Today I'd like to share 3 adorable foldable bag projects. These bags are lightweight and can be folded into compact size, yet quite roomy and functional. Great for traveling, or to keep in your purse/ car as spare bag.

Finished bag measurements : Approx. 14.5" x 14" x 5"
Folded measurements : Approx. 5" x 3.5" ​

I broke this project into two part series on my Youtube channel that you may watch below.

Happy Sewing!

Today I'd like to share this cute  drawstring bag project with you. This bag is pretty spacious yet lightweight and so much fun to wear.  Great project bag for a knitter or crocheter, also great for your daily errands, grocery, or as a spare bag when traveling. 

The finished measurements of this bag is approx. 12" wide (bottom), 13" tall, 5" deep, the widest point when the top is expanded is about 15". This bag comes with a zipper pocket, 2 slip pockets, and magnetic snap closure. 

I posted the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel, you can go ahead and watch it here, or keep reading for the written instructions.

Let's get started !

Fabric 1,2,3,4 : 4x Jelly Roll Strips (2.5" wide strips cut from the width of fabric)
Fabric 5 (accent fabric) : 1 Fat Quarter or 1/4 yard of fabric
Fabric 6 (straps, casing, drawstring): 1/3 yard of fabric
Fabric 7 (lining) 1/2 yard of fabric
Fusible fleece (thermolam) / batting : 17" x 33"
Fusible Woven interfacing : 1/6 yard
1 set of Magnetic Snap closure
1 all purpose zipper (at least 7" long)
​Basic sewing and quilting notions

Note:
-Feel free to mix and match your fabric in more or less variations.
-If using one solid fabric for the exterior (no patchwork), you will need 5/6 yard of fabric

1. Sew all the jelly roll strips together with 1/4" of seam allowance. Press.

2. Trim the selvage ends, measure 17" and cut (make 2x) you should end up with 2 panels measuring 17" x 8.5" 

3. Lay out the front exterior panels as shown in the picture below, sew with 1/4" of seam allowance, press.

4. Lay out the back exterior just like shown in the picture below, sew with 1/4" of seam allowance, press.

5. Layer the front and back exterior pieces with batting, quilt. If using fusible fleece, fuse it to the wrong side of your fabric

6. Cut 2.5" square notches on both bottom corners to box the bottom of the bag.

7. Lay the front and back exterior pieces right side together, sew the sides and the bottom with 1/2" seam allowance.

8. Open the bottom corner, match the seams, sew with 1/2" seam allowance, repeat the same with the opposite side.

9. Apply fusible woven interfacing on the wrong side of the strap pieces.
10. Fold the short ends of the straps the wrong side 1/2" , press, fold the strap in half, press, fold the side edges towards the center fold, press, then fold everything in half, press. Sew all around with 1/8" of seam allowance, repeat the same with the other one.

11. Position the strap as shown below, draw the stitch line, then sew. Repeat the same with the opposite side.

12. Fold the short end of the casing 1/4", press. Fold one more time 1/4", press. Repeat the same with the opposite end, sew with 1/8" seam allowance.

13. Fold the casing in half, press. Repeat the same with the other one.

14. Place the casing on the right side of the front exterior piece, aligning the raw edges, center the position of the casing. Secure them in place with some sewing clips, then sew along the edges with 1/4" of seam allowance.  Repeat the same for the back exterior.

15. Fold the drawstring strip in half, press. Fold the edges towards the center fold, press. Fold everything in half, press. Sew all around with 1/8" of seam allowance, repeat the same with the other strip.

16. Prepare the lining pieces, cut the 2.5" corner notches the same way as you did the exterior pieces.

17. Lay the slip pockets pieces right side together, sew all around with 1/4" seam allowance leaving about 3" of opening to turn the pocket inside out.

18. Clip the corners (be careful not to cut through the stitches),Turn the pocket inside out, fold the raw edges from the opening towards the inside 1/4", press, then topstitch along the top edges. 

19. Position you pocket on the right side of one of the lining, about 3.5" down from the top, center the position. Pin them in place. Divide the pocket in to two slots by drawing a straight line mark on the center point of the pocket, then sew on the center point mark, the sides and the bottom of the pocket.

20. Sew the zipper pocket. Follow the exact same steps as in this video 
21. Install the magnetic snap closure

22. Assemble the lining exactly the same way as the exterior, leaving about 5" opening at the bottom.

23. Turn the exterior shell wrong side out, turn the lining right side out; Insert the lining into the exterior shell (the right sides of the lining should be touching the right sides of the exterior.

24. Secure them in place with some sewing clips, sew with 1/2" seam allowance.

25. Turn the bag inside out through the opening hole, press along the top edges, then top stitch. Sew the opening hole close.

26. Attach one of the end of the drawstring with a safety pin, then thread the drawstring into the casing using the safety pin to guide it through. Repeat the same with the other side.

27. Even out the drawstring, then secure them together by tying a tight knot.

Give your bag a final pressing, enjoy!

This cellphone wristlet is a cute yet functional little pouch for you to make. Great to take with you for errands, out for a walk, coffee date, pretty much anywhere you wish to go without having to take an entire purse with you. 

