Jessica Barrera turned her love of sewing into Sallie Tomato, a thriving hub for bag makers around the world. From her first crazy patch pillowcase to designing professional patterns and hardware, she’s built a creative business rooted in joy, empowerment, and community.
Tell me about the first thing you remember sewing. What was it and how did it make you feel?
The very first project I remember making was a crazy patch pillowcase with my mom. She had me arrange one scrap at a time, and I could test as many decorative stitches as I wanted. It was empowering to create exactly what I wanted and have complete creative freedom—especially as a kid, when your choices can feel limited.
That feeling of empowerment has stayed with me all these years, which is why I’m so passionate about sharing this craft with others—to help them feel the same joy and confidence through sewing.
When you think back to starting Sallie Tomato, what surprised you most about those first sales?
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I was surprised—and humbled—by how much people embraced my patterns and materials.
I had taken a big financial risk to follow my dreams, investing in a selection of unique, quality hardware pieces that I was excited to share—but also nervous about whether people would be willing to try them.
At the time, I was sewing in my dorm room, and I remember feeling both thrilled and amazed when those first orders started coming in. It was the first real sign that there was a community of makers who wanted to create beautiful bags with me.
What’s a simple moment that made you believe this could become a business?
I’ll never forget when I realized I couldn’t keep up with orders by myself. I was cutting fabric, packing hardware, and editing YouTube tutorials late into the night, and instead of feeling tired, I felt excited! That was the moment I thought, “This isn’t just a hobby anymore. This is real.”
Do you sketch or sew first? Walk me through your typical design steps.
I sketch and create my pattern templates first. My sketches are very detailed and to scale, so I can draft templates directly from them.
I actually outline the construction steps before I start sewing, which allows me to test the construction steps immediately during prototyping. I also make sure that each pattern can be completed on a home sewing machine, because accessibility is really important to me. Once the templates and instructions are ready, I move on to sewing the prototype, tweaking and refining as I go.
What’s the hardest technical detail you make look simple for sewists?
Installing zippers and hardware. Many people are intimidated by them, but I try to write instructions and provide tutorials that make those steps feel doable. Once someone installs their first zipper or adds a beautiful clasp, their confidence skyrockets! That transformation is what excites me the most!
Walk me through a typical day. How do you balance creative time with running your business?
Every day looks a little different. I love the variety each week brings!
I usually start with emails and checking in with my team, then I carve out blocks of time for design work, writing, photography, and recording videos.
I’ve learned that if I don’t protect my creative time, it gets swallowed up by logistics.
Some days I’m in the studio testing patterns; other days I’m working on photos, videos, or product development. The balance isn’t perfect, but I remind myself that creativity is the heartbeat of my business, so I make sure to plan dedicated time for it—which is an important thing to do for anyone who has a creative passion!
Do you have a favorite beginner’s pattern or project?
Yes! The Lucky Penny Wallet. It’s quick, doesn’t use a lot of material, and introduces some of the core techniques that carry over into bigger bag projects.
I love that a beginner can finish it in an afternoon and experience the “I made a real wallet!” feeling!
Tell us more about your new book, Making Bags: A Field Guide.
This book is really special to me because it’s both informational and skill-building. I wanted it to be a go-to resource.
It breaks down bag-making techniques into approachable steps and includes projects that build confidence as you go. My hope is that readers feel like I’m sitting beside them at the sewing table, cheering them on as they create!
Describe your creative space.
At home, I keep my sewing room very organized because clutter is distracting for me creatively. After each project, I clean off my work table for a fresh start.
I store project bins in the room, with supplies and fabrics grouped with the pattern, so I always know what to work on next.
My fabrics are stored in file cabinets, folded over file folders, so I can open a drawer and see everything at a glance. Usually, I have jazz or low-fi music playing, or an audiobook in the background.
I sew in the basement, so I made sure to set up lots of lights and creative quotes and quilts on the walls to keep the space bright and inviting.
What are three tools or materials you can’t live without when you’re making a bag?
A rotary punch for installing various hardware, a Sallie Tomato Essential Hardware Box in every color so I always have the basics available, and a rainbow of handbag zippers because not having the perfect color on hand is the worst!
How do you keep your workspace tidy but still creative? Or, do you?
I keep my workspace tidy by cleaning my sewing room after each project and clearing off my work table for a fresh start. I use project bins and organized fabric storage so I can see everything at a glance. This way, I can focus on creating without distractions.
I actually created a video tutorial with my top tips for organizing bag making and sewing supplies here on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/M7aqbTdNjqE?si=mp1n-heMDqOyjg85
When a pattern feels flat, what’s your go-to move to make it sing?
I usually add a unique detail—like an unexpected pocket, contrast stitching, or a hardware accent. Even a small change can completely elevate the design and make a pattern feel special.
How has running Sallie Tomato changed the way you think about making?
Running Sallie Tomato has shown me how powerful it is to cultivate a community of creators. Sewists in our online community are cheerleaders, inspirations, and supporters. I love hearing how sewing has affected their lives and brought them joy.
Making isn’t just about the object itself; it’s about connection. Sharing your makes with others and celebrating their creativity has made me see that sewing can be a deeply social, uplifting, and transformative experience.
What’s a tiny sewing habit that makes a big difference in a finished bag?
Pressing seams carefully and consistently—it seems small, but it makes every bag look polished and professional.
If you could go back and give your younger maker self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to be different. Try the unique hardware, experiment, and show it off in all of its possibilities! That willingness to explore is where the magic happens.
Where can people see your patterns and work?
You can find our patterns, supplies, and tutorials at sallietomato.com, as well as through many local quilt shops. I also share videos on YouTube.com/sallietomato, tips on Instagram, and new projects regularly through our newsletter!
Interview posted October 2025
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