This is the fourth week of Member Monday Feature. I’m excited to highlight a charming Reversible Messenger Bag by Amanda of Crazy Little Projects. Amber, a busy mom of four boys, shares a love of sewing, baking and crafts. Her fabric choices are delightful and her projects are inspiring. She’s our Featured Member on the Oh My! Creative website—thank you, Amber, for sharing your creativity!
If you’d like your project featured as a Member Monday Feature, find out how to apply on the Oh My! Creative site.
Below is Amber’s tutorial for the Reversible Messenger Bag in her own words.
This is likely the first pattern I’ve ever drafted myself, and it worked—I love it. It’s the perfect size for carrying a few small essentials, and I adore the fabric. It may get dirty with use, but I plan to enjoy it while it lasts.
Here is the tutorial for making this little bag.
Materials:
- About 1/4 yard each of two coordinating fabrics
- Thread to match
- Printed pattern pieces (Front, Back and Flap). Print the pattern pieces from the PDF and tape the Back and Flap pieces together along the black dotted lines before cutting fabric.
Cutting: Lay your fabric flat and cut one Front piece from each fabric and one taped Back/Flap piece from each fabric, for a total of four pieces. Fold fabric as instructed and cut three sides (not the folded side).
You should now have four pieces: a Front piece from each fabric and a Back/Flap piece from each fabric. Next, cut two strap pieces using the full fabric length (about 45 inches) and a width of 3–4 inches. You’ll end up with six fabric pieces total.
I like to sew the strap first. Place strap pieces right sides together and stitch along both long edges, leaving both ends open. Turn the strap right side out, press flat, and topstitch for a finished look.
With the remaining pieces, place matching fabric Fronts right sides together and sew around the three outer edges. Important: leave about 1/2 inch unsewn at the beginning and ending points—this makes folding and finishing the edge easier later.
Do this for both fabric sets. Then lay the two sewn pieces together so the Front parts are inside touching each other and the Back/Flap pieces are on the outside.
Sew the pieces together just around the top portion, stopping before you reach the Front pocket area. Flip the bag so the right sides are out and one pocket sits inside the other; push the corners out and press flat.
Topstitch the flap area for added stability.
Fold the two raw edges of the Front inward about 1/2 inch and press. Slide the strap ends between the two fabric layers at the edges, positioning them about 1–2 inches in so they stay secure. Pin or hold in place; folding the strap ends slightly can help them fit neatly.
Sew the edge closed with a topstitch. A double topstitch looks nice and adds strength.
Finally, stitch a line across the bag where the back meets the flap (where you taped the back and flap pieces together when cutting) to create a defined flap and add structure.
And there you have it: a cute, easy and inexpensive reversible messenger bag. Use either side; it fits keys, a wallet and a phone perfectly.
Thanks again to Amber from Crazy Little Projects for this tutorial—follow her on Facebook or Pinterest for more projects.
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