Features : 
Zipper Closure
Front zipper pocket
Front Slip Pocket
Wristlet Strap

The finished measurements of this pouch are approximately 4.5" x 8" , the zipper closure opening measures 4" wide, I can fit my iPhone XR (with chunky casing that makes the phone bigger) with a little extra room. This pouch should fit most smartphones (except of the super large ones) - if needed, you can increase the width measurement to suit yours.

You may watch the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel. 

Let's Get Started!
​

2x Fat eight, or use any fabric that you might have in your stash (Fabric A,B)

Fusible fleece (thermolam) 16" x 5.5" 
Fusible woven interfacing 5" x 19"
Lining fabric 5.5" x 17" 
2x all purpose zipper 1" wide (at least 6" long)  
1/2" d-ring
1/2" swivel hook  
​Basic sewing notions

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support!

~Front and back exterior~
From Fabric B : 5.5" x 8.5" (cut 2x)
​From Fusible Fleece : 5.5" x 8" (cut 2x)
​

~Front Zipper & Slip Pockets~ 
Cut From Fabric A 
Panel 1 : 5.5" x 2" (cut 1x) 
Panel 2 & 3 : 5.5" x 5" (cut 1x each)
​ Panel 4 & 5 : 5.5" x 7" (cut 1x each)

From Fusible woven interfacing
For Panel 1 : 5.5" x 2"
For Panel 2 : 5.5" x 5"

~Lining~
From lining fabric 5.5" x 8.5" (cut 2x)

~Strap anchor tab~
From fabric A : 2.5" x 2" (cut 1x)

~Wristlet strap~
From fabric A : 13" x 2" (cut 1x)
From fusible woven interfacing : 12" x 1" (cut 1x)

1. Apply Fusible Fleece on the wrong side of the exterior pieces.
2. Apply fusible woven interfacing on zipper pocket panel 1&2.
3. Lay the zipper right side up, lay panel 1 right side down, aligning the upper edges of the zipper tape with the lower edges of panel 1. Secure with some sewing clips/pin, then sew with 1/4" seam allowance.

4. Press the seams, then top stitch.

5. Lay panel 2 right side up, lay the zipper right side down, then lay panel 3 right side down, aligning the top and side edges off all the fabrics, secure them in place with some sewing clips then sew with 1/4" seam allowance.

6. Press the seams (both the front and the back) , then topstitch.

7. Trim excess zipper.
8. Lay panel 3 right side up, lay the zipper panel right side up, pin them in place, then sew all around with 1/4" of seam allowance. 

9. Lay panel 4 right side up, lay the zipper pocket panel right side down, sew the top edges with 1/4" of seam allowance.

10. Press the seams open, then topstitch along the top edges.

11. Lay the front exterior piece, right side up, lay the pocket panel right side down, aligning the sides and the bottom edges, secure them in place with some sewing clips, then sew along the edges with 1/4" of seam allowance.

12. Sew the strap anchor tab
13. Feed the strap anchor through the hole of the d-ring
14. Position the strap anchor 1" down from the top edge of the front exterior piece, secure in place with a sewing clip, then sew with 1/4" seam allowance

15. Sew the wristlet strap.
16. Lay the front exterior piece right side up, lay the zipper right side down, lay the lining right side down, secure them with some sewing clips, then sew with 1/4" seam allowance.

17. Separate the fabric from the zipper, press the seams, topstitch.

18. Lay the back exterior right side up, lay the zipper right side down, lay the second lining piece right side down, secure them in place with some sewing clips then sew with 1/4" of seam allowance.

19. Separate the fabrics from the zipper, press the seams, then topstitch.

20. Trim off any excess zipper.
21. Separate the exterior pieces from the lining pieces (with the right sides touching each other), secure them in place with some sewing clips (matching the zipper seams) then sew with 3/8" seam allowance, leaving about 3" of opening at the bottom edge of the lining. 

22. Cut all the corners, be careful not to cut through the stitches, turn the pouch inside out through the opening hole. Tip : Poke the corners with a knitting needle or chopstick, or skewer.

23. Sew the opening hole close.
24. Give your pouch a final pressing.
25. Attach the wristlet strap, Enjoy!

Here's a new bag for you to sew to use up some of your fat quarters collection. The Dahlia bag is a charming bag to be added to your bag collection.
Some of the features that this bag has :
Front Zipper pocket
Recessed Zipper closure
3 internal slip pockets 
8" drop Handle straps 
 Adjustable strap

The finished measurements of this bag is approx. 12.5" (wide) x 10" (tall) x 5" (deep). The use of foam stabilizer (soft and stable), gives this bag a great structure without being too rigid.
I posted the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel, that you can watch here, you may scroll down below for the list of supplies, cutting instruction, and written instruction.

1. Sew the front and back exterior pieces with 1/4" of seam allowance, press.
2. Apply the fusible woven interfacing on both the front and back exterior pieces.
3. Apply the fusible woven interfacing on the upper top part of the front zipper pocket.

4. Draw the zipper template on the wrong side of the front pocket piece.

5.Lay the pocket piece, on the right side of the front exterior piece, 1" down from the top (centered the position), sew along the perimeter of the zipper template.

