Messenger Bag Tutorial by Guest Designer Jenifer Cowles

I am so excited to be a Guest Designer here at Craft Warehouse.  I have a soft spot for Craft Warehouse since they are the first ones to give me a chance as a designer.  I have been on the Design Team twice and have moved on to other wonderful opportunities and Design Teams.

For my project I wanted to do a simple reversible messenger bag. I love the fact that if the mood hits all I have to do is turn it and I have a completely different look.

Supplies:

Fabric from Cosmo Cricket
1 yard each for the front and lining
4-1/4 yard pieces of fabric for the bottom, straps and decoration
Ribbon (Optional)
Heavyweight Interfacing from Therm O Web
Fusible Batting from Therm O Web

Cut out:

Flap
28x17- cut 1 main fabric and 1 lining fabric and 2 batting pieces
Side and Bottom piece
42x4- cut 1 main fabric and 1 lining fabric and 1 heavy weight Interfacing
Front Panel

13x17- cut 1 main fabric and 1 lining fabric and 1 heavy weight Interfacing
Straps
44x2 1/2"- cut 1 main fabric and 1 lining fabric and 1 heavy weight Interfacing.

Directions:

Step 1:  Cut out your Flap pieces, adhere the fusible batting and then quilt as desired.  This would also be the time you would add any decorative touches you want.

Step 2:  Adhere the heavy weight interfacing to the lining pieces for the side/bottom and the front panel.  Sew the front panel and side/bottom together with both the lining fabric and again with the main fabric,  You now have an inside and an outside of the bag.

Step 3:  Sew the front panel to your Step 2 pieces and you will get something like this.

Step 4: Adhere the heavy weight interfacing to one of the strap pieces.  Sew the main fabric and the lining fabric together sewing down the long edges, turn right side out.  Add ribbon or trim as desired.  Pin to the side, making sure it won't catch in the seam.

Step 5: Insert your 2 separate bags right sides together, sew around all the exposed seams pivoting around all corners.  Leave a  6" opening at the bottom of the flap for turning.

Step 6:  Clip corners and turn the bag using the opening.  Sew opening.

Congratulations, you now have a fun cute messenger bag to show off to all of your friends.

- Jenifer Cowles

Do you have a great idea to share with us? Would you like to design for Craft Warehouse? We would love to hear from you! Send an email with your name, blog address, and a sample of your work to jenevans at craftwarehouse dot com.