Messenger Bag Tutorial

16/7/2015
Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew
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December 5, 2011
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Messenger Bag Tutorial
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Well, the gift-giving season is upon us, and my holiday present-making is beginning a bit later than
most other peoples, I imagine! So if there are any more craft procrastinators out there, heres
something for you I thought Id share this little messenger bag I came up with a while ago:
aleah
When I started sewing I had a 12 hour day, 6
day a week job and an hour commute each
way, so I really had no time to sew. I'm now
working closer to home, but the time still
slips away somehow... this blog is to share
the sewing I manage to eke out in the
random time I find, as well as the things I
sometimes use my no-time for instead.
Thanks for stopping by!
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About a year ago, when I started riding my bike around town to dinner and pubs and whatnot, I
discovered that there was a hole in my bag wardrobe, and what I really wanted was a purse-sized
messenger bag. Something that would hold my wallet,phone,water bottle, and a light sweater, a bag
that I could wear across my body on the bike and then the strap could be shortened up to a shoulder
bag length to make it more manageable in crowded places. Of course, I wanted to make it. But when
I went hunting for a tutorial online, I didnt find exactly what I wanted. So I sat down with some graph
paper and sketched out a sort of pattern/plan, and just went for it. (Click on the sketches to enlarge.)
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Inspired by my Timbuk2 messenger bags (which I love, but theyre giant), I created a three-panel front
with a pocket. There is also an interior zipper pocket as well as a set of patch pockets on the inside
front. There is no closure on the front flap, Ive found I havent needed anything and it stays closed on
its own, but velcro could easily be added. Heres a better look:
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Ive made two of these bags for myself so far (one in browns and one in greys, have to have one to
match any outfit!). I wanted to make one for a friend for Christmas, so I thought Id use the
opportunity to photograph all the steps and put together a tutorial, if for no other reason than my own
personal future reference. The sketched pattern is great, but I needed to document a sensible order
of construction if Im going to keep making these! I think this bag would make a great gift (obviously,
since Im giving this one to someone), or you could sew selfish and use your holiday break to make
one for yourself!
Ive used quilting cotton for all my bags (this one is fabric from the Avalon line by Jay-Cyn Designs for
Birch Fabrics, aka Fabricworm (love that store!), but you could use a heavier weight canvas or
something as well and not need interfacing. I think its a great showcase for your favorite fabric
large or small scale print (I sort of fussy cut this one to get the birds in good places), and one, two or
three fabrics (the contrast pockets are fun but not at all necessary).
The finished bag measures 8 inches tall by 11 inches wide by 3 inches deep. It can probably be
enlarged by adding, say, 10% to every measurement except the strap (which wouldnt be practical
any wider than 2 inches). But I like the small size its a purse for your bike! Here are some pictures
for scale:
The tutorial can be found after the jump. Ive also made a pdf file of the tutorial to download (here), if
youd like to save it to your computer. Disclaimer: I am by no means a professional or even
moderately skilled bag maker. Ive made a bunch of bags from other peoples tutorials and used a lot
of those techniques to construct this bag. If youve ever made bags before, most of the steps will be
familiar to you. If you have questions or something is confusing, let me know, or check out other bag
tutorials for a different look at the same step. Ive also always thought that patterns and tutorials are
springboards for customization, so make this bag your own! That is why we sew, after all, right?
Small Messenger Bag

Supplies:
awarded
main fabric: 3/4 yard

lining fabric: 1/3 yard (more if not using contrast for inner pockets)
contrast fabric for inner pockets (optional): approx 1/2 yard, depending on pocket size/style
fusible interfacing: 1 1/4 yard heavier weight for exterior and strap and 1 yard lighter weight for
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lining (I used Pellon Featherweight Fusible for medium and lightweight fabrics respectively,
which makes a moderately floppy bag but with a fairly sturdy flap)
two 2 inch metal loops and one 2 inch metal slide for strap (I ordered mine from here)
one 7-9 inch zipper for interior pocket (optional)
Start by cutting out your pieces.
From the main fabric, cut:
one 15 by 10.5 inch rectangle for the back of the bag
two 5.5 by 10.5 inch rectangles andone 6 by 20 inch rectangle(these three narrow pieces will
combine to make the three panel bag front, so make sure that if you have a directional fabric
that the short sides are at the top and bottom)
one 12 by 10 inch rectangle for the front flap (the longer side is the top/bottom)
one 5 by 40 inch strip for the strap
two 5 by 4 inch rectangles for the strap tabs (to attach the strap to the bag)
From the lining fabric, cut:
two 15 by 10.5 inch rectangles for the body
one 12 by 10 inch rectangle for the front flap
From the contrast fabric (or the lining or main fabric, if you prefer), cut:
two 10 by 7.5 inch rectangles for the inside front pocket
four 4 by 5 inch rectangles for the patch pockets on the inside front pocket (optional)
one 10 by 12 inch rectangle for the interior zipper pocket (optional)
or any interior pockets you want instead of or in addition to these
From the heavier weight interfacing, cut:
two 15 by 10.5 inch rectangles
one 12 by 10 inch rectangle
one 4 by 40 inch strip (yes, it is one inch narrower than the strap piece, its so theres no
interfacing in the seam allowance)
two 4 by 4 inch squares
And from the lighter weight interfacing, cut:
two 15 by 10.5 inch rectangles
one 12 by 10 inch rectangle
(All seam allowances are 1/2 inch)
Assemble the front panel:
Take the 6 by 20 inch piece and make a fold 8 inches from the bottom (wrong sides facing). Make a
double row of topstitching along the fold. Then fold the longer, underneath piece back up so the top
edge of the fabric is 2 inches above the fold, creating a pocket (which my chopstick is indicating). If
you looked at the fabric from the side, it would be a sort of z shape. The total length of the pocket
panel should now be 10.5 inches.
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Lay one of the 5.5 by 10.5 inch rectangles on the pocket panel, right sides facing, and stitch one side.
Press open. Repeat with the other panel piece on the other side. Topstitch along the side panels
close to the pocket panel seam.
Now fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of all your pieces: back panel, your just-constructed front
panel, flap and strap/tabs (centering the interfacing on the strap pieces so theres a half inch of fabric
on each side thats not interfaced), as well as the front, back and flap of the lining.
Make the interior pockets (this is what I did, you can make any assortment of pockets you want):
Put your patch pocket pieces together right sides facing and stitch around them, leaving a gap in the
bottom for turning. Clip the corners and turn right side out (poke out the corners with a chopstick or
something) and press.
Place the small patch pockets on the large pocket and topstitch around the sides and bottom
(closing the turning holes as well).
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Then place the pocket piece on one of the lining pieces, 1 1/2 inches from the top, and topstitch
around the sides and bottom as well as down the center to create two pockets.
For the internal zipper pocket (if this terrifies you, skip it, or add another patch pocket):
Measure your zipper from stop to stop. Then draw a rectangle on the back of your single pocket
piece one inch from the top that is the length of your zipper + a 1/2 inch long by a 1/2 inch tall (my
zipper measured 7 inches, so my rectangle was 7 1/2 inches by a 1/2 inch). Pin the pocket piece to
your other lining piece 1 1/4 inches from the top.
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Sew along your line through both layers, using a very short stitch around the corners.Make a slit
down the middle of the rectangle, clipping in a Y shape toward the corners as close to the stitching
as possible.
Turn the pocket to the inside, fanangeling it as best you can to get the pocket fabric to not show on
the right side, and press.
Place the zipper behind the hole you just made, pin, and carefully topstitch all around the zipper close
to the edge. Be careful not to catch the edges of the pocket fabric in the zipper stitching (ask me how
I know thats possible)
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Now flip it over and fold the pocket piece up, matching the edges, and stitch around the three sides,
keeping the lining piece clear. (If youre using a directional fabric, you may want to make the pocket
with the fabric facing upside down, so when you fold it up to make the pocket the back of it is facing
right side up. I obviously didnt think of this until I had completed the pocket.)
Sew the body of the bag:
Place the two exterior panels right sides together and sew around the sides and bottom. Flatten one
of the bottom corners out into a triangle, measure 1 3/4 inch down from the point and draw a line
across (the line should be 3 inches long).
Sew along the line to square off the corner of the bag. Repeat for the other corner. You can trim off
the triangle if you like, or leave it for extra bottom stability (which is what I do).
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Turn the exterior right side out and press if necessary.

Repeat for the lining panels, but leave a 4 inch gap in stitching in the bottom for turning the bag right
side out later. Leave the lining with the wrong side out.
Make the bag flap:
Stack your flap piece on your flap lining piece. Use a glass or other round object as a template to
round off the bottom corners.
Place your flap pieces together right sides facing and stitch around the sides and bottom. Trim and
notch corners and turn right sides out.
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Press and topstitch around the three sides (I imagine your topstitching will be more even than mine!).
Baste the flap to the back of the bag body using a wide zigzag stitch, centering it between the side
seams (it should be 1 1/2 inches from either seam), with right sides facing.
Make the strap:
Press the uninterfaced seam allowances on both sides of the strap and strap tabs in toward center
along the edge of the interfacing. Then fold the strips in half lengthwise and topstitch along both
sides. (This is my way of avoiding the dreaded long-tube-turn. You can of course fold it right sides
together, stitch, turn and press before topstitching instead if youd like.) Slide one of the metal loops
onto one of the strap tabs, fold the tab in half raw edges together and baste along the raw edge.
Repeat with the other tab and loop.
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Thread the strap through the metal slide, fold the end over and topstitch in place. Thread one of the
loop/tabs onto the strap from the other end, with the tab on the same side of the strap as the folded
over end.
Now take the still-loose end and thread it through the slide, so the tab is on the outside of the loop
made by the strap.
Flatten out the strap and sew the second loop/tab to the free end, folding under the raw edges and
topstitching as before. I did three lines of stitching, one close to the loop and two at the folded under
raw edge, but a box with an x in it also works. Do whatever you like and seems sturdy.
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Baste the strap tabs to the sides of the bag, right sides facing and centered over the side seams.
Now place the whole bag exterior inside the bag lining. Tuck the strap and the flap down inside. Line
up the side seams and the raw edges and pin.
Stitch all the way around the top of the bag.
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Now pull the bag right side out through the hole you left in the lining. Press as best you can, and tuck
the lining inside the bag.
Topstitch all around the top of the bag.
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Slipstitch the hole in the lining closed, and youre finished! Enjoy your messenger bag!
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107 comments
Ashlee said:
This is so lovely! Thanks so much for the tutorial I have a gf who rides her bike everywhere and was struggling as to what to make
December 5, 2011
5:13 pm
her for Christmas problem solved thanks to you!

Reply
aleah said:
And there are so many cute bike fabrics out there too, for the real bike lover
December 7, 2011
1:00 am
post a picture, Id love to see it!
If you make one, be sure to
Reply
Meigan said:
Lovely bag and a great tutorial! Love it! I agree that a purse size messenger bag is fantastic. I have one from LL Bean that I love but
December 5, 2011
9:04 pm
would really like a dressier version. I guess I will make one!!

Reply
14/24
16/7/2015

Oooh, yeah, a dressy version would be fun. Ive been thinking of one in some kind of tweedy fabric, or a
aleah said:
December 7, 2011
1:02 am
wool plaid or something!

Reply
Valerie said:
December 6, 2011
11:56 pm
2paw said:
December 7, 2011
5:10 pm
I love it. Thank you for sharing this tutorial!

Reply
Thank you so much, I have wanted to make a bag with a flap like this but I am too lazy to be bothered thinking how!!! It is lovely!! I
think I shall have a squarer one.
Reply
prttynpnk said:
December 15, 2011
2:49 pm
What a great tutorial! I love this bag anfd that you listed where to get the same fabric- too cute!!!
Reply
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Marie said:
I just finished making the bag for my sister for her birthday. It turned out fantastic and was lots of fun to make! I ordered extra metal
January 8, 2012
5:05 pm
loops and slides to make more bags.

Thanks so much for the wonderful tutorial, you didnt leave out a thing. The step by step photos were spot on. Just when I thought I
had no idea what you were talking about on the strap (placement of the loops and slides) I just looked at the photos, then read the
instructions again and it all fell right into place.
You really should charge for this, its a keeper!
Reply
aleah said:
January 9, 2012
7:05 pm
Thanks so much, Im so glad it all made sense! Hope your sister likes her new bag!
Reply
rainbowscuba said:
Thank you so much for the tutorial. I just finished my bag and I love it. Will make more in different fabrics after I use this one for a
January 8, 2012
5:55 pm
while to see what I might want to change for the inside pockets
Reply
Katherine said:
I am now the owner of the bag pictured. I love it, it is perfect, and I am utterly deflated because I know Ill never be able to make
January 28, 2012

7:23 pm
something as perfect ever. YAY! Amazing bag! Perfect! Thank you Aleah!!!!!
WOO!
KB
Reply
Helen Bunn said:

February 18, 2012
3:03 am
Thank you so much for this tutorial! Now have to go raid my stash and get started on it!!
Reply
Sue said:
I sew messenger bags, and like you, pulled from a variety of books and tutorials to create my own. This tutorial is really excellent. I
February 18, 2012

1:46 pm
read through it and think it is very well done.

