5 Very Helpful ratings
Posted 2025-01-14 19:35:32. 107 Views.
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| United States | |
| Member since 7/10/07 | |
| 20 Reviews (patterns: 20) | |
| Skill: Intermediate | |
| Favored by 3 people | |
Pattern Description:
From the Etsy store:
This sewing pattern is a fully illustrated photo tutorial for a small crossbody sling bag complete with full-scale templates. This highly original little pouch can be worn multiple ways - either across the chest, or back, or on the shoulder.
Designed to take your travel essentials, this little pouch is really practical and won't weigh you down. It's amazing what you can fit inside! The front zipper pocket will take a passport, the slip pocket at the top will take most phones, and the back zipper pocket will take a medium size credit card wallet. Pack it up, sling it on, and you're good to go!
Can be worn comfortably under a jacket for ultimate security - totally concealed when you're traveling.
The design includes an adjustable strap so you can alter the length to suit your own preference.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Not really. Poor photos and several mistakes.
But there is an Oklaroots tutorial out, and you can sew anything if you follow her tutorials.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Cons:
1. Size. From pattern: "It's amazing what you can fit inside!" In whose dreams? I could barely fit my phone in the largest pocket. It's so tight that it's hard to get in and out. You can fit a kleenex and some credit cards in.
This could be my fault, but I assumed there was some sort of interior section to the purse. It's really just exterior pockets, so there's a lot of fabric that is just for show. It ends up looking bigger than it is when you wear it, but is in reality very small for carrying anything.
2. Lots of mistakes in the pattern, that doesn't seem to bother others. Here goes:
*Seam widths change in some places,but she forgets to note this.
*Illustration was incorrect for the graphics drawn on the photo for stitching line "zipper pull on left."
*You are supposed to cut the pocket lining piece shorter by 1/2", but then the other side isn't long enough to compensate for the added width of the zipper. So one edge of the pocket isn't caught in the seam allowance.
Fabric Used:
Exterior fabric:
Grey: Plain cotton duck from Joann's.
Black: Robert Kaufman canvas, interfaced this as it was a lighter weight than the cotton duck.
This is for my daughter who walks dogs at an animal shelter. She doesn't like patterns or colors and didn't need something expensive. Thus the boring photos.
Lining: Grey poly poplin.
Zipper: Sullivan's trim.
Hardware: Wawak, and it feels and looks cheap. I'm afraid it won't last after one swivel hook from Wawak breaking on me during the first use.
Webbing: I forgot where I purchased this, possibly from Strapworks (or their Amazon store).
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Added a swivel hook to one end of the strap instead of sewing it into the top.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Probably not, but I guess it would depend if someone wanted a sling that had virtually no carrying capacity. There are certainly several nice looking versions of this on the internet, using cool fabric. Fabric choice can make up for a lot. If you were going to sew this, just follow the Oklaroots tutorial instead of the directions. You won't have any problems with the sewing.
The mini boxy bag, to hold doggy bags (seen in one photo) is a free pattern and tutorial from Oklaroots.
Conclusion:
Unfortunately, I'm unimpressed with Kandou patterns thus far. That will teach me not to buy several patterns during a Black Friday sale without testing out at least one pattern first.
From the Etsy store:
This sewing pattern is a fully illustrated photo tutorial for a small crossbody sling bag complete with full-scale templates. This highly original little pouch can be worn multiple ways - either across the chest, or back, or on the shoulder.
Designed to take your travel essentials, this little pouch is really practical and won't weigh you down. It's amazing what you can fit inside! The front zipper pocket will take a passport, the slip pocket at the top will take most phones, and the back zipper pocket will take a medium size credit card wallet. Pack it up, sling it on, and you're good to go!
Can be worn comfortably under a jacket for ultimate security - totally concealed when you're traveling.
The design includes an adjustable strap so you can alter the length to suit your own preference.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Not really. Poor photos and several mistakes.
But there is an Oklaroots tutorial out, and you can sew anything if you follow her tutorials.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Cons:
1. Size. From pattern: "It's amazing what you can fit inside!" In whose dreams? I could barely fit my phone in the largest pocket. It's so tight that it's hard to get in and out. You can fit a kleenex and some credit cards in.
This could be my fault, but I assumed there was some sort of interior section to the purse. It's really just exterior pockets, so there's a lot of fabric that is just for show. It ends up looking bigger than it is when you wear it, but is in reality very small for carrying anything.
2. Lots of mistakes in the pattern, that doesn't seem to bother others. Here goes:
*Seam widths change in some places,but she forgets to note this.
*Illustration was incorrect for the graphics drawn on the photo for stitching line "zipper pull on left."
*You are supposed to cut the pocket lining piece shorter by 1/2", but then the other side isn't long enough to compensate for the added width of the zipper. So one edge of the pocket isn't caught in the seam allowance.
Fabric Used:
Exterior fabric:
Grey: Plain cotton duck from Joann's.
Black: Robert Kaufman canvas, interfaced this as it was a lighter weight than the cotton duck.
This is for my daughter who walks dogs at an animal shelter. She doesn't like patterns or colors and didn't need something expensive. Thus the boring photos.
Lining: Grey poly poplin.
Zipper: Sullivan's trim.
Hardware: Wawak, and it feels and looks cheap. I'm afraid it won't last after one swivel hook from Wawak breaking on me during the first use.
Webbing: I forgot where I purchased this, possibly from Strapworks (or their Amazon store).
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Added a swivel hook to one end of the strap instead of sewing it into the top.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Probably not, but I guess it would depend if someone wanted a sling that had virtually no carrying capacity. There are certainly several nice looking versions of this on the internet, using cool fabric. Fabric choice can make up for a lot. If you were going to sew this, just follow the Oklaroots tutorial instead of the directions. You won't have any problems with the sewing.
The mini boxy bag, to hold doggy bags (seen in one photo) is a free pattern and tutorial from Oklaroots.
Conclusion:
Unfortunately, I'm unimpressed with Kandou patterns thus far. That will teach me not to buy several patterns during a Black Friday sale without testing out at least one pattern first.
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7 Comments
Clareew said...(1/15/25 2:36 PM ET)
This is where sewingpatternreview has the edge over social media. I belong to Kandou Patterns facebook group and while great for inspiration with all the made up bags, no one gives a critique of the pattern.
  NotionsStitches said...(1/15/25 1:58 PM ET)
Excellent overview highlighting the challenges. Regardless of the challenges the final product is neat and the fabric colors work well together. I see this tiny bag useful for holding only my ID and a credit card when I go for walks with no pants pockets. Job well done. Thank you for sharing.
  Wingdingdilly said...(1/15/25 12:30 PM ET)
What an incredibly helpful review here! I wouldn't have figured there'd be all those frustrating issues without it. You've made a really nice looking bag though!
  JEF said...(1/15/25 10:34 AM ET)
It's beautifully made
  Clareew said...(1/15/25 9:05 AM ET)
A lovely looking bag. Thank you for your review - I have this pattern but have yet to make it, your point will no doubt save me a lot of trouble.
  SewRosemary said...(1/15/25 7:09 AM ET)
Your review is so helpful - these mistakes would drive me nuts.
  Cupid Dog said...(1/14/25 9:46 PM ET)
Excellent candid review. :)
 
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