Adventure Line
Coming Spring of 2025
Inspired by my favorite book, and the spirit of taking long holidays, this collection is curated for Middle Earth lovers. Featuring functional designs and unique emblems, every piece is crafted to keep up with your journey—wherever it takes you. Get ready to experience something new and embrace adventure.
BTYB PATTERNS
THE CRISPY CROSSBODY
BTYB Patterns’ debut design is here! This wearable T-Rex chicken nugget is fun to make and even more fun to wear. With a PDF pattern, illustrations, video tutorial, and exclusive material coupons, you’ll be stitching up crispy perfection in no time!
SPRING 2024
Muggle Made
FALL 2024
A Hint of Taylor
FALL 2024
Let's Go GHOULS
WINTER 2024
Galentine’s Day Line
WINTER 2024
Velvet Christmas
SPRING 2024
Vintage Vibes
Voted Best Locally Made Product – Coastal Virginia’s Best Of 2024
AWARD-WINNING CRAFTSMANSHIP
Out of nearly 250,000 verified votes, Better Than Your Bandana was named Gold Winner for Best Locally Made Product in Coastal Virginia Magazine’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. This honor is a testament to the incredible support of the #BTYBFAM and the passion that goes into every handmade piece. What started as a simple idea has grown into a celebrated local brand—one that continues to evolve, create, and inspire. Thank you for being part of this journey!
From Handcrafted Design to Museum Recognition
BTYB x VMFA
In 2023, Better Than Your Bandana was showcased at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), recognizing its craftsmanship and meaningful design. The Galentine’s Day Line, created to uplift women and spark conversations around mental health, featured thoughtful details like custom zipper pulls and fabrics with hidden messages of kindness. This milestone celebrates BTYB’s evolution from a small movement to an award-winning brand that blends creativity with purpose.
From a Simple Stitch to a Thriving Online Community
MEET ERIN MCCARTY
What started as a way to help during a crisis quickly became a passion, a business, and a movement. In 2020, Erin McCarty picked up a sewing machine with no idea that it would change her life. From making masks for those in need to designing handcrafted bags and sewing patterns, she built Better Than Your Bandana with heart, hard work, and an incredible community. Every piece she creates is stitched with purpose, and every purchase supports the makers who helped shape her journey. What’s next? She’s just getting started.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
@betterthanyourbandana
A Stitch in Time
THE BEGINNING
When masks became scarce, Erin and her sister started making better alternatives. What began as a Facebook group quickly turned into a movement, providing free, high-quality masks to those in need.
Starting Over from Scratch
A DEVASTATING LOSS
In 2021, Erin and her husband lost everything they owned in an apt building fire—including her sewing machine, fabric, and every tool she used to build BTYB. With nothing left, she faced the difficult journey of starting over from the ground up. But even in loss, her passion for creating never faded.
Markets, Growth, and Moving Forward
REBUILDING & NEW BEGINNINGS
Determined to rebuild, Erin slowly restarted BTYB, piece by piece. This was the year she leaned into the world of in-person markets, connecting directly with the community that had supported her since the beginning. These markets became a turning point, allowing her to share her work, build relationships, and breathe new life into the brand.
BTYB at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
A RECOGNIZED ARTIST
BTYB’s craftsmanship and artistry gained major recognition when Erin was featured as a local artist at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA). This milestone cemented her place not just as a maker, but as a creative force in the world of handcrafted design.
Voted Best Locally Made Product
AN AWARD-WINNING BRAND
BTYB was named Gold Winner in Coastal Virginia Magazine’s Best Of 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards. With a loyal community, a growing collection, and a commitment to quality craftsmanship, BTYB continues to evolve—one stitch at a time.
Rebranding & Expanding Creativity
A NEW CHAPTER
BTYB is evolving! With a fresh new look and an expanded vision, we’re introducing a line of sewing patterns—designed for makers who love to create. This rebrand marks the next step in our journey, blending the heart of handmade with the excitement of new possibilities. The future of BTYB is all about creativity, community, joy, and craftsmanship—better than ever.
Omg omg they’re sooo beautiful! I cannot wait to rock the bag and I don’t even want to use the other bag. I just want to keep it on display. Lol Thank you again for your awesome work. I’m really obsessed.
- Yazmin M.
Girl… this bag is gorgeous and so well made! My niece is going to love it. Thank you thank you thank you!
- Stefani M.
Made to perfection! Thank you Erin! Way better in real life! I am impressed and obsessed! Thank you, I love them!
- Melissa W.
There are not enough words to say how much nicer this wallet is in person.
- Robin K.
I’m obsessed with my new little buddy. This thing is so SO well designed and the details are magnificent. This was supposed to be a gift but I liked it so much I k kept it.
- Mckensie L.
Better than I could have hoped for! My faux leather burrito wallet is my new favorite thing and it holds ALL OF THE THINGS. The outside is a soft faux leather that legit looks like a Chipotle burrito. All my taco/burrito purchasing cards and cash are tucked neatly away. My license fits perfectly into a clear, hot sauce-lined pocket and OH MY GOD, it comes out so easily.-Laurie AnnMarie