Phone Pouches and Crossbody Bags: This Autumn's Handmade Accessory

There's a question I get asked every year around this time, when the sun starts setting earlier and the wardrobe calls for a change of skin: which bag do I carry now? Not the giant beach tote, and not the evening clutch either. Something in between, that can go all day without weighing you down and that can handle the shift in routine that September and October bring: back to work, the first outings with a jacket, the usual bag that suddenly doesn't match anything.

In the workshop we've spent years sewing phone pouches and crossbody bags almost the way you'd sew a lining: small pieces, seemingly quick to make, but with room for a great deal of judgment. The fabric, fastening, strap length and interior finish help you assess whether a piece suits what you need to carry.

The phone pouch that smells like a forest

The Portamóvil Ginkgo combines golden ginkgo leaves over a deep navy blue, with a textured linen panel on top that adds that rustic touch so typical of the season. We pair the print with a plainer base so the eye can rest and the pattern doesn't compete with itself: it's a technique I use a lot on small pieces, because a bold print on a small surface can look overdone if it isn't balanced with a neutral area.

Before choosing Ginkgo, check its measurements, zip fastening and the length of the black braided cord. If you have questions about the interior or caring for the linen, ask us about this piece.

For those who prefer something with more presence, the Bandolera Yvi takes things up a notch: textured terracotta, structured body. It's a piece designed for anyone who needs to carry more than just a phone and keys, without reaching the bulk of a full everyday bag. To decide whether it suits you, check its measurements and what you need to carry inside.

And for those with a taste for graphic prints, there's always the Portamóvil Calaveras Mexicanas, turquoise and orange on white. It's one of the pieces people recognize fastest in the workshop: the color contrast makes it work equally well with neutral clothing and with prints.

"A seam that holds up to everyday wear says more about a workshop than any label."

What we check in a small piece

You might think that, given its size, a phone pouch doesn't deserve the same care as a wedding dress. In the workshop we think exactly the opposite: because it's so small, every imperfection shows twice as much. A crooked seam on a long skirt might go unnoticed; on a fifteen-centimeter piece, it's obvious the moment you look closely.

When checking a small bag, I look at the strap attachment, the seams at the base and how the edges are finished. These are worth examining on the individual piece, along with the weight you plan to carry and how easily it opens.

The fastening also affects your choice. Ginkgo and Calaveras have zips; Yvi has a flap. Check how each model opens and whether the access feels convenient for the way you will use it.

If you would like a new everyday bag this autumn, ask about the pieces available. If you want an adaptation, tell us your idea and what fabric you have, and we will assess whether it is possible. Message us on WhatsApp for a closer look.

Frequently asked questions

"A good accessory doesn't compete with the look. It completes it."

— Patricia Rojas