I’ve had this Amy Butler fabric for a while and I knew I wanted to make a bag with it. I wanted a zippered, larger messenger/cross body style but not with a flap. I sat for hours with all of my patterns and I couldn’t find one that was quite right and would adapt well into a zippered bag. So I ended up making the pattern from scratch.
I wanted pockets in front to throw my keys and receipts in while I’m out.
I added a zippered pocket on the back so I could have my keys and wallet zipped up but still easily accessible if I want.
Inside I added an iPhone pocket and several pockets all along one side.
I wanted a concealed zipper and I pulled out all of my purses for examples. I really wanted to try something similar to the VB Hannah, but I realized that the body of the bag was too deep for that and I would need a gusseted zipper. None of the tutorials online were exactly what I was looking for, so I had to wing it!
I only had 1 yard of this fabric and I used every last inch of it. I had to piece the strap, so I just cut it on a diagonal and used extra interfacing.
I used fusible SF101 and then once the folds were pressed I slipped in some sew-in interfacing so the strap would be less likely to twist. I made it really long so I can wear it like a messenger bag. I can’t believe how smoothly it went together. I really planned it out and made pattern pieces so I could make another and everything. I spent about 2 days cutting and ironing multiple layers of interfacing and then 2 days sewing. The only problem I had was that the lining was a little bit big, so next time I will take that in a bit more than I did this time. Overall, I’m thrilled!
It’s really big, so I have to be careful not to fill it too much so it doesn’t get too heavy. But I love that I can throw a water bottle or the mail in my bag and I don’t have to worry about how big my wallet is or take a second bag when I have dog treats and leashes with me!
Next I need to make a wallet and a pouch for coupons and one for meds. I also need to get working on a hanging organizer for my bathroom and another fabric basket!
This bag is really nice Erin. I like Amy Burler fabric too.
Erin your new bag is totally an amazing creation. I wish I had sewing skills like you; you can think it & sew it!
You need to write a pattern for this bag and sell it! I’d buy it!! I recently purchased your lunch bag pattern on Etsy… which turned out ADORABLE and I can’t wait for my 5 year old to take it to Kindergarten this Fall… and then found your blog. I’m enjoying my evening reading through all your past posts. I just might need to start my own blog:)! When my youngest goes to Kindergarten at the end of the month I will for the first time in 10 years have time to myself to do what want to do! I have even treated myself to a new sewing machine… the electronic variety… I’m so excited. Your blog is so inspiring… I can’t wait to spend quiet time home alone with my machine and piles of fabric!
[...] webbing I'm in love with and I like the comfort level of fabric straps. I pieced the straps on this bag and this bag and they have held up fine. It's just like piecing binding, so you quilters will [...]
I would absolutely LOVE it if you wrote a pattern for this! I was also looking for a messenger bag without a flap but couldn’t find one. I wish I had sewing skills like yours so I could whip something up without a pattern!
Thank you, Mary! It’s on the list. :)