6. Cut the center line and the corner triangles of the zipper template (be careful not to cut through the stitches)

7. Turn the pocket piece to the wrong side, press.
8. Apply basting tape on the edges of the zipper tape, peel the top layer off.

9. Position the zipper template on the zipper, sew all around the edges.

10. Trim the excess zipper off, fold the pocket in half, sew along the sides and top with 3/8" of seam allowance.

11. Place the foam stabilizer on the wrong side of the exterior pieces, (you can baste with spray basting, then sew the sides and bottom edges with 1/4" seam allowance.

12. Draw and cut 2.5" squares on both bottom corners of your exterior pieces.

13. Lay the front and back exterior right sides together, sew with 1/2" seam allowance.

14. Box the corners

15. Apply the fusible fleece on the wrong side of the handle straps pieces (center the position)

16. Fold the strap in half, press, fold the edges towards the centerfold, press, fold everything in half, press (you should end up with 1" strap) repeat the same with the other piece.

17. Sew along the side edges with 1/8" of seam allowance, starting from the open edge.

18. Mark 1" from both ends of the strap, pinch the strap in half, and sew with 1/8" seam allowance, starting and stopping at the 1" mark.

19. Mark 3.5" from the side seams of the bag, place the strap right by the mark, secure with some sewing clips, then sew with 1/4" seam allowance. Repeat the same with the other side.

20. Prepare the strap anchors. Fold the shorter sides of the strap anchors towards the wrong side 1/2", press, fold the longer side in half, press, fold the edges towards the center fold, press.
Fold everything in half, press. Your strap anchor should end up measuring 5" x 1"

21. Sew all around the edges with 1/8" seam allowance
22. Feed the strap anchor through the d-ring, sew as close as you can to the d-ring.

23. Measure 1" down at the side seams, place the strap anchor aligning the highest point of the d ring with the 1" point. Secure in place with a pin or basting glue, then sew 3 straight lines to secure the strap anchor in place. Repeat the same with the other one.

24. If making your own strap, this is the time to do it.
​25. Sew and apply the zipper tabs to the end of the zipper.

26. Fold and press the zipper panels the same way as the strap anchors. Your zipper panels should end up measuring  11" x 1" (make sure both panels are the same size).

27. Apply basting tape on the edges of the zipper tape, both wrong side and right side.

28. Insert the zipper tape to the fold of the zipper panel, sew the sides and the bottom edges with 1/8" of seam allowance 

29. Repeat the same with the other side.

30. Fold the slip pocket piece in half right side together, sew with 1/4" seam allowance, press the seams open, turn the pocket piece inside out, press, and top stitch along the upper top.
31. Divide the pocket piece into 3 slots, mark with disappearing fabric marker.

32.Lay the slip pocket on the right side of one of the lining, 4" down from the top. Sew on the marking lines, the sides, and the bottom as well.

33. Lay the zipper panel on the right side of the lining 1.5" down from the top, aligning the center point of the zipper panel with the center point of the lining. Sew with 1/8" seam allowance.

34. Repeat the same with the other side.

35. Assemble the lining exactly the same way as the exterior shell, leaving about 5' of opening at the bottom.
36. Turn the lining piece right side out, and turn the exterior piece wrong side out.
37. Insert the lining into the exterior shell, secure them in place with some sewing clips, then sew with 1/2" seam allowance.

38. Turn the bag inside out, top stitch along the edges.
39. Sew the opening hole close.
40. Give the bag a good final pressing, attach the adjustable straps, and you are done!

Here's a new wallet for you to sew. This is a simple slim bifold wallet, that comes with 6 card pockets, a zipper pocket, 4 compartments to keep your cash, cellphone, cheque book, or passport. The added wristlet strap, allows you to carry this wallet itself pretty much everywhere.

I posted the full tutorial on my Youtube channel, however you may scroll down below for the list of supplies, cutting measurements, and written instructions.

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut your fabric and apply the interfacing as instructed on the above cutting instructions. Center the position of the interfacing on your fabric.
2. Draw the pleat lines on wrong side of the pocket piece

3. Fold the first 2.5" line towards the wrong side, press. Then fold the next line (1.75" line) towards the right, press.

4. Fold the next 2.5" line towards the wrong side, press, then fold the next 1.75" line towards the right, press.

5. Repeat the same till you get to the last line. Do the final pressing.

6. Top stitch along the pleat lines. 

7. Draw a line on the center of the pocket starting from the first pleat, all the way down. Sew on the line to divide the card slots.

8. Your pocket piece should now measure 8.5" x 4.25" . Take the card pocket lining piece, lay them right side together, then sew the top edge with 1/4" of seam allowance.

9. Press the seams open, fold wrong side together, press, top stitch the top edges, then sew along the sides and the bottom with 1/4" of seam allowance

10. Prepare the pocket 1 pieces, the d ring, and the ribbon.

11. Feed the ribbon through the d ring, lay them on the top edge of the outer pocket piece, 3/4" away from the left. then stitch along the edges with 1/4" of seam allowance (tips : use a zipper foot for easier move)

12. Lay the pocket pieces right side together, pin, then sew with 1/4" of seam allowance

13. Press the seams open, fold wrong side together, press, then topstitch along the top edges.

14. Lay the wallet interior piece right side up, lay the pocket 1 right side up, then the card pocket right side up, aligning the sides and the bottom edges. Secure them with some sewing clips, then sew along the sides and the bottom with 14" of seam allowance.

15. Prepare the zipper pocket pieces, draw the zipper template on the wrong side of the inner pocket piece, 1" down from the top edge, center the position.

16. Lay the inner pocket on the right side of th outer pocket, 3/8" down from the edge of the outer pocket, pin them in place, then sew along the perimeter of the zipper template.

17. Cut the center line, and the corner triangles, be careful not to cut through the stitches. Turn your inner pocket piece to the wrong side, press.

18. Apply the basting tape on the edges of the zipper tape, peel the top layer off, place the zipper template on top of the zipper, center the position of the zipper teeth, finger press along the zipper tape to make sure that the basting tape is sticking to the fabric. Sew along the edges of the zipper template.

19. Trim off the excess zipper, fold the inner pocket in half, aligning the bottom edges with the top edges, pin them in place, then sew along the sides and the top edges.

20. Take the zipper pocket lining piece, lay that on the zipper pocket right side together, pin the top edges then sew with 1/4" of seam allowance.

21. Press the seams open, fold wrong side together, press, then top stitch along the top edges.

22. Sew pocket 2 the same way you did the pocket 1 (minus the strap anchor), refer to step 12 & 13.

23. On the opposite side of the card pockets, lay the pocket 2 right side up, then lay the zipper pocket right side up, aligning the sides and the bottom edges, secure them in place with some sewing clips, then sew along the sides and the bottom with 1/4" of seam allowance.

24. Lay the flap pieces right side together, sew the sides and the bottom with 1/4" of seam allowance

25. Clip the corners, be careful not to cut through the stitches, turn the flap inside out, press.

26. Position the flap on the center of the back side of the wallet right side together, sew with 1/4" of seam allowance.

27. Mark 3/4" from the edge of the flap (center the position). Mark 1 1/4" down from the edge of the front side of the wallet (center the position).

28. Install the button closure.
29. Sew the wristlet strap watch the tutorial here.
30. Lay the wallet exterior and interior right side together, (the card pocket should be facing the flap side (or the back side). Secure them in place with some sewing clips, leaving about 4" of opening at the front side, sew with 3/8" of seam allowance.

31. Clip all the corners, be careful not to cut through the stitches. Turn the wallet inside out through the opening hole, press.

32. Fold the raw edges from the opening hole towards the inside (3/8"), secure with some sewing clips, then top stitch all around.

33. Give your wallet a final pressing, attach the wristlet strap, enjoy!

You may notice that I seldom use other fabric than cotton quilting fabric for most of my bags. The reason is simple...I'm a quilter, and I always have quilt fabrics in my stash, plus, I simply love the abundance of gorgeous prints and colors that quilting fabrics tend to offer.

However, this year I'd like to explore various different fabrics, those that are heavier in weight, with different textures, yet still can be sewn with domestic sewing machine. 

So I went to Joann, and after roaming around their home decor fabric section, I found this plaid canvas in blue and beige shades and thought ...Bingo!! This is exactly what I want for my next bag project. I also needed an accent fabric, so I picked this duck canvas in brown color.

Other than canvas fabric you may also use denim, linen, lightweight leather/faux leather, and of course quilt weight fabric.

I posted the full tutorial on my Youtube channel, or may also continue scrolling to read the written instructions.

SUPPLIES

Fabric
Fabric A (main fabric): 1/2 yard Fabric
B : 1/4 yard Lining fabric 1/2 yard
*based on 45" width of fabric

Interfacing 
Fusible fleece 17" x 14.5" (2x)
Peltex 70 sew-in interfacing 11" x 3"
Fusible woven interfacing 12" x 4"

Zipper and hardwares
Purse zipper (at least 16" long)
All purpose zipper (for the pocket) at least 7" long
1" d-rings (2x)
1" swivel hooks (2x)
1" adjuster slider

Basic Sewing notions

CUTTING 

Front & Back exterior
From fabric A : 17" x 12" (cut 2x)
From fabric B : 17" x 3" (cut 2x)

Front and back lining
From lining fabric : 17" x 14.5" (cut 2x)

Bottom gusset
From Fabric B : 12" x 4" (cut 1x)
From Lining Fabric : 11" x 3" (cut 1x)

Internal slip pockets
From lining fabric : 17" x 7" (cut 2x)

Zipper pockets
From lining fabric : 10" x 9" (cut 2x)

Zipper tabs
From fabric B : 3" x 2" (cut 2x)

Strap Anchors
From fabric A : Cut 5" x 4" (cut 1x)

Strap
Cut a 4" strip measuring about 50"-60" long

Disclaimer : This post contains Amazon Affiliate links, which means I earn a small percentage of commission when you make a purchase through those links with no additional costs. Thank you so much for your support.

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut your fabric pieces according to the above cutting instructions
2. Sew the front fabric A panel with the front Fabric B panel with 1/4" of seam allowance, press, repeat the same for the back exterior.

