for everyone who loves a good bag....

 

...introducing a "packie" tutorial!  Our version of the wonderful messenger-style bag is here!  We have to give Abigail the credit for this one.  She wanted a new bag for an upcoming event, drew up what she had in mind, cut it out, sewed it together, and Voila!  A great go-anywhere messenger bag perfect for anything and everything.  So, grab some fabric and get sewing.  Enjoy!

P.S.  Just a nice, little warning--- these are terribly cute!!   

Messenger-Style Bag  complements of Abigail  (aka the "packie" queen)

NOTE:  All seams are 1/4" unless otherwise noted!

Step 1~  Find some brown wrapping paper, tissue or freezer paper to make your own pattern pieces.  Trace with a ruler, and cut out the following shapes  (all of these will be cut on the fold, except the main bag piece!):

side pocket from lining fabric-  4" wide ::mark as fold:: x 6" long  (you'll need 2 of these)            

main pocket from lining fabric- 8 1/2" wide ::mark as fold:: x 9" long  (X 2)

flap from main fabric- 8 1/2" wide ::mark as fold:: x 11" long  (X 2)                

side & bottom band from main fabric (X 1) & lining fabric (X 1)- 4 1/2" wide ::mark as fold:: x the entire length of your fabric*

handle from main fabric- 4 1/2" wide ::mark as fold:: x 18 1/2" long  (X 2)    

main body from main fabric (X 2) & lining fabric (X 2)- 15 1/8" wide x 14" long

*This should be approximately 44"/45"

Step 2~ With right sides together, sew handle pieces together up both long sides.  Turn right side out and press.  Topstitch at 1/4".

Step 3~ Sew band around one main body piece (main fabric), right sides together.  Trim off any band excess.  Repeat with other main body piece and the other side of the band.  Carefully trim inside corners.  Turn right side out.

Step 4~ Fold flap piece in half, right sides together.  Sew up three sides.  Clip corners and turn right side out.  Carefully push out corners and press.  Topstitch at 1/4".

Step 5~ Pin flap on to outside of main bag.  Stitch.

Step 6~ Pin finished handle to band on both sides.  Make sure your handle isn't twisted!  Stitch.

Step 7~ Make lining.  Repeat Step 3 with your lining fabric, except adding your pockets, and leaving a 5" gap in the bottom of your bag for turning!  To make pockets:  

Fold fabric rectangle in half, right sides together. Stitch along each short end, leaving the long edge open. Clip corners. Turn right side out, careful of corners, and press. Stitch open edge together at 1/4" along raw edge (this is the bottom of the pocket). Machine neaten raw edge using a small zigzag stitch, trimming off extra materials. With outside of pocket to right side of bag lining, raw edge facing UP towards top of bag, stitch onto lining approximately 1/4" inside previous stitching.  Press pocket upwards. All stitching should be enclosed in pocket. Pin and stitch down each short edge to form pocket, a scant 1/8" from the edge on each side.  Repeat with other pockets.  You should end up with two larger pockets, and two small pockets on both sides (attached to the side band).

Step 8~ Turn lining wrong side out.  Drop main bag, right side out, into lining.  Make sure handle and flap are laying down inside bag to prevent catching them.  Stitch around mouth of

bag.  Stitch around a second time at 5/8".  Pull main bag out through gap in the bottom of the lining.  Stitch gap closed with a straight machine stitch.  Push lining to inside of bag, and press around the top of your bag.  Topstitch around top of bag at 1/4". 

 

Oh, and we got our fabric here.  Naturally. 

  

Comments

[Missy]

I love this! You should add it to your product line for those like me that don't have any sewing skills yet!

[A]

Way to go Abagail! I am going to make one of these for myself...if I can find some nice material in my stash. It seems very easy to make. And I'm sure if you made a few adjustments, this "packie" bag would make a great diaper bag!

[loreen haynes]

looks nice

[sande klrikke]

cute bag, I think I will make one for a college friend.

[Josie D'Aubigne]

I'm trying to make this bag for a friend, but am a little confused about how to cut it out. Which side do I mark as the fold, the length or the width? For instance, the main pocket should it be (once cut out on the fold) 8 1/2" wide and 18" long or 17" wide and 9" long? Thanks so much!

I actually just recently discovered your website, thanks to the Sense and Sensibility newsletter, and I am so excited I did! It is simply fabulous and I hope to order both fabrics and patterns from you in the future.

God bless!
Josie

[Elizabeth]

These messenger bags are adorable! My dear friend just made one and it is absolutely delightful and adorable! Thanks for the tutorial...I might just have to make one sometime!

Joyfully in Jesus,
Elizabeth

[Elizabeth]

This was quite a while ago, but I made one of these for my cousin, accompanied by a sweet little fabric flower and I just want to encourage you all that these many adorable bags!! Thanks for the pattern, ladies! :)

[Angela Campany]

Made one of these adorable bags for my sister-in-law yesterday. Thanks for the wonderful pattern!

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