That’s good, because it looks like I’m only getting started … seems like I have been bitten by the “bag bug” and have made another. My sister gave me a box of upholstery fabric (the cat “Sophie” is all mine) and I made my first bag with fabrics from it, my tote bag, which I have been using everyday to lug my possessions onto the bus to work and back again. That bag’s big enough to carry my laptop, just to give you an idea of the size. You can read all about that one here, if you wish!
Next I thought I might try a zippered cross-body bag. Smaller, but not too small that I can’t fit my iPad in it.
For my front panel, I sewed in two contrasting inserts. I want to sew zippers in those seams.
View from the wrong side, zippers sewn in.
I carefully unpicked the seams to expose the zippers and reinforced the seam ends with hand stitching.
I sewed the pocket linings on the wrong side, one for each zipper.
Front zipper pockets completed!
I sewed a welt zipper pocket into the lining of the inside back.
After pressing, I sewed the zipper in.
Then sewed the pocket lining sides up, and the inner zipper pocket was completed!
Next the zipper gusset. One side done already. The other I’ve only just started.
Then I sewed the side seams and turned and pressed it so I could topstitch next.
Zipper gusset completed!
Straps being made, I trimmed them as much as I could.
No matter how many times I have done this, I always do a test run of how the strap is supposed to go through the strap slider and swivel hooks. Seriously, I have messed it up before!
This cross-body bag is being sewn by “Amber” my Singer 421G. I love the freearm. More about Amber here.
Strap tabs and strap completed!
Sewing my bag sides together at last!
I sewed the lining to the outer bag and turned it through the hole I left in the bottom of my bag lining.
Then after doing all that, I remembered that I forgot to attach my strap tabs to my bag and unpicked each of my bag sides enough to slip in my strap tabs and sew it up again!
Swivel hooks are handy but I have found with my large tote bag that they just make my strap twist and flip over too much. I might just take them off my large tote bag. We shall see how they work out on this smaller bag.
My zippered cross-body bag is completed!
Easily large enough for my iPad, wallet and sunglasses case, plus a zippered pocket inside for more things!
Outer zipper pockets for storage of even more THINGS! Like my cell phone! I attached small tassels to my zipper pulls! 😍
Obligatory long range shots!
I thought this one might rid me of my “bag bug”, but unfortunately not. Now I want to make one even smaller – like a wallet on a strap! But I’m torn … I have a half finished blue flowered dress sitting on my sewing table!
What’s on your sewing table? (and if you don’t sew … perhaps you knit or crochet or ? What are you working on?)
Happy Sewing!
STASH BUSTING WITH THIS PROJECT? Nothing’s changed! Still 132 metres left in inventory.
Absolutely professional!
Thank you kindly! ☺️
Linda, you are getting too good at this! Love how you coordinate your fabrics, linings, etc., and come up with such great designs.
Thank you! I love using whatever I find or am given to make something useful! And besides, I have always been crazy for a new bag! 😁
Brava!
👍 👍
These are really nice! Bags have been a no go for me…I just haven’t gone there except for little fold overs for my piano students. You tempt me, but not quite enough….yet!
Thank you! The “fold overs” are quite useful to stop things from rolling about and falling out!
A seriously useful bag – and good looking too. Bags are on my ‘ to do’ list but it’s a very long list….
Thank you! My “sewing to do” list is quite long too. I like flipping from clothes to bags etc. as a distraction and a motivator.
Looks great Linda. The perfect bag to take when you’re on vacation.
Thanks! I would think so! Lots of pockets to stash all your things!
It looks great! I too have been bitten by the bag bug and am trying to perfect a #summitpack ruck sack right now.
It’s strange how it has to be “just perfect”, isn’t it! Others say, it’s just fine leave it … Nope! It has to be just perfect! Good luck with your project. I’d like to see it when it’s done!
Dang that looks cute! I always love the little details–the little tassel. I like the outside pockets for cell phones, keys etc. because it’s a quick grab of the keys. I want one. And of course Miss Sophie is looking regal on her perch.
Thanks! There is nothing better than separating your things in different pockets. Then you don’t even have to look, just zip and grab! I’m going to keep my eye out for more fancy tassels and pulls. I love the little details!
Looks great! I can follow along pretty well for a while, then I get lost, trying to think in 3-D. I think I’d end up inside out and backwards if I tried this but it’s tempting, How much fabric did you need? What’s on my work table? Four jean jackets waiting for embroidery, seven hides of leather and a pound of vintage jewelry, waiting for me to come up with combinations for bracelets…I sympathize with your indecision about whether to work on the dress or a bag…
Yes, sorry! I try to give details, but I don’t want the post too long with too many words or photos! 🤔 I’m not paying attention to how much fabric needed neither since I am just pulling it from this box of upholstery fabric from my sister. Someday when I get this all straightened out I’ll write it down properly, with photos. You have a very very large list of “sewing things to do”! 😮 You can do it though! 😁👍
Gorgeous bags, now I have to stand in line and wait for my bag. As previously mentioned, the small zipper pockets are great for cell phones and keys. I hate hunting and digging through a bag for keys to get in my house or car. Great job.
Thanks Rose! Yes unfortunately there is a bit of a line up for my bags. It will be “fashionably late”! 😂
this bag Looks lovely!
Thank you! 😊
My gosh, I am saving this as it is a step by step tutorial. Thanks, your new bag is gorgeous.
Gee! Thanks! They are easy to make if you have lots of time and lots of fabric to play with! Have fun!