Hello Sewing Friends! Tamar here from Tamar Hope Designs! We have covered so many basic skills in the sewing 101 series! Take a look at the sewing 101 category if you have any questions on basics. Now that you are sewing like a pro, let’s try hacking a pattern! I love taking a pattern, using it as a base, and getting creative. That way, it looks like you are sewing from all kinds of different patterns, when in reality, you are just making the most of the patterns you have! It’s creative, it’s cheaper than buying hundreds of patterns, and it’s fun!
Let’s take a look at a Gladioli Hack that I did recently to give you an idea of how to hack patterns. I love the slouchy tote bag, but I wanted to try a more structured tote bag with a different style handle. Same pattern, new look. 
To achieve this look, you will cut the front piece of the tote bag into three vertical sections, and you will cut side pieces.
Cut the outside pieces:
2 top strips - 14 ½ x 3 ¾
2 middle strips - 14 ½ x 10 ½
2 bottom strips - 14 ½ x 4 ¼
2 sides pieces 6 x 17
Optional trim - 14 ½ x 1 ½
Cut the lining pieces:
2 main lining pieces - 14 ½ x 13 ⅜
2 main top strips - 14 ½ x 4 ⅜
2 side pieces - 6 x 13 ⅜
2 side top strips - 6 x 4 ⅜
Cut the strap holders:
Cut 4 - 3 ½ x 1 ½
Cut 4 - 2 ¼ x 1 ½
Sew
Fold the optional trim in half wrong sides together. Attach to the top of the middle piece.
Place the top and bottom strips on the middle strip right sides together. Sew.
Topstitch.
Place side pieces on top of the middle piece right sides together. Sew
Assemble the back of the bag and attach it, right sides together to the side pieces forming a loop.
In the same manner sew and topstitch the top lining strips to the main lining.
Sew the lining together to form a loop.
Assemble the lining and bag main according to the directions in Gladioli.
Fold the 3 ½ x 1 ½ strap holders around a 1 ½ inch rectangular D ring. Attach to the bag 3 inches from the side edge and ⅜ inches from the base of the top strip. Sew a square to attach.
Topstitch around the outer side panels to give the bag extra stability
Sew magnetic clasps to the center of the lining top strips.
Finish the bag according to the instructions in the Gladioli pattern.
Finish the straps by folding the 2 ¼ x 1 ½ strap holder around the D ring inserting the strap into the holder. Sew together by stitching a box at the base of the strap.
Fill your tote bag with all kinds of goodies and take it on your next outing!
Happy Pattern Hacking!
-Tamar