Simple Messenger Bag - Parts 3, 4 & 5

[fw221]

Parts 1 & 2 can be found here (http://www.sewingmamas.com/b/showthread.php?t=154 651)

Part 3: The Flap

Put interior & exterior fabrics right side together. Round off the bottom corners (flap will be 15" wide by 13" tall). I used a CD to round the corners, but a plate or glass will work too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1381.jpg

Sew around 3 sides and clip the corner.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1382.jpg

Turn right side out and press!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1335.jpg

Topstitch and then press again.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1387.jpg

[fw221]

Part Four: The Strap

Place right sides together and sew up the long sides. Turn in your favorite fashion (I have a Turn-It-All (http://www.clotilde.com/detail.html?prod_id= 148) set).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1385.jpg

Press and topstitch.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1386.jpg

Cut to desired length. I used 42"

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1388.jpg

[fw221]

Part Five: Putting it all together

This will come as a great surprise... Press everything again!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1383.jpg

Center the flap onto bag interior, like fabrics together and pin.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1389.jpg

Center the strap ends to the seams, like fabrics together and pin.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1390.jpg

Stick the exterior of the bag inside the interior, right sides together and pin.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1391.jpg

Sew the whole thing shut.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1392.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1394.jpg

Check the seam to make sure you sewed through all the layers. Then turn right side out through the hole you left in the bottom of the interior fabric.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1395.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1396.jpg

Sew the bottom shut. I used my machine to sew right next to the seam, but hand stitching looks better.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1397.jpg

Put the interior inside the exterior and press again

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1398.jpg

and topstitch

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1399.jpg

VOILA!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/fw221/Bag%20Tutorial/IMG_1367.jpg

[fw221]

Comments, suggestions, questions? Post 'em here! PM me if I don't respond within 24 hours. :wink:

[cinnamama]

Do you ever use interfacing for any of the layers?

[fw221]

Do you ever use interfacing for any of the layers?

Only if I was using two quilter's cottons. I try to match up canvas, velvet, or corduroy with something light so I don't have to interface. These bags were made with some bamboo canvas I got here years ago and a home dec fabric that my friend gave me.

[mkoontz]

Thank you. That's a cute bag and definitely do-able

[JenDale]

such a great bag, and your instructions are very clear...thank you for sharing

[shannonmamato4]

Awesome....very easy to follow

[jcsews]

If I want a smaller bag, can I just adjust the dimensions any way I want? Is there anything I need to be careful about size-wise? fw221

[fw221]

If I want a smaller bag, can I just adjust the dimensions any way I want? Is there anything I need to be careful about size-wise? @fw221 (http://www.sewingmamas.com/b/member.php?u=11)

Yes, you can adjust the dimensions any way you want. :)

[jcsews]

Thank you!