I havent sewn a messenger for my Etsy shop in quite a while because I seem to have a short attention span lately..but I am inspired
to get focused enough to sew a messenger bag again!
(Dont worrynot copying yours to sew for my shop!)
Reply
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Dj Merritt said:
I have no place to get the buckles and such so I have to order that sort of thing and WAIT But I do intend to make this bag, Would
February 18, 2012

5:57 pm
be great if I won the same fabric to make it too lol

Reply
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brownbirdgreenstring said:
This is beautiful, thanks for sharing your method!!
February 19, 2012

8:44 pm
eumoronorio said:
February 20, 2012
7:53 am
Reply
great tutorial! And what a great fabric combo! Thanks!

Reply
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Arlene said:
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I have been sick for a week and just today felt well enough to be up and doing something,
March 19, 2012

6:18 pm
although not so strenuous. I have lots of felted wool sweaters laying around and so I decided to make up a bag with them. I LOVE
how it came out. Would love to send you a picture of it if I knew your email Im not a blogger. I plan to use it for my Bible bag. I SO
impressed myself by installing a zippered pocket along with the patch pockets and also made a slot to hold a few pens and added a
magnetic closure. I used a belt for the shoulder strap. All parts of it were repurposed from thrift stores. Thanks again for a wonderful
tutorial. I havent sewn for years and it was easy to follow.
Reply
aleah said:
Im so glad you liked it and it worked for you! I love the idea of a felt version, especially re-purposed felt. Im
March 30, 2012

2:57 pm
sure its gorgeous!

Reply
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Amy said:
I really like the fabrics youve used, and fab tutorial!
May 5, 2012
3:34 pm
Reply
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Jennifer DuBose said:
I want to thank you for this tutorial. I am not sewing savvy but my mother is and she helped me make it. It was so easy that I think
May 29, 2012

2:55 pm
Im gonna try to make her one now that I have seen the whole process through. I used upholstery fabric and it turned out fabulous.
Reply
Katie Fleming said:

June 25, 2012
6:19 pm
This is a great tutorial. So glad I found you on Pinterest because I am having a hard time finding a messenger bag worthy of my
money.
Reply
brandy said:
June 28, 2012
11:40 pm
Love this and wish I had the patience, skills, and time to make it! Any chance you are selling them?
Reply
aleah said:
July 1, 2012
5:09 pm
Uufortunately Im not selling them (I barely have time to sew for myself right now!) If that ever changes Ill
absolutely let everyone know
In the meantime, give it a try! Youd be amazed at what you can make, Im sure!
16/24
16/7/2015

Reply
Renee said:
July 5, 2012
8:58 pm
Sorry if this has already been said and shot down, but have you/would you consider doing a video? I suck at directions before I just
like to jump right in!
Reply
Renee said:
July 5, 2012
9:01 pm
Diane Jacobs said:

July 8, 2012
10:50 am
Also, what kind of fabric would you recommend?

Reply
I just made this for my granddaughter. I had a test of an embroidery design that was just too cute to leave in a binder. I used the
embroidery design on the front flap with borders around the design. She loves the bag, and now her mommy wants me to share the
love and make one for her, too. This design has just the right features and the right size. Your instructions were easy to follow. So
glad I found your blog.
Reply
Pam said:
This is an AWESOME bag and such a detailed, easy to follow tutorial!!! I love the shape, the fabric, all the pockets. Thanks for linking
July 16, 2012

3:47 am
up @Threading My Way
Reply
Melanie Lamberson said:
I just finished my second of this perfect perfect bag! Thank you so much for the tutorial. Your instructions were spot on, and they
July 19, 2012

6:58 am
turned out to quite possibly be the nicest things Ive ever made. I made the first one exactly to your specifications, using outdoor
upholstery fabric for the outside and flap, and cloth napkins I found on clearance at Target for the lining and pockets. Its SO cute!
But I found it to be a bit too small for my needs, so I set out to make a bigger one. After struggling to find fabric that I really love (Ive
a shortage of good fabric stores in my neighborhood), I stumbled upon a beautiful table runner at Target (notice a pattern?). The
ends were beautifull embroidered with a great pattern, and it turned out to be the perfect width for the flap on my bigger bag. I
adjusted the measurements accordingly, found some more napkins (that matched perfectly, of course), and went to town. It turned
out even more beautiful than I couldve imagined (and I was able to leave out several steps, because the table runner was already
lined with nice stiff interfacing, and the edges were finished for me. Here is a link to photos of both bags.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4227982500431.2177084.1311376932&type=3&l=166170d84f
Thanks again for this perfect tutorial. I cannot wait to make more!
Reply
Pam said:
Hi Aleah, Ive featured your messenger bag today
July 20, 2012

