Would you like to sew a simple leather bag? Then our Mattea bag is just right for you! It is unlined and therefore an ideal project for sewing beginners!
What is special about Mattea?
Mattea is a classic shoulder bag with plenty of room for all your little and large items. Its generous surfaces offer space for appliqués, embroidery, plotter designs, and all kinds of decorations. Its pure shape shows off the materials used to their best advantage! Here, the material plays the leading role!

Is Mattea lined?
No, Mattea is an unlined bag. The reverse side of the material is clearly visible.

Can you only sew Mattea one way?
It is variable and features raw-edge construction. The seams can be placed either inwards or outwards. You have the choice of sewing Mattea from two or four pattern pieces with a center seam. Of course, the material determines the look here, too! A soft material makes Mattea a casual hobo bag. Elegant leather turns it into an office-ready shoulder bag. It’s your choice! ;)
What do I need to look out for when cutting?
It is especially important that you cut the materials used with a sharp rotary cutter. This is the only way to get clean, beautiful cut edges. They define the bag’s clean look.
Can Mattea also be printed on?
Of course, and how! The smooth surfaces practically invite you to! This works very well with screen printing, for example, screen printing.

Is Mattea also suitable for sewing beginners?
Very much so! Mattea is an ideal project for playing with different materials and trying out their effects. With just a few seams, you can create an impressive bag! My sewing instructions, in which I explain every step of the process, ensure this.

How do I have to print the pattern for Mattea?
Print the pattern at 100% scale on standard DIN A4 paper.
Is the seam allowance included?
The seam allowance is already included in the pattern. If you would like to sew Mattea a bit wider, you can simply add some seam allowance to the straight center edges.
How big is the finished bag?
Measured without the shoulder strap, the bag is 35 cm wide and 41 cm high.

What kind of material can I use to sew the Mattea bag?
Mattea features raw-edge construction. Therefore, all materials with a beautiful reverse side are suitable, such as leather (smooth and suede), Releda, felt, cork fabric, SnapPap, boiled wool, or loden fabrics. Basically, the rule applies: the thicker the fabric, the sturdier the bag. For even more structure, you can glue a leather strip (we used Releda) onto the back of the bag pieces.
What is Releda?
Releda* is a material consisting of a mixture of recycled leather scraps and rubber. It is very firm, has a slightly rubbery surface, and can be sewn beautifully with a sewing machine. It is very easy to cut and easy to sew in multiple layers with a machine. Because it is waterproof, it is ideal as a bag material. I sewed the inner shoulder straps of the charcoal-colored felt bag from Releda combined with silver faux leather. Releda has the great advantage that it doesn’t slide off the shoulder easily due to its texture. By the way, Mattea can also be sewn entirely out of Releda! Note: Releda
How much material do I need if I want to sew Mattea?
For two pattern pieces, you need a base area of 42 x 75 centimeters. Additionally, you need a strip of leather, faux leather, or similar that is at least 10 cm wide and 50 cm long for the straps. I ordered the leather for Mattea on Amazon. There, you can find leather packs sorted by color and size. I think that is ideal for Mattea.

Where can you buy leather?
You can also find what you need on Amazon when it comes to leather. I have ordered leather packs there several times. They are available sorted by color and size.
Which needle should I use to sew a leather Mattea?
Use a new, sharp leather needle* for your leather project. Used needles can already be slightly bent or nicked, which can lead to the seam not being even. And that is especially important for Mattea.
Are there more tips for sewing with leather?
Naturally! HERE we have an entire article for you that contains all the information about sewing with leather!
Where can I get the pattern for Mattea?
You can download the eBook directly here on SewSimple and start sewing right away!
And now, have fun sewing! Happy simple sewing, your Sabine
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