Making A Laminated Messenger Bag

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I love versatile bags and today's messenger bag tutorial is just that - VERSATILE.  Great for use as a diaper bag, computer bag, book carrier or overnight bag.  Using a good stabilizer gives it great shape and structure with too much bulk.  With a laminated cotton outer fabric it's easy to keep fresh looking too.  Padded inner pockets let you carry things large and small and keep them all organized.

And with two easy access side pockets on the outside, there's even more handy storage. Now if you're unfamiliar/nervous about sewing with laminated cotton, this is the tutorial for you.  With no top stitching required, sewing this fabric is a breeze.  I promise!!

I bought this fantastic laminated cotton from one of my sponsors, Just Laminates, and knew it would be perfect for a bag.  It's Riley Blake's Fox Trails and I just love it.  It's whimsical, but has a style that works for both kids and adults.  I'm currently using mine as a diaper bag for my 2yr old, but when she no longer needs it I can totally snag it for myself;)  Want to make your own?

You'll Need:
1 yd Laminated Cotton
1 yd Cotton for Interior
1 yd of Fusible Stabilizer (mid-weight)
1/4yd Polyester Batting
1 package of extra wide double fold bias tape
Basic notions (sewing machine, pins, marking pen, shears/rotary cutter. etc.)

Cut the following pieces:
- Front/Back Piece 16"w x 14"h (cut 2 outer fabric, 2 lining, 2 fusible)
- Side Piece 6"w x 14" h (cut 2 outer fabric, 2 lining, 2 fusible)
- Bottom Piece 16"w x 6"h (cut 1 outer fabric, 1 lining, 1 fusible)
- Flap Piece 15"w x 18"h (cut 1 outer fabric, 1 lining, 1 fusible) To curve the bottom corners, use a glass or small plate to trace a curve shape and then cut.
- Strap 44"l x 5" w (cut 1 outer fabric, 1 lining, 1 fusible, 1 batting)
- Outer Pocket 6" w x 6"h (cut 2 outer)
- Inner pocket 16" w x 16" h (1 lining) and 16"w x 8"h (1 batting)



Step 1 - Fuse the stabilizer to the wrong sides of all the brown pieces.  Set aside. Take folded inner pocket fabric and measure inward 5 inches on either side.  Draw lines downward with marking pen.  Insert batting into fold.  Encase the folded end into bias tape and stitch in place.

Step 2 - Line up inner pocket along the bottom of back lining piece and pin together. Stitch down lines to form the pockets:

Step 3 - Fold strap in half as shown.  Measure 1.5 inches inward on each side of folded end.  Lay a ruler along this point and angle out towards the fabric edge about half way down the strap and cut to get this shape:

Step 4 - With right sides facing out, layer the outer strap and inner strap with the batting in between and attach bias tape on either side to complete strap.  With right sides facing out on flap pieces, attach along sides and bottom with bias tape.  Stitch bias tape along tops of outer pocket pieces:

Step 5 - With right sides facing stitch a side piece to either long side of the bottom piece with a .5 inch seam allowance.

Repeat with lining, but leave a 2 inch gap in the middle of side without inner pocket (this will be needed for turning the bag right side out at the end).



Step 6 - Line up the outside pocket with side bottom with right sides facing out:

Step 7 - Place these stacked pieces face down over the bottom side edge and stitch together - leaving .5 inch unstitched at beginning and end.  Repeat on other side:

Step 8 - Next pull together long sides of side piece and front & back pieces and stitch together.  Repeat on with other side.  Do the same with lining pieces.  Trim all the seam edges close to stitching.

Step 9 - Take flap piece and measure down 4 inches from raw edge on outer fabric side and mark horizontally.  I use such a big allowance so it's easier to position the flap when pinning it to the bag & it's easier to hold in place when stitching together.

Step 10 - With the outer bag fabric turned wrong side out, pin together back side of outer bag with the flap along this newly drawn line.  Then take the strap and, with the outer side of the strap facing the outer fabric of the bag sides, pin their raw edges together too.

Step 11 - With the lining bag's right side out, insert into outer bag so that the inner pocket is facing the inner side of the flap.  Pin all fabrics together along raw edge:

Step 12- Stitch together all the way around with a .5 inch seam allowance.  Trim off excess:

Step 13 - Pull bag right side out through the opening in the bottom of the lining.  Smooth all corners into place and then hand stitch the opening closed.  Now you're ready to tote in style!!

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