The Dewy Crossbody bag is a lovely bag for you to make and wear this spring/summer. 

Features
1x Front Zipper Pocket
1x Front Slip Pocket with magnetic snap closure 
Recessed Zipper Closure
Adjustable Strap
2 x internal slip pockets

Finished bag measurements : 11" x 11 1/2" x 3" (28 x 29.2 x 7.6 cm)

The fabric that I used for this project is from the French General's "Tres Jolie" line by Moda fabrics.  

Disclaimer : This post may contain affiliate links; I may earn a small percentage of commission when you make a purchase of qualifying items through any of those links with no additional costs. Thank you for your support.

I hope you enjoy this project. Happy Sewing.

Many of you have made and really enjoyed the cellphone wristlet pouch that I shared earlier this year, so I decided to design another one, with more pockets, and an adjustable crossbody strap instead of  wristlet.

Finished purse measurements :Approx.  4 1/2" x 7 1/2" (11.4 x 19 cm)
Top zipper opening : Approx.  3 3/4" (9.5 cm) wide 

Features :
Zipper Closure
2 Front zipper pockets
1 External Slip pocket (at the back)
Adjustable Strap

As usual I shared the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links; I earn a small percentage of commission when you make a purchase through those links with no additional charge. Thank you for your support!

Happy Sewing!!

The mini crossbody bag project is a fun, fat quarter friendly project for you to sew. I love the  compactness and the functionality of this darling little bag, which just enough to carry your necessities such as cellphone, small wallet, sunglasses, face covering, keys, chapstick, etc.

Finished bag measurements : 8” x 7” x 1“ (20.3 x 17.8 x 2.5 cm)

Features :
Zipper closure
Front zipper pocket
Back exterior pocket with magnetic snap closure
Interior slip pockets
Adjustable strap 

Disclaimer :
This post contains affiliate links; I receive a small percentage of commission when you make a purchase of qualifying products through any of those links with no additional cost. Thank you for your support!!

Happy sewing!!

The Quilter's "So Organized" Bag is a great bag to organize, store and carry your sewing / quilting supplies and notions. This will also make a great little project caddy, by keeping the bag open, on your working table, to organize your tools and supplies.
​

Finished bag measurements : 12.5" wide x 4.5" tall x 5.5" wide (when it's closed).

Features 
3x Zipper pockets
4x compartments (between the zipper pockets)
Zipper Closure
Handles
Adjustable Strap (detachable)

This post may contain affiliate links; I earn a small commission if you make a purchase of qualifying items through those links with no additional cost. Thank you!

Hope you enjoy this project. Happy Sewing!

UPDATE : THERE ARE SOME CORRECTIONS THAT I NEED TO NOTE DOWN FROM THE VIDEO
At 13: 47 , I stated that you need to trim the zipper to measure 11", please disregard, it should be 12" long instead
At 16:50 , I wrote to cut the strap anchors 3" long, please ignore that, the measurements should be 2.5" long, as stated on the cutting instructions.
At 20:02, I said to measure 3 and 1/4" from the edge of the fabric, it should've been 3/4" instead.
​Thank you.


Here's another project incorporating improv style "quilt as you go" method. This crossbody bag is a darling yet functional little bag, great for your daily adventures. Feel free to experiment with different colors, prints/solid. This project will also work great with heavier weight fabric such as canvas, denim, and linen.

Finished Bag Measurements : Approx. 11.5" x 10.5" x 1.5"

Features :
Adjustable Straps
Scrappy front pocket (improv style - quilt as you go) piecing 
Zipper Closure
2x internal slip pockets 
1x internal zipper pocket

Watch the full video tutorial on myYoutube channel.

Bellow are some recommend products to make this project (Amazon Affiliate Links, Thank you for your support)

Happy Sewing!

Here's a new project for you if you want to take your bag making adventure to a new level. This bag is all you need to carry your laptop, books, folders, binders, etc. Great to be used as office bag, college bag, teacher's bag or for traveling or business trip, when you need to carry your laptop with you.

Dimension : Approx. 17" x 12.5" x 4"

Features :
- Zipper closure
- Adjustable strap
- Front zipper pocket
- Large compartments to store up to 15" laptop, folders, binders, books, etc
- Zipped pocket divider (can be used to store the laptop charger)
- Padded pocket for smaller size laptop or tablet
- 3 internal slip pockets  

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

Click the button below to download the cutting diagram and brief written instructions.

and of course watch the video tutorial on my Youtube channel, for detailed demonstration.

Happy Sewing!!

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!

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!

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!!