Hi,
I am looking for sewing patterns for things like change-bags and thelike. Does anything like this exist?

There are topit plans out there somewhere !

You're more likely to find blueprints for props and schematics then fabric patterns.
All the patterns, we have, were originally generated by trial and error. Aside from Topits, most other patterns involve quick-change costumes.

Jay Lesli, I already noticed that. ;-) But I am looking for sewing patterns not for magic clothing but magic props.


Do you know any books that have at least one sewing pattern in it?

I've never seen sewing patterns for any tricks, and I've sewn a lot of different things.

If you know how to sew, then you probably already know how to read and follow a pattern. It's not a far stretch to make your own, unless you plan to put it into someone else's hands for them to make props for you. In that case, you'd obviously want it bulletproof.

In some cases what I have done is to get my hands on a cheap, broken, or worn out version of the prop, dissect it and use the pieces as a template to make a pattern from.

Its not really a pattern but I know of an article that shows a selection egg bags types.
It has some measurements and the type of egg bag a performer used.
http://magicref.tripod.com/magref/arteggbag.htm

As for the other cloth or fabric items Michael is right locate a used and/or cheap one and dissect it.

Magicrma

Edith
Although it may be disappointing to hear that there aren't many existing patterns, perhaps that's an opportunity instead - develop some and market them!

Larry S.

I have a small, old paperback called The Puffin Book of Magic by Norman Hunter, published in 1971. Basically a magic book for kids. (I was in Junior High then.) It has instructions on how to make a color changing handkerchief and a bag that changes color each time you turn it inside out. They aren't full-blown patterns, exactly, but diagrams and measurements are there.

That's the closest I've got.