Too Much?
 

Hi, I posted on another post, but thought it really is another subject, so here goes. There is a travel sewing bag pattern that I really like, but it is $13. It is rather complicated but that just seems like a lot. I'd be interested in hearing about what other people think.

I agree that $13 seems like a lot to pay for a bag pattern. I would consider how useful that bag will be to me and how unique it is. I would wonder if I could reverse-engineer a pattern from the photo. But if I really want it, and it won't wreck my budget and I am willing to forego something else I could buy with $13, I would purchase it. Sometimes, if I wait awhile, I often forget that I wanted something. Or, I might realize that I really want it in spite of its high price. Maybe a friend also likes it and might be willing to split the cost and share the pattern with you. Depending on the construction materials you use, $13 is a low price for a bag you will use often and enjoy a long time. Good luck!

I think that $13 plus shipping is a bit too much for just one pattern. Have you looked on eBay for a lesser price???

If the pattern saves you time, (vs figuring out what you want, trying it, adjusting it etc), fabric (because the pieces are cut the right size the first time) and energy, then it's worth it.
Also, there may be features you hadn't thought of, or techniques you haven't seen/used that make it a well constructed bag.
And I particularly like the idea of sharing the pattern with someone.
If I like a particular bag pattern, I will make it often.

I agree with this.

You deserve to spend $13 on yourself too :)

If you love the pattern and definitely want /will make it . I think $13 seems a cheap price to pay.

I always look at any project this way: Is the cost of material and pattern worth what the value of the item is?

Try googling free bag patterns and see if you can find one similar to it for free and maybe simpler as well.

The cost is your decision. If I want something and can afford it I buy it. I never think about justifying it.

Are there reviews for the pattern? Reviews will generally tell you if it is well written - or not. I don't mind paying for a pattern that I really like if it gives good, step by step instructions. Patterns that are too vague (meaning I have to figure the exact measurements or what I should be doing next) do not interest me at all, whether I paid for it or it was free. Would you need to buy notions (specific closures, lining, batting), and if you would, does that put the cost above how well you like the bag?

For something you really like, I don't think $13 is unreasonable. I took a tuffet class and paid more than that for the pattern, plus had to pay for the class, the foam, and a ruler! No specific plans for it, I just wanted to. Had a great time and really like the results.

Good idea!!!!!

No I do not think it is too much if it is a good pattern. If you really like it just think one spool of aurfil or 2 yards of on sale quilt fabric are almost the same price but the pattern is non consumable and reusable and resellable.

I am just wondering if you could make a couple to sell and then you would not feel bad buying the pattern. I watch that QVC sometimes when they are selling fabric bags. They sell for lots of money, much more than what it would cost to make one. And, most importantly, it would be a custom colored one you made.
I personally love to make bags and wallets. They are so fun and very practical. I made all of my sister in laws a bag for christmas last december, and they were a Big hit.

You could always sell the used pattern when you're finished to help recover some of the cost. I don't think $13 is a bad price especially if the instructions are detailed, but that's up to you. As others have said, the other option is to make and sell a couple bags to cover the cost. Unlike quilts, bags typically are considered utilitarian and cannot be copyrighted so you could sell as many bags as you're willing to make.

there are so many free or inexpensive patterns available. I have found many patterns at Craftsy and epatterns. Also, allpeople quilt.com and allfreesewing.com. Once you get the basic idea for a purse, tote bag or messenger bag, you can play around and alter it to do all sorts of neat changes.

It's more than I would want to pay, but then, I don't know what it is. I'm only an intermediate sewer so something very complicated would leave me frustrated.....

personally, I'd never spend $13 on a pattern I'd find something similar at the dollar sales at JA's, and make it similar to it.

I purchase bag patterns from byannie.com for about $10, so it is a few dollars more than what I would expect.

I look at quilting and bag making as a hobby. I could buy a quilt at the big box store for far less than what it costs me to make - but that's no fun. When I start on a project I don't try to cost justify it or make money on it (I have a job for that). I spend what I can afford and enjoy the process.

Sometimes you just gotta go for it if you really love something.