Patchwork Zinni from a Mini Charm Pack

November 2, 2026

We adore the Zinni Bag! And like we always do, we have found many ways to customize this fun little crossbody purse with patchwork - this time using those adorable mini charm packs Moda makes. Or - use this as an opportunity to make a dent in your tiny scraps and cut out 2 1/2" squares to make your own!

This tutorial is meant to be an extension of the Zinni Bag pattern - we'll get you started, but you'll need the pattern to continue and finish the bag. We have both a PDF and mailed paper pattern in the Pattern Shop.

Let's get started!

Fabric Requirements

40 2 1/2" squares (a mini charm pack has 42 squares)
1 fat quarter of lining fabric
1 fat quarter of main fabric

Notion requirements are per the pattern - no changes!

Assembly Instructions

We're simply going to substitute the bag panel made from your MAIN fabric in the pattern with a patchwork version - let's start by laying out the squares the way you like.

1. Lay out forty 2 1/2" squares in a 4 x 10 rectangle

(Note: if you have directional prints, turn any directional prints in the lower 4 x 5 squares upside down so they are right-side up in the assembled bag. This panel is fold in half to make the 3D bag shape.)

2. Piece them into either rows or columns first, pressing each one in opposite directions to nest seams in the next step.

3. Sew the rows together to make one large panel.

4. Now jump to your pattern and start with the cutting diagram omitting the outside panel from the main fabric, cut out the rest of the pieces per the cutting instructions in the diagram.

5. Replace your outside panel with the patchwork when you're ready to sandwich the foam between the inside/outside panels (the patchwork panel will be a little wider than the foam and inside panel), and you're ready to continue the pattern as written!