1:31 am
http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/2012/07/threading-your-way-features_20.html
Reply
goofydes said:
Thank you sooo much for this tute! I have been on the warpath for a small purse size messenger bag that suited all my criteria. I am
July 20, 2012

2:40 pm
making one from some awesome Star Wars fabric from Fabricworm. I actually live 30 miles from their retail location and they have
so much more there than they do online! Even if I go there just to browse I leave with a min. of $50 goodies everytime!
Reply
Katie J. said:
Im going to start with the tutorial as is for my first bag. But I thought Id try a larger version for work as well. LOVE this bag an the
August 3, 2012
6:37 pm
tutorial is so easy to follow thanks so much!!

Reply
Toshua J. said:
hi, i love you bag tutorial its exactly what i have been looking for!! i just had one question, if anyone know please let me know, when
August 24, 2012

11:56 am
you get the bag exterior and lining ready to put together, and you put the exterior bag into the lining to get ready to sew around the
top, how do you know which way it needs to face so that your pockets on the inside are on the front and the zipper is to the back of
the inside? or which way do you line it up exactly so there matched up right, do you put the outside front pocket to the inside
pockets or towards the zipper so when you flip it inside out the pockets are where they need to be or does it matter??? Please let
me know i cant wait to make one, your tutorial is the easiest one i have found to make a cross body bag and that is decent size to fit
magazine in yet small enough for a purse unlike all the huge cross body bags out there!!
Reply
Toshua J. said:
August 24, 2012
12:02 pm
17/24
16/7/2015

haha i figured it out took my brain a minute to see how it was done, but thanks again anyway, im a camo nut so i can wait to make
one of these in my camo farbric, yeah!!!
Reply
aleah said:
Glad you got it yep, inside pockets facing outside pockets makes the zipper be on the body side of the
August 24, 2012

4:50 pm
bag (how I like it also). I always have a hard time wrapping my head around how inside-out things will be
when they get right-side-outed too!
Reply
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phyllis said:
Thank you for developing this pattern and sharing it on Word Press. It is an excellent pattern and pictures are very helpful. The bag
October 18, 2012

8:18 am
is easy to make/ Phyllis/10/18/12

Reply
Jabali Bags said:

November 5, 2012
3:43 am
Great tutorial.. ! Nice pattern.

Reply
Brandy said:
I have been looking for a messenger bag pattern for months now & found yours. It is exactly what Im looking for except I would like
November 18, 2012

9:35 am
to add insulated pockets to the outside ends for water bottles. I am a beginner, so Im not quite sure where to add them at. Any help
will be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Reply
Lisa said:
November 27, 2012
8:54 am
Thank you for your tutorial, Ive never made a bag before but you made it so easy to follow! I made this bag for my little nephew and
he takes it everywhere : ) http://www.flickr.com/photos/sewumm/6729995139/in/set-72157629409709946
Reply
Mary Cardona said:

December 11, 2012
3:02 pm
Claudia said:
December 19, 2012
12:52 am
Awesome tutorial
Reply
Like all the others I would like to thank you for this excellent tutorial. I have been wanting to make a messenger bag for ages but
never really had the courage. Now after reading your tutorial I realize I can manage! Your tutorial is so very good and has such good
photos which I really understand that I know I will start on a bag in the new year. Thank you so very much for sharing I am really
happy to have found you! Greetings from Germany
Reply
eva said:
I had your bag pinned for a long time. Finally, last weekend I found time and an excuse to sew it.
January 8, 2013
10:54 am
If you want to take a look http://www.flickr.com/photos/75890037@N05/8361144671/in/photostream

thanks for your tutorial, it was very helful
Regards from Spain!
Reply
cierrashaeCierra said:
Im excited to start this bag tomorrow, but I have a few questions: I ended up getting heavyweight interfacing at the fabric store, but
February 4, 2013
1:24 am
reading through the directions Im wondering if its too heavyweight to pull inside out after you sew along the top of the bag. Was
this a problem for you? Do I need to use lightweight interfacing? How big and where on the bag do you leave the hole to pull it all
through, Im too new of a sewer to trust myself to figure it out.
Thanks for posting this pattern, Im very excited to try it out.
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16/7/2015

Reply
aleah said:
Well, as long as you didnt get the super-stiff Peltex stuff, you should be okay. Can you smush the
February 4, 2013
1:32 am
interfacing without too much resistance? Even if its pretty stiff, just leave a bigger hole in the lining (I leave
my hole in the bottom seam of the bag lining). You could leave as big as a 6 inch hole, and that should be
plenty big to pull it through, it just means more handstitching later to close it up
Reply
Tabitha W at Epicycle
Designs said:
I just finished a bag from your design, and it turned out wonderfully! Ive been sewing bags for a while, but rarely do I attempt
February 7, 2013
11:37 am
I made my bag a touch bigger, as I plan to use it as a diaper bag, and it really turned out well following your directions. So yet again,
something quite so complex, so your tutorial was indispensible.

thank you! Awesome tutorial!
Reply
Laura said:
Im just about to start making this bag; Im super excited. One question did you pre-wash your fabric? I have 100% cotton
February 15, 2013

3:11 pm
quilting fabric. What do you think?

Reply
aleah said:
You know, I didnt prewash, but then I dont plan on washing my bags either. If you want a washable bag,
February 15, 2013

5:43 pm
you should wash your fabric first, since its likely to shrink.
Good luck and let me know how it turns out!
Reply
Laura said:
Thanks for responding! I am still working on the bag; I did decide to pre-
February 19, 2013

12:15 pm
wash I have little kids and can just see having it washable as a good thing.
Ill post pics when its done!
Kristi said:
Thanks for the great tutorial! I made myself a bag today and I love it, and I also feel more able to design my own. Thank you, thank
February 23, 2013

6:21 pm
you, thank you!

Reply
Lisa said:
This is such a great tutorial to refer back to. I just used it to make another bag this time with fake fur and monster eyes!
February 26, 2013

5:33 am
19/24
16/7/2015
Thank you!
Reply
merav said:
February 26, 2013
3:30 pm
I just finished making the bag and would love to send you a picture
Reply
Caroline M. said:
Loved this tutorial! Thanks so much for posting. I found this on Pinterest and decided it was perfect for the project I was envisioning.
March 4, 2013
8:04 am
I finished just last night! Check it out here: http://toocutesewclever.blogspot.com/2013/03/scrappy-messenger-bag.html

Thanks again!
Reply
machen said:
Thank you and thank you. I love your tutorial! You are so talented. Made tons of mistakes but I believe the second one would be
March 15, 2013

9:54 pm
better.
Reply
Lisa Dollahite said:
Hello,
April 7, 2013
7:28 pm
This is so cute. Do you sell them?

I love it but can not sew for anything in the world.
Thank you,
Lisa
Reply
aleah said:
Thanks! I dont currently sell the bags (I barely have time to sew for myself!), but if I do start making them to
April 7, 2013
10:56 pm
sell Ill for sure post it here!

Reply
20/24
16/7/2015

Just made one of these, turned out great! Thanks for the awesome tutorial!
Megan said:
April 24, 2013
8:48 am
For other newbie sewers: Bear in mind that if you use a very thick fabric (I made my exterior out of canvas) youll lose some length
on folds. When you cut that 620 piece for the front center panel make sure to add 1-2 inches to the length, then cut it to perfect
size after you press all the folds. Mine wound up a full inch too short and I had to start over. Your strap will shrink a little too; it was
plenty long enough for me, but you might want to add a few inches there too, if youre worried about it.
Reply
aleah said:
April 24, 2013
12:08 pm
laurie f said:
May 9, 2013
11:29 am
Great tips about thick fabric thanks! Glad you like the tutorial!
Reply
Thank you for a great tutorial!

Reply
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Timmy said:
Greetings! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers
July 17, 2013

8:43 am
and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche.

Your blog provided us useful information to work on.
You have done a outstanding job!
Reply
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Beth Joy said:
Just finished one! Used some old bistro aprons from an old job for the exterior and some bright colors for the inside. I love it! Thank
you for posting!
July 30, 2013

4:53 pm
Reply
Tonia Smith said:

August 11, 2013
2:03 pm
Deborah Deal said:

August 28, 2013
8:15 am
this is the best tutorial I have seen sofarfab! and it is my project for the daycant wait to go fabric shopping for this beauty!
Reply
Hi Aleah have been trolling the internet for months looking for a simple but veratile messenger bag. This looks great almost
bought a Timbuk2 bag when I was in Toronto a couple of weeks ago. Glad I saved my money! Thanks
Reply
Sara K said:
I am working on this bag, and have never done zippers before. I am a little confused about the zipper pocket. I pin and stitch it to
October 7, 2013
5:50 pm
the right side of the liner fabric? How do I get the pocket to the back of the liner fabric then? There will be pocket fabric on the right
side of the liner then, no? Am I making any sense? lol
Sara
Reply
aleah said:
So you sew the pocket to the right side of the lining, then you cut a slit through both layers inside the
October 7, 2013
6:11 pm
rectangle of stitching you just made and pull the pocket through to the wrong side of the lining. Scary, I
know, but thats what you have to do! If its still confusing, there are lots of other great zipper pocket
tutorials out there that might phrase things a little differently and have different pictures google inside
zipper pocket and see what comes up! Good luck!
Reply
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16/7/2015
sue said:
October 7, 2013
7:22 pm

I remember the first time I did a pocket of this type I did not understand either! With the pocket right side to the bag, you stitch a
rectangle, which will become the window the zipper front peeks through. After stitching that rectangle, you carefully cut a line
down the center the length ALMOST of the rectangle (you need to angle up from the slit to each corner, so dont cut the line the
whole length of the rectangle)..then the pocket fabric can be pushed through that slit. Do Google it though so you can see it before
doing it!
Reply
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Tammy said:
Just finished my bag, love it going to make another.
November 25, 2013

10:48 pm
Suryaprabha said:
November 26, 2013
1:03 am
Reply
lovely lovely lovely my next project

Reply
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Bricoles said:
Super, merci, dommage pour moi que les explications ne soient pas en francais..
January 29, 2014

12:28 am
Reply
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Ilene said:
Just finished this. Its a fantastic bag, and this tutorial is top notch!
March 24, 2014

5:43 pm
Reply
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Shelby said:
Such a fantastic tutorial! Not only was this the cutest bag design I could find online, but it was also one of the very few free ones and
certainly had the easiest-to-follow instructions. I increased all the measurements (except the strap and tabs) by 50% and added
May 7, 2014
12:02 pm
some extra inside pockets, and I ended up with a great airplane carry-on bag! Thank you SO much. I am new to sewing and this was
exactly what I needed to get me excited about it
Reply
aleah said:
May 7, 2014
6:23 pm
Im glad it worked well for you! Have fun starting your sewing adventures Ill warn you now, its just a short
hop from making bags to making clothes (I speak from experience)
Reply
Katherine said:
June 20, 2014
6:43 am
Thanks! I found two matching large of home decor weight and this is the perfect project
Reply
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16/7/2015
Sonya Joy said:
Thank you so much! I made it and it turned out great. I swapped Peltex for the exterior interfacing, which made it stiffer. I also used
July 26, 2014

5:50 pm
Peltex for the strap as I am rather hard on them.
You did a great job making the pattern!!
Reply
Genevieve said:
September 14, 2014
12:23 pm
About to make the bag for my 9-year old daughter (from some thrift store turquoise suede), but I keep getting distracted by the
dress youre wearing in the photos! Did you make it? Have a blog post about it? Thanks!
Reply
aleah said:
September 14, 2014
10:46 pm
Ha, actually I didnt make it, its one of the few RTW dresses I still wear because I love it! It was from Old
Navy several years ago. I did try to knock it off a while ago:
https://notimetosew.wordpress.com/2012/01/22/wool-jersey-dress-duo-mccalls-5468-and-vogue-1224/
Reply
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Sobia said:
Hi! Im in the middle of making this amazing bag and Im a bit stuck on the interior zip pocket. How do I get the pocket piece to fit
through that little rectangle so it can go to the back of the lining? That might not make sense.well if you can explain it a bit clearer,
October 16, 2014

10:04 am
Id be really grateful! Im only 13 and often find tutorials a bit confusing!

