Introduction: Quick and Easy Messenger Bag
I got a bike messenger bag at some street faire, and it's so comfortable!
I've decided to make one from this nice dotted canvas fabric, and I love it! It would probably work well with any heavy weight fabric, or you could use a light weight fabric, but make it double sided - possibly with a different color inside. You can prepare a strap from the same fabric, or use a pre-made one. While the second option is much faster and easier, preparing your own strap might be very pretty for some fabrics.
I've decided to make one from this nice dotted canvas fabric, and I love it! It would probably work well with any heavy weight fabric, or you could use a light weight fabric, but make it double sided - possibly with a different color inside. You can prepare a strap from the same fabric, or use a pre-made one. While the second option is much faster and easier, preparing your own strap might be very pretty for some fabrics.
Step 1: Marking the Fabric
Making this bag is indeed very easy and very quick. I used the original bag's pattern. You can use these measurements:
Strap: 98 cm (you'd better measure yourself to make sure it's comfortable)
Bag: 32x37 cm. Leave 2-3 cm on the sides for seem allowances, and about 3 cm on the top for the hem.
Due to the fabric's pattern, I've decided to mark it on the right side, with a light colored chalk. This way I was able to make sure the dots will come out as I'd like them to.
Strap: 98 cm (you'd better measure yourself to make sure it's comfortable)
Bag: 32x37 cm. Leave 2-3 cm on the sides for seem allowances, and about 3 cm on the top for the hem.
Due to the fabric's pattern, I've decided to mark it on the right side, with a light colored chalk. This way I was able to make sure the dots will come out as I'd like them to.
Step 2: Preparing the Strap
If you've decide to prepare the strap yourself, then it's much better if you pin the fabric first, especially if you want the fabric to keep a specific pattern, like I did here. But even when there's no specific pattern, although it takes a few more minutes, the outcome is much nicer.
Anyway, I pinned the entire strap just the way I wanted it to be, and then I made two stitches - one on each edge (in case you never done it before - you can sew on the pins, no need to remove them). First stitch for the hem, second stitch to flatten and shape the strap on the other side.
Anyway, I pinned the entire strap just the way I wanted it to be, and then I made two stitches - one on each edge (in case you never done it before - you can sew on the pins, no need to remove them). First stitch for the hem, second stitch to flatten and shape the strap on the other side.
Step 3: Preparing Hem
I made a regular hem, again keeping in mind the fabric's pattern. I pinned the entire perimeter, then I sewed over the pins.
Step 4: Sewing the Side of the Bag
Now that the hem is done, I remeasured the fabric and remarked it. I cut the extra fabric and sewed on the mark. Then zigzag all the way...
Step 5: Connecting the Straps
First I've zigzagged the two edges of the strap, and then folded it inside.
I like using a strong stitch whenever connecting straps. I use this three-times stitch, making a square mark on the strap. After connecting the first side, I've measured it again, marked the exact location and sewed, again thinking about the fabric's pattern.
You can alway add a liner, if it doesn't feel strong enough.
You're done!
I like using a strong stitch whenever connecting straps. I use this three-times stitch, making a square mark on the strap. After connecting the first side, I've measured it again, marked the exact location and sewed, again thinking about the fabric's pattern.
You can alway add a liner, if it doesn't feel strong enough.
You're done!