3. Apply the fusible fleece on both front and back exterior (center the position)

4. Lay the slip pocket pieces right side together, sew with 1/4" of seam allowance, press, turn the pocket inside out, press again, top stitch along the top edges.
5. Use fabric marker to draw 2 lines to (6" from both ends of the pocket), position the pocket on the right side of the lining, 4" down from the top, then sew along the marked lines, and the bottom edges of the pocket.

6. Sew the zipper pocket, you may watch the tutorial here.

7. Apply the interfacings to the bottom gusset; layout the peltex on the wrong side of the gusset, then lay the fusible woven interfacing on top of the peltex glue side down, then fuse them in place (the woven interfacing will seal the peltex in place).

8. Trim your purse zipper to measure exactly 16" (from one end to another)

9. Fold the edges of the zipper tabs 1/4", press, then fold in half (meeting the folded edges), press 

10. Insert the edges of the zipper into the fold of the zipper tab, all the way in. Sew along the edges with 1/8" of seam allowance, trim excess fabric of the zipper tabs.

11. Prepare the strap anchor, fold it in half widthwise, press. Open the fold, fold the edges towards the center fold, press. Fold everything in half, press (you should end up with a 5" x 1" strip.

12. Sew the side edges of the strap anchor with 1/8" of seam allowance, cut the strip in half.

13. Fold the end of the strap 1/2", press, do the same with the opposite end, then proceed the fold and pressing method the same way as the strap anchors. Sew all around the edges with 1/8" of seam allowance. Attach the hardwares (the swivel hooks and the adjuster slider)

14. Lay the front exterior piece right side up, lay the zipper right side down (center the position of the zipper, there should be 1/2" gap on both sides), lay the lining right side down, secure the sandwich with some sewing clips then sew with 3/8" seam allowance.

15. Separate the zipper from the fabric, press, then topstitch.

16. Lay the back exterior right side up, lay the zipper right side down, lay the lining right side down, secure everything with fabric clips then sew along the edges with 3/8" seam allowance. Separate the zipper from the fabric, press, then topstitch.

17. Feed the strap anchors over the d-rings, position them 2.5" from the top edge, sew with 1/4" of seam allowance (do not sew the lining)

18. Separate the exterior from the lining (make sure to unzip your zipper at least halfway, secure the sides with some sewing clips; make sure to match the zipper seams.

19. Start sewing from the top of the exterior, with 1/2" seam allowance. When starting, you want to position your needle next to the zipper tab (make sure not so sew over with)

20. Then sew from the top of the lining (simply continue the previous stitch line), again making sure your needle wouldn't bump into the zipper tab.

21. Sew the opposite side the same way.

22. Find the center point of all 4 sides of the bottom gusset by folding it in half then make a little notch with your scissors.

23. Match the side seams of the bag then cut some notches at the center points.

24. Attach the gusset the the bottom of the bag matching the notches first, then sew with 1/2" of seam allowance.

25. Sew the lining gusset the same way, leave about 6" of opening to turn the bag inside out.

26. Turn the bag inside out through the opening hole.
27. Sew the opening hole close
28. Attach the strap
​29. Enjoy!

After the success of the tote bag with pocket divider tutorial that I posted about 3 weeks ago, I decided to create a simpler bag making project that has not much fuss yet still show a particular technique that will  hopefully enrich your bag making skill (if you are not an expert already by now ;)..), in this case, the recessed zipper.

Beside the zipper, the overall construction of this bag is relatively easy, and doable for a confident beginner as well. The use of the jelly roll strips for the exterior shell adds interesting look to the bag, and more fun to this project.

Let's get started!

Supplies 
-2 jelly roll strips (2.5" pre cut strips) for fabric A & B
-1/4 yard of fabric for the accent fabric (you can also use a fat quarter) Fabric C
- 1/3 yard of lining fabric
-1/4 yard of fabric for the strap
- 2/3 yard of fusible woven interfacing (20" wide)
- 24" x 12.5" fusible fleece (thermolam)
- Nylon coil zipper (at least 12" long)
- 1" Drings (2x)
- 1" Swivel hooks (2x)
- 1" adjuster slider
- Basting tape
- Basic sewing notions

I posted the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel, below is the link. You may also scroll down below for the cutting and written instruction.

CUTTING

*For the patchwork, refer to step 1-4 directions

~Exterior Shell~
Lower front exterior panel : 12.5" x 4" (cut 1x) from fabric C
Lower back exterior panel : 12.5" x 8" (cut 1) from fabric C
Fusible woven interfacing : 12.5" x 12" (cut 2x)
Fusible Fleece : 12.5" x 11.5" (cut 2x)
***If using solid fabric (no patchwork) cut 12.5" x 12" (2x) for the exterior fabric

~Recessed Zipper~
Zipper tabs : 3" x 2" (cut 2x) from the lining fabric (or scraps)
Zipper panels : 10" x 4" (cut 2x) from the lining fabric (or scraps)

~Interior~
Lining : 12.5" x 12" (cut 2x) from the lining fabric
Slip Pockets : 12.5" x 6" (cut 2x) from the lining fabric

~Strap~
Strap Anchors : 5" x 4" (cut 1x)
Adjustable strap : 60" x4" 
Fusible woven interfacing : 59" x 2"

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare the Jelly Roll Strips (fabric A & Fabric B), sew them together with 1/4" of seam allowance.

