Last month I did a messenger bag tutorial for U-create.  In case you missed it, here it is again…

You will need the following:

Exterior Fabric: ½ yard
Lining Fabric: ½ yard
Lightweight Canvas Fabric (Used as interfacing): 3/8 yard
Cording or substitute for the strap: Desired length + 1”
1 Magnetic Snap
2” x 7.5” Optional Plastic Canvas or Substitute (for the base of the bag)

Step 1:  Print & Assemble the Pattern Pieces

Print the pattern pieces (found HERE).  Cut out the pieces and tape them together as indicated.  A 1” x 1” print test square is included. Measure this square to ensure that the pattern pieces have printed at the correct size.

Step 2: Cut Your Fabric

From the exterior fabric:
Cut 2 piece A

From the lining fabric:
Cut 2 piece A
Cut 2 piece B

From the canvas fabric:
Cut 2 piece A

Step 3: The Bag Exterior

A.  Pin the canvas fabric pieces to the wrong sides of the exterior A pieces.

B.  With raw edges aligned, pin the strap to the right side of one of the exterior A pieces (it doesn’t matter which one).  Center the strap over the notches.  Stitch it in place about ¼” from the edges. Note: In this example, I took 3 strips of fabric and braided them to make the strap instead of using cording.

C.  With the wrong sides facing out, pin the exterior A pieces together.  Stitch ½” seams along the sides and bottom.

D.  Match the side seam line with the bottom seam line at one of the corners.  Pin in place and stitch a ½” seam. Repeat on the other corner.

E.  Trim the seam allowances at the corners about half way to reduce bulk.  Turn the bag exterior right side out and set aside for now.

Step 4: The Lining

A.   Align the 2 pocket G pieces with the wrong sides facing out and pin. Stitch 1/2” seams along the four sides, leaving a 2” opening (approximate) on one side for turning.

B.  Clip the corners to reduce bulk.  Turn the pocket right side out and press. Stitch a ¼” seam along 1 long edge. This will be the top of your pocket.

C.  Pin the pocket to the right side of one of the lining A pieces. Place it 7” down from the top edge and centered between the sides. Remember that the stitched edge is the top of the pocket. Stitch 1/8” seams along the sides and bottom (you will close the opening along the way).

D.  Following the manufacturer’s directions, attach ½ of the magnetic snap to the lining piece A. Place it 1.25” down from the top edge and centered between the sides.  TIP: For added reinforcement, place a square of fabric that is slightly larger than the snap on the back of the snap on the wrong side of the fabric. I like to use canvas or felt.  Attach the other half of the snap to the other lining piece A.

E.  Align the lining A pieces with the WRONG sides facing OUT. Pin in place. Stitch ½” seams along sides and bottom. Leave a 5” (approximate) opening on 1 side for turning.

F.  Create the bottom corners the same way you made the exterior bag corners (see step 3-d). 

Step 5: Finishing

A.  Place the exterior bag inside the lining (with the lining inside out and the exterior right side out). Pin around the top edge. Stitch a ½” seam.

B.  Reach through the opening in the lining and pull the exterior of the pouch through. The lining will now be right side out. Slip the plastic canvas through the opening and place it in the bottom of the bag.

C.  Fold the raw edges of the opening in the lining in and pin. Stitch a ¼” seam.

D.  Push the lining into the pouch. Topstitch around the opening.

E.  Admire your work!

Here are few other ones I made: