If you love to sew, you'll feel right at home here!
Hello, I'm Damjana Jakos, the content creator and owner of AppleGreen Cottage, founded in 2014, and pattern designer for my own bag pattern collection.
AppleGreen Cottage is the place for modern bag patterns and easy sewing projects. Readers come back for the clear tutorials, clever sewing hacks, and tips that help them sew better bags.
What sets AppleGreen Cottage apart? Fun, simple patterns with step-by-step guidance to boost your confidence - whether it's your first or fiftieth project. Let me help you sew beautiful handmade items - the easy way!
Many readers start with their first bag here - and soon find themselves sewing better, more polished bags than they thought possible.
My bag patterns are known for their clean construction and polished finish - from beginner pouches and wallets to stylish crossbody bags.
New to sewing, or looking for a pattern you can trust? You're in the right place. Let's sew something beautiful - the easy way.
Now, About you
You love to create with fabric.
You'll love it here! These will get you started:
Love sewing bags, and bags only?
THIS bagmaker's guide. Packed with great tips - a huge resource! Or better yet, get full value from our new free email series, Sew Better Bags:
AppleGreenCottage is the trusted beginner-friendly place where hobby sewists learn to make practical, polished bags with less overwhelm. But hey, don't just take my word - check out all the reviews in my shop!
Looking for a first sewing project?
These quick beginner projects are the perfect match for you!
Looking for good sew-to-sell projects?
Maybe you already have a handmade shop and are looking for sew-to-sell ideas? THIS sew-to-sell guide is for you!
Want to get inspired and never miss out on any new patterns and sewing tutorials? Join our mailing list - tons of value, and inspiration!
AppleGreen Cottage - the story behind.
I started AppleGreen Cottage as a way to share the sewing projects I was making at home - just simple, useful things that brought joy. I never imagined so many people would find and love them, too!
Now it's a go-to spot for simple, fun sewing projects, trusted patterns, and helpful tips that make sewing feel doable and enjoyable.
Whether you're sewing for fun, gifts, or your own small business, I'm here to help you make things you'll be proud of.
More About Me
Owner and designer of AppleGreen Cottage, mom to two amazing kids, and partner to a wonderful man who supports me in every step of my creative journey that's turned into a successful small business. (And who always helps when I crash the website!)
I'm obsessed with crafts and easy sewing projects - no surprise, really. My mom taught me to hand-stitch, crochet, and knit, and I was sewing before I could even read. As a kid, I "borrowed" my grandma's precious Singer machine without her knowing, broke a needle on my first softie, and she simply taught me to fix it. I was hooked from that moment on!
Feel free to contact me: damjana (at) applegreencottage.com. I love your emails!
Why the name Applegreen Cottage?
When I was starting this blog, I realized something funny - I was surrounded by an unreasonable amount of apple-green! It's one of my favorite colors, and it naturally spills into my projects and everything I create here.
As for 'Cottage', I saw this site as my cozy little space (digital, of course!) to store and share my creations. And so, AppleGreen Cottage was born!
My Sewing Patterns
I started adding payable patterns to my large free-pattern collection, hoping they'd cover my coffee and fabric shop trips.
Then I realized something wonderful: people absolutely LOVE my patterns!
With every positive review and email, it became clear how much they enjoy them. But don't take my word for it - see what the customers say!
Now, while I might still occasionally spend a little of that money on coffee and fabric, I am happy to say my blog and pattern designs have evolved into a business that helps feed my entire family. Thank you!
What customers said about my patterns:
Damjana
Customer Reviews
'I really loved making this bag, soooo many clever techniques brought it all together! Damjana you have thought of every little detail which enabled me to sew this on my domestic machine. ..I love the angled front pocket and the stylish shape, it exudes elegance!'
Louise at @sewsofia, about the SIRINA pattern
This stunning ALLINA tote was sewn by Zeiba M.
ALLina Tote pattern
'I really enjoyed sewing this pattern. Such a nice size, love the shape, and it comes together perfectly.' - Nettie H.
'Seriously this is one well-written pattern!'
Sarah at @what_saysie_makes ❤️ about the ENYA wallet bag
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great Pattern
'Very easy pattern to follow especially as I am not an expert at bag making... The instructions were really easy for me to follow. I will definitely be making another one.'
Lynn T., about SIRINA pattern
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This ZARYA hip bag was made by pattern tester Mellissa @whistleandstitchstudio :
'As I always find with your patterns, it's extremely well organised and laid out. ... I really enjoyed making it and the finished shape of the bag is very appealing.' Mellissa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Made a Kalina wallet today. Love it!' - Kristy @madebykristyc
KALINA Mini Wallet pattern ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Used my favorite fabrics on this Glam Girl Purse and immediately fell in love with it. It's so versatile. (...)Most importantly, it's very spacious!' said Jolly Munchkins, about the GLAM GIRL purse pattern ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I love simple designs like this that allow the fabrics to shine. There are some really practical design elements like the many pockets and overall sturdiness that make it a great everyday bag' - Mellissa @whistleandstitchstudio
TEYA Crossbody Bag pattern
Isn't this SIRINA Bag beautiful? Susie W. made it as a birthday present for her sister and shared a photo in our FB group. (And what a thoughtful gift!)
Photo by Susie W.
Features and Brand Collaborations
You can also find my projects featured in many magazines, including The Spruce, Gifts.com, Homedit.com, Farmhouse Style Magazine by Annie's Publishing, Make&Sew Toys, and The Spruce Crafts.
I've had the pleasure of collaborating with Riley Blake Designs, a fantastic team that creates beautiful, high-quality fabrics. Their collections are a joy to work with, and I sew with their fabric often - love it!
So many beautiful projects have been made using my tutorials - even by well-known brands like Thermoweb, and more. Some of my patterns have appeared in Art Gallery Fabrics Lookbooks. Always so inspiring!
It's amazing to see AppleGreen Cottage inspire so many! If you create something using one of my tutorials, I'd love to see it - and if you share it, please include a link back to my site so others can find the tutorial too. Thanks!