2. Press the seams towards one side.

3. Trim the selvage ends off.

4. Measure 12.5" and cut (make 3x)

5. Sew two of the jelly roll panels together with 1/4" seam allowance, press 

6. Sew the jelly roll fabric with the lower panel with 1/4" of seam allowance, press.

7. Sew the remaining jelly roll panel and the lower back exterior piece together with 1/4" of seam allowance, press.

8. Apply the fusible woven interfacing followed with the fusible fleece on the wrong side of both the front and back panel.

9. Measure and draw 1.5" rectangle on both bottom corners of the bag, cut.

10. Lay the front and back exterior fabric right side together, secure them in place with some sewing clips, then sew the sides and the bottom with 1/2" of seam allowance.

11. Open the corner, match and secure the seams with a sewing clip then sew with 1/2" of seam allowance; do the same with the other side.

12. Trim your zipper to measure exactly 12" long (from one end to another)

13. Fold the end of the zipper tab (widthwise) about 1/2", press, fold the opposite end 1/2" press.

14. Fold the zipper tab right side together, aligning the folded edges, then sew the sides with 1/4" of seam allowance

15. Turn the zipper tab inside out, press; do the same with the other piece.

16. Insert the end of the zipper into the zipper tab pocket; do the same with the other side, secure them in place with pins, then sew all around the edges of the zipper tabs with 1/8" of seam allowance.

17. Prepare the zipper panels, fold the end of the zipper panel in 1/2", press, do the same with the other side, fold the zipper panel in half, press, for the edges toward the center fold, press, then fold everything in half again, and press. Both of your zipper panels should end up measuring 9" x 1".

18. Cut two basting tape the same length as your zipper panel, then apply them on the edges of your zipper tape, both the top and the bottom (you want to position the basting tape starting from the start of the zipper)

19. Feed the zipper tape into the fold of the zipper panel, neaten the position, then finger press the zipper panel to make sure it's sticking to the basting tape; pop a couple pins to add extra security, then sew the sides and the lower edges (do not sew the upper/outer edges)

20. Repeat the same with the other side.

21. Lay the slip pocket pieces right side together, sew the top and the bottom with 1/4" of seam allowance; press; turn right side out.

22. Press the pocket; top stitch along the upper edges.

23. Position the pocket on the right side of the lining piece, about 3.5" away from the top; draw a line on the center, then sew along the center line, and the bottom as well.

24. Lay the zipper panel on the right side of the lining 1.5" away from the top, aligning the center point of the zipper with the center of the lining; pin; sew along the edges with 1/8" of seam allowance

25.  Repeat the same with the other side of the zipper panel.

26. Assemble the lining the same way as the exterior shell; leave about 5" of opening at the bottom to turn the bag inside out.

27. Fold the strap anchor in half widthwise; press; fold the edges towards the center fold; press; fold everything in half; press.

28. Sew the folded edges with 1/8" seam allowance; cut in half.

29. Insert the strap anchors to the d-rings, position them on both sides of the bag (right on the side seams); sew with 1/4" of seam allowance.

30. Sew the strap; watch the video tutorial here.

31. Turn the exterior shell wrong side out, and the lining right side out; insert the lining into the exterior shell; secure with sewing clips; sew with 1/2" of seam allowance.

32. Turn the bag inside out through the opening hole, press the edges; topstitch.

33. Sew the opening hole close.

34. Tuck the lining bag inside; attach the strap; enjoy!

Supplies and Tools
​3 Fat Quarters (or 1/3 yard of each fabric if using yardage) 
2 yards cotton fabric for the lining 
2 yards fusible woven interfacing (20" wide)
Fusible fleece (thermolam) 22" x 21"
Soft n Stable (1/4" thick sew in foam stabilizer) 34" x 4"
2 x size 3 zipper at least 11" long
10" long elastic (1/4" wide)
1 set of magnetic snap
Basic sewing notions

Disclaimer : This post contains Amazon affiliate links, thank you for your support!

Cutting Instruction

FRONT EXTERIOR ZIPPER POCKET
From Fabric 1  
7" x 3" (upper panel) cut 1x
​7" x 8 1/2" (lower panel) cut 1x

From the fusible woven interfacing:
7" x 3" (upper panel) cut 1x
7" x 8 1/2"" (lower panel) cut 1x

From Lining Fabric:
7" x 8 1/2" (lining 1 for lower panel) cut 1x
7" x 11 1/2" (lining 2 for the whole zipper panel) cut 1x

***For the zipper tabs 3" x 1" (cut 2x) from fabric 1

FRONT EXTERIOR SIDE PANELS
From Fabric 2: 3" x 11 1/2" (cut 2x)
​From fusible woven interfacing: 3" x 11 1/2" (cut 2x)