I thought I might as well tell you about my bag! Im combining three tutorials you see! Im actually using a different tutorial for the
actual bag. Ive used another tutorial to add a big bow at the front for decoration, and Im using your tutorial to make interior
pockets. In the end, Im hoping for a cross-body hipster, thats kept closed by a zip (so no flap). I was going to follow your tutorial
completely, but I find lots of top-stitching a bit daunting! Otherwise, I think its a great tutorial, with clever ideas, for an incredibly
useful bag!
Reply
Sobia said:
October 16, 2014
2:07 pm
oh yeah, I forgot to mention. Ive not started sewing the zip pocket yet, Ive not even cut out the pocket
piece. I will once I get your reply. Thanks
Reply
aleah said:
Zip pockets are the most complicated pockets! Its one of those sewing things that will make sense once you start, but its hard to
October 16, 2014

9:48 pm
visualize before you try it. Once you sew the rectangle that will be the window for the zipper, you slice a line through the middle of
the rectangle, through both pieces of fabric, clipping into the corners (making little sideways Ys), then you push your pocket lining
piece through that hole you cut. I think itll make sense once you start, but if youre still confused, check out other tutorials for more
pictures (theres lots of others out there).
Your bag sounds cool, good luck!
(PS, I find topstitching daunting too.)
Reply
Suzanne said:
Thank you for this pattern and tutorial. I made the bags today for my granddaughters (9 years and 11 years)for Christmas. They both
December 2, 2014
5:21 pm
have iPads that will fit perfectly in these messenger bags.

Reply
Sharlyn said:
December 4, 2014
11:24 am
Casey said:
January 26, 2015
11:45 am
so fantastic! Thank you for sharing all your hard work, pinning this for future reference
Reply
LOVE this bag! I made one a couple months ago. This is by far the most advanced project Ive done (baby steps) and it turned out
fantastic! The tutorial is amazing. Much better than many you find out there. Many, many thanks for sharing this fabulous pattern.
Reply
Peggy said:
February 3, 2015
7:29 pm
Im looking to order the hardware from the link that you provided but I have 2 questionsdid you use the rounded metal loops or
not? And did you use the cast flat, flat or rounded metal slides? Thanks. Cant wait to do this one for my daughter. Im also going to
try to increase the size a bit.
23/24
16/7/2015

Reply
aleah said:
Hmmm, its been a while since Ive ordered from them, maybe the selections have changed? I think I used
February 9, 2015
12:05 pm
rounded everything. But just get what seems right to you and is the look you want!
Reply
Amy said:
March 10, 2015
9:57 pm
Thanks so much for this design and well written tutorial. I added an inch to the bag body measurements and added about 18 more
inches to the strap length for a better cross-body fit. My hardware came from strapworks.com
Reply
Bunny Wilson said:

April 20, 2015
6:42 am
Are you metal loops and slides the flat or rounded? Trying to order now but cant quite tell which ones to get. Thanks!
Reply
aleah said:
April 20, 2015
9:14 am
The ones I used are rounded, but get whichever kind you prefer, it doesnt matter!
Reply
Kim said:
Someone may have asked this, but is it ok to sell bags made using this tutorial on an Etsy shop as long as you get credit for design?
April 30, 2015

10:06 am
Thanks
Reply
aleah said:
May 3, 2015
9:34 am
Yes, you can sell bags you make from this tutorial, provided you give credit and with the understanding that
I could retract permission if I ever decide to make and sell them myself. Good luck!
Reply
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Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew

Small Messenger Bag

main fabric: 3/4 yard

Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew

Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew

Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew

Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew

Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew

Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew

Turn the exterior right side out and press if necessary.

Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew

Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew

Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew

Stitch all the way around the top of the bag.

Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew

Topstitch all around the top of the bag.

Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew

Once more into the

At long last, it's a Minoru!

her for Christmas problem solved thanks to you!

post a picture, Id love to see it!

If you make one, be sure to

would really like a dressier version. I guess I will make one!!

Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew

wool plaid or something!

I love it. Thank you for sharing this tutorial!

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loops and slides to make more bags.

January 28, 2012

Helen Bunn said:

February 18, 2012

read through it and think it is very well done.

Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew

February 18, 2012

be great if I won the same fabric to make it too lol

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This is beautiful, thanks for sharing your method!!

February 19, 2012

great tutorial! And what a great fabric combo! Thanks!

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March 19, 2012

March 30, 2012

sure its gorgeous!

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I really like the fabrics youve used, and fab tutorial!

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Jennifer DuBose said:

May 29, 2012

Katie Fleming said:

Messenger Bag Tutorial | no time to sew

Diane Jacobs said:

Also, what kind of fabric would you recommend?

July 16, 2012

Melanie Lamberson said: