Samara VHS Bag
A love letter to analogue nostalgia, the Samara Bag takes its cue from the classic VHS tape — especially that eerie one from The Ring. Designed to capture the charm of old-school horror and retro film nights, Samara combines sharp lines with cinematic style.
Choose from three sizes to suit your mood — from the exact proportions of a real VHS tape to a bold oversized statement piece. Whether you use plain vinyls or your favourite movie prints, this one’s bound to be a cult classic in your collection.
✂️ Pattern Details
Skill level: Intermediate
Available in 3 sizes:
- Mini: 7” × 4” × 1” (17.8 × 10.2 × 2.5 cm) — true-to-scale VHS tape size
- Classic: 9.4” × 5.4” × 2.25” (23.9 × 13.7 × 5.7 cm) — perfect everyday size
- Grande: 12.75” × 7.3” × 2.25” (32.4 × 18.5 × 5.7 cm) — statement-sized and cinematic
Each version includes a structured outer, top zipper closure, and optional piping for a polished finish.
🧵 Materials & Supplies
Fabric Recommendations
- Outer fabric: Vinyl or faux leather (non-fraying, medium to heavy weight)
- Lining fabric: Light to medium weight woven (cotton, polycotton, or satin)
Quantities
- 0.5 m (½ yd) main fabric
- 0.5 m (½ yd) lining fabric
- 0.25 m (¼ yd) Decovil Light or similar stabiliser
Hardware & Extras
- 1 × zipper:
- • Mini – 10” (25 cm)
- • Classic – 13” (33 cm)
- • Grande – 16” (40 cm)
- 2 × strap anchors
- 2 × swivel hooks, ⅜” (10 mm)
- Optional: 3 mm or 5 mm cording for piping
- Optional: Rivets for decoration
- Optional: Pre-made bag chain (26” / 66 cm or 47” / 120 cm)
- Basic sewing tools
📖 What’s Included
- A4 PDF with detailed, step-by-step illustrated instructions
- Printable pattern pieces in A4 and US Letter formats
- SVG files (Mini size only) for cutting machines
- Material requirements, tools list, cutting guide, planner, abbreviations, and sewing tips
- Full pages of pattern tester inspiration and photos
💀 A must-make for movie lovers, horror fans, and retro bag collectors alike.
Pair it with bold prints or minimalist faux leather for an accessory that truly rewinds time.
Designed by Notorious Alice – for personal use only.
Do not redistribute, share, or sell this pattern in digital or physical form.
You may sell handmade bags made using this pattern on a small-scale basis, but please credit Notorious Alice as the designer.