BACK EXTERIOR SLIP POCKET 
From Fabric 1:  11" x 8 1/2" (cut 1x)
From fusible woven interfacing: 11" x 8 1/2" (cut 1x)
From lining fabric 11" x 8 1/2" (cut 1x)

BACK EXTERIOR PANEL
From fabric 3: 11" x 4" (upper) cut 1x
From lining fabric: 11" x 8" (lower) cut 1x
From Fusible woven interfacing: 11" x 11 1/2" (cut 1x)

***Fusible Fleece for the front and back exterior 11" x 10 1/2" (cut 2x)

SIDE GUSSET
From Fabric 2: 5" x 11 1/2" (cut 2x)  
From Fusible woven interfacing: 5" x 11 1/2" (cut 2x)
From Soft n stable 4" x 10 1/2" (cut 2x)

BOTTOM GUSSET 
From Fabric 3: 5" x 11" (cut 1x)
From fusible woven interfacing: 5" x 11" (cut 1x)
From Soft n Stable: 4" x 10" (cut 1x)

EXTERIOR SIDE POCKETS 
From Fabric 3: 7" x 8" (cut 2x)
From lining fabric: 7" x 8" (cut 2x)
​Cut 2x elastic 5" long

POCKET DIVIDER
From lining fabric:  11" x 8 1/2" (cut 4x)
From fusible woven interfacing:  10" x 7 1/2" (cut 4x)
***For zipper tabs 3" x 1" (cut 2x) from the lining fabric

INTERIOR SIDE GUSSET
From lining fabric:  3" x 11 1/2" (cut 4x)

INTERIOR BOTTOM GUSSET 
From lining fabric 3" x 11" (cut 2x)

INTERIOR FRONT & BACK PANELS
From lining fabric:  11" x 11 1/5" (cut 2x)

INTERIOR SLIP POCKETS
From lining fabric 11" x 7" (cut 4x)

STRAPS
Cut by joining left over fat quarters or use a solid fabric 26" x 4" (2x)
Fusible woven interfacing 26" x 2" (2x)

*If you are a metric user you may refer to the below metric conversion guide 

I posted the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel, however you my scroll down for the written instruction. 

Directions

1. Apply the fusible woven interfacing to the following :
    1. Front Zipper Tabs
    2. Upper and lower front zipper panels
    3. Front Side panels
    4. Back slip pocket panel
    5. Divider pocket pieces including the zipper tabs
  
2. Sew the zipper tabs to the front zipper, trim excess fabric

3. Sew the upper front zipper panel to the zipper with 1/4" seam allowance, press, then topstitch

4. Sandwich the lower front zipper panel, with the zipper, and the lining, sew with 1/4" of seam allowance, press, then topstitch

5. Sew the second  lining piece to the zipper pocket piece all around with 1/4" of seam allowance

5. Sew the front side panels to both sides of the zipper pocket with 1/2" seam allowance, press towards the side panels.

6. Apply the fusible fleece to the front exterior panel according to the manufacturer's instruction

7. Sew the upper and the lower panel of the back exterior with 1/4" of seam allowance, press, then apply the fusible woven interfacing followed with the fusible fleece

8.  Sew the back slip pocket piece with the lining with 1/4" of seam allowance, press, then top stitch along the top edges.

9. Position the back slip pocket on the right side of back panel, alligning the sides and bottom edges, then sew along the sides and the bottom with 1/4" of seam allowance. 

10. Place the soft n stable on the wrong side of the gusset piece (center the position) followed with the fusible woven interfacing, then fuse the fusible woven interfacing in place. Repeat the same with the other side gusset piece and the bottom gusset

11. Make an angle cut on both sides of the side pocket panels, do the same for all pieces including the lining.
​

12. Lay the pocket piece with the lining right side together then sew the top edge with 1/4" seam allowance, press the seams open.

13. Fold the pocket piece wrong side together, press, then sew the top with 1/2" seam allowance to create the elastic casing.

14. Cut 5" long elastic. Thread the elastic to the casing with the help of a safety pin, sew the edges to secure it in place

15: Place the pocket to the right side of the side gusset, aligning the sides and the bottom edges, then sew along the sides and the bottom with 1/4" of seam allowance.

16. Assemble the exterior piece starting from sewing the side gussets to the front panel, then the back panel, then the bottom gusset.

17. Sew the zipper tabs to the zipper for the pocket divider

18. Sandwich the pocket divider, zipper, and the second piece of the pocket divider, secure with some sewing clips then sew with 1/4" of seam allowance

19. Open the sandwich, press the seams, then topstitch.

20. Sandwich the 3rd pocket divider, zipper, and the last pocket divider piece, secure with some sewing clips then sew with 1/4" seam allowance

21. Open the sandwich, press the seams, then topstitch.

22. Fold the zipper in half, with the zipper now positioned on top.

23. Sandwich the side gusset strip, the pocket divider, and the side gusset strip, sew with 1/2" seam allowance. Press towards the side

24. Repeat the same with the other side.

25. Sandwich the bottom gusset strip, the pocket divider, the bottom gusset strip, (there should be 1/2" overlap on both sides for the seam allowance, then sew with 1/2" seam allowance. Do not sew the overlap.

26. Sew the bottom corner of the side gusset to the bottom corner of the bottom gusset with 1/2" seam allowance

27. Repeat the same for all other 3 corners

28. Prepare two of the slip pocket pieces, lay them right side together, then sew the top, and the bottom with 1/4" of seam allowance. Press the seams open, turn the pocket piece right side out, then topstitch along the upper edge.

29. Lay the pocket piece on the right side of the front lining piece, 3" down from the top. 

30. Draw a line on the center of the pocket, pin the pocket in place, then sew along the center line, and the bottom as well.

31. Repeat the same for the back slip pockets.
32. Apply the magnetic snap closures on both the front and back panels

33. Sew the front and back panel to the gussets with 1/2" of seam allowance.

34. Use left over fat quarters to make the straps by extracting 4" strips then join them together.

35. Apply the fusible woven interfacing to the straps, then press straps to make 1" wide straps.

36. Sew both edges of the straps with 1/8" seam allowance

37. Fold the raw edges of the exterior 1/2" towards the wrong side, press. Fold the raw edges of the lining 3/4" towards the wrong side, press.

39. Position the straps  to the exterior piece, 1/2" away from the side seams, secure in place with some sewing clips. 

40. Insert the interior piece in to the exterior piece, secure everything with some sewing clips, the sew with 1/4" of seam allowance.

Voila! The bag is done. If you are a bit lost with the instructions, you can always refer to the video tutorial, or reach out to me directly through comments below, contact form, or social media. Happy Sewing!

I have been wanting to make a larger size messenger bag that is more structured, thus able to carry heavier items such as books, tablets, diapers, wipes, my kid's toys, etc, yet still looking chic and feminine hence I designed this bag and of course share the adventure of the making with you.

For this bag we will use some 2.5" strips, I used some jelly roll strips that I have laying around (you can also cut from your scraps).

I also added a front zipper pocket to store my phone, and of course some internal pockets (3 zipper pockets & 1 slip pocket) 

Disclaimer : This post contains some affiliate links, Thank you for your support!

SUPPLIES 
12" x 2.5" strips (5x) for the flap
15" x 2.5" strips (14x) for the front and bag exterior
1 yard of fabric for the lining and pockets
Fusible woven Interfacing
Sew in Foam Stabilizer (I used soft and stable)
Fusible Fleece 
Bias piping tape 
2 nylon coil zipper (at least 7" long)
1 set of magnetic snap
1.5" Webbing Strap 50" - 60" long
1.5" D rings (2x)
1.5" adjustable strap slider 

​

CUTTING 
Flap
-From the strips cut 12" x 2.5" (5x)
-From the lining fabric cut 10.5" x 12" (1x)
-From the fusible woven interfacing cut 10.5" x 12" (1x)
-From the fusible fleece cut 10.5" x 11.5" (1x)

Front and back exterior
-From the strips cut 15" x 2.5" (14x)
-From the fusible woven interfacing cut 14.5" x 15" (2x)
-From the foam stabilizer cut 14.5" x 14.5" (2x)

Front external zipper pocket
-From the lining fabric cut 10" x 9" (2x)
-From the fusible woven interfacing cut 10" x 9" (2x)

Lining
-From the lining fabric cut 14.5" x 15" (2x)

Internal slip pockets
-From the lining fabric cut 14.5" x 8" (2x)

Internal zipper pocket
-From the lining fabric cut 10" x 9" (2x)

Strap Anchors
-From the webbing strap cut 3" strips (2x)

​Strap
-From the webbing strap cut between 50"-60" long
​

STRIPS LAYOUT

Flap

Front & Back Exterior

Watch the full tutorial on my Youtube Channel

Happy Sewing!!

This is the 3rd project for the Charming Project series,  and in this post I'm going to share this beautiful tote bag project with you.

The finished measurement of this tote is about 14" x 11.5", a nice mid size tote, that is not only adorable but also very functional.

Supplies 
16 pcs of Charm Pack
1/3 yard of fabric (for the accent and straps)
Fusible woven interfacing (I use Pellon shape flex 101) 
Fusible Fleece (I use thermolam Pellon TP971F) 
*Feel free to use interfacing of your choice 
1 Set of magnetic snap closure  
1 Nylon zipper (at least 7" long) 

**Disclaimer : This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small percentage of commission when you make a purchase through those links with no additional cost. Thank you for your support!

==Cutting==
*Front Exterior
Top accent strip 16.5" x 1.5" 

*Back Exterior
Top accent strip 16.5" x 1.5"
Lower accent 16.5" x 9.5"

*Lining 
16.5" x 15" (Cut 2x)

*Pockets 
Slip pockets 16.5" x 8" (cut 2x)
Zipper pocket 10" x 9" (cut 2x)

*Interfacing 
Fusible woven interfacing 16.5" x 15" (cut 2x for front and bag exterior)
Fusible Fleece 16.5" x 14.5" (cut 2x for front and bag exterior)

To start with, cut all 16x of the charm packs in halves

Piece them together with 1/4" of seam allowance

Sew the straps 

Attach the straps to the bag exterior pieces

Now work on the lining and the pockets

For detailed instructions, watch the video tutorial on my Youtube channel

Happy Sewing!