Ferris Pattern by Sallie Tomato: Bag Features and Fabric

What the Ferris pattern actually includes

The Ferris pattern from Sallie Tomato is a fanny pack design available in three finished sizes: small (12 in wide by 5 in high), medium (15 in wide by 7 in high), and large (19 in wide by 9 in high). Each size includes a zipper pocket, a zipper top closure, an adjustable strap, and a full lining.

That feature set matters when you are deciding whether this is the right pattern for your next project. The zipper pocket adds organization, the adjustable strap makes it wearable across different body types and layering needs, and the full lining gives the inside a clean finish. If you want a simple bag without those details, this pattern may be more than you need. If you want a functional fanny pack you can customize, the Ferris covers the essentials.

Ferris pattern at a glance

• Ferris Pattern - Sallie Tomato - Pattern: Ferris is a fanny pack pattern in three sizes: small 12 in wide by 5 in high, medium 15 in wide by 7 in high, and large 19 in wide by 9 in high. The size range lets you choose based on what you plan to carry, from a minimal essentials bag to a larger pack for day trips.

  

• Ferris Pattern - Sallie Tomato - Pattern: The pattern includes a zipper pocket, zipper top closure, adjustable strap, and full lining. These features affect both the function and the sewing steps, so you know what you are committing to before you start.

Fabric choices for the Ferris bag

The pattern listing does not specify fabric requirements or recommended fabric types. That absence is a real limitation: you will need to check the pattern envelope or the designer's instructions for yardage and fabric suggestions. Without that information, I cannot responsibly recommend a specific fabric or quantity.

What I can say is that fabric choice will influence the bag's structure, durability, and how the zippers behave. For a fanny pack, you generally want a fabric that can handle wear and hold its shape, but the right choice depends on whether you want a soft, packable bag or a more structured one. Because the pattern includes lining, you will also need to consider lining fabric, which is not specified in the listing. Treat the missing fabric details as a step to confirm before buying, not as a reason to guess.

Skill level: what the features tell you

The listing does not state a skill level. However, the feature set gives some clues. Installing a zipper pocket and a zipper top closure involves zipper installation, which is often considered an intermediate sewing skill. The adjustable strap and full lining add steps but are generally manageable for someone comfortable with basic bag construction.

If you have never sewn a zipper, this may not be the best first project unless you are prepared to practice or follow a detailed tutorial. If you have made a few pouches or bags and want to add a wearable fanny pack to your repertoire, the Ferris looks like a reasonable next step. The three sizes also give you room to start with the small and scale up as you gain confidence.

Questions to ask before you buy

• Do I need the pattern to specify fabric?: Yes, because the listing does not include fabric requirements. Check the pattern envelope or designer's site for yardage and suggested fabrics before purchasing fabric.
• Am I comfortable with zippers?: The Ferris includes two zipper elements: a pocket zipper and a top closure. If zippers are new to you, plan for extra practice time or choose a simpler first bag.
• Which size fits my needs?: The small is 12 in wide by 5 in high, the medium is 15 in wide by 7 in high, and the large is 19 in wide by 9 in high. Consider what you carry and how you want the bag to sit.

Common questions about the Ferris pattern

What fabric should I use for the Ferris bag?

The pattern listing does not specify fabric requirements or recommendations. You will need to consult the pattern envelope or the designer's instructions for fabric type and yardage.

Is the Ferris pattern suitable for beginners?

The listing does not state a skill level. The zipper pocket and zipper top closure suggest some prior zipper experience is helpful, but the pattern may be approachable for confident beginners willing to learn.

Does the Ferris pattern include a lining?

Yes, the pattern description states the bag is fully lined.

What sizes does the Ferris pattern come in?

It comes in three finished sizes: small (12 in wide by 5 in high), medium (15 in wide by 7 in high), and large (19 in wide by 9 in high).