First of all, here are the pattern pieces you will need:
The measurements of the pieces are as follows:
A (Back and Flap) - 14" x 20" (rounded at all corners)
B (Front) - 10" x 14" (rounded at two broadside corners)
C (Bottom/Side) - 16" x 3"
D (Strap) - 22" x 3"
E (Optional Pocket) - 7" x 12"
You will need to cut out--
Lining: A - 1 peice, B - 1 peice, C - 2 peices, D - 2 peices
Outside material: A - 1 peice, B - 1 peice, C - 2 peices, D - 2 peices
And you can the pocket (E) out of whatever material you wish.
You can, of course adjust the sizes of the peices, add more pockets, etc.
The best way to match the rounded corners is to fold the peices to cut them, like this:
Cut out all of your peices.
Now for the sewing:
Step 1) Sew the Bottom/Side peices together on the narrow end, right sides together, making a 1/4" to 1/2" seam.
Step 2) Sew one end of the Bottom/Side peice to one of the Strap peices. Repeat with other end and other Strap peice. You will end up with one long 3" wide peice, like this:
Step 3) Match the middle seam between the two Bottom/Side peices to the middle of the Front peice and pin, right sides together. You may have to pleat/fold the material of the Bottom/Side peice as you pin around the rounded corners:
Step 4) Sew around the pinned area.
Step 5) Repeat on the other side with the Back/Flap peice:
Step 6) Repeat Steps 1-5 with the outside material or lining, whichever one you didn't do first. Be sure to leave a small hole in the bottom of the seam of the lining (to turn the bag inside out later).
Optional step: Sew in any pockets into the lining. Just fold each edge of the pocket down and sew it in. If you want any exterior pockets, sew them on the outside material.
Step 7) Place the lining inside the outside material, right sides together (match up the flaps on one side). Pin along the front and up the straps, and then along the flap and up the straps on the other side.
Step 8) Sew down the inside of the strap and across the front, and up one strap. This is best if done with one seam, but can be done in three passes if needed. Repeat with the outside of the straps and the flap.
Step 9) Reach through the hole you left in the bottom lining seam and pull the bad inside out (which is actually right side out!):
Optional step: Sew a seam along the inside and outside of the straps, pressing them flat. I prefer this, but if you want rounder straps, skip this step.
Step 10) Finish the straps. There are several ways to do this. My preferred way to do it is to put the outside material sides together and sew together, then the just trim the excess as close as possible.
Awesome tutorial! The pictures are very useful and the instructions are clear. I hope you don't mind that I change your tutorial title so it's more search and skim friendly.
So, just wondering, what kind of material do you recommend for the lining? Because, honestly, this is going to be my first Complete DIY project [= I've added stuff to other clothes before, and I've spray painted T-Shirts before but I've never really done anything with sewing so a few extra pointers would be helpful
Messenger Bag Tutorial -
09-13-2007, 01:55 AM
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