How to Sew a Messenger Bag

Sure, it’s fashionable, but why is it called a “messenger bag?” Because letter carriers, couriers, even army guys may use it to carry messages, naturally. Messenger bags come in all sizes, and you can find them in a variety of materials. Most often, however, a messenger bag is a fairly large, rectangular bag with a flap over the top opening. A traditional bag is made of canvas with a webbing strap. Whether you want a “real” messenger bag made of army drab canvas or a more modern, colorful version, you can make your own bag to create the look that is exactly right for you. Begin with a simple design, a bag with a flap and a strap; when you have perfected that, you can add hardware and details.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric: 1 yard for bag, 1 yard for lining
• Thread
• Needles
• Scissors

1. Decide how large a messenger bag you want to make. For purposes of illustration, the messenger bag described here will be approximately 18 inches wide by 12 inches long. Select fabric. You will need approximately 1 yard of fabric for your bag’s outer layer (MC) and 1 yard of fabric for lining (CC). You can use the same fabric for the outside and the lining.

2. Cut the following: From the MC, cut one piece 19 inches wide and 36 inches long. Cut two strips 3 inches wide by 48 inches long. These pieces will become your bag’s shoulder strap, so cut them to a length that is comfortable for you. From CC, cut one piece 19 inches wide and 36 inches long.

3. Lay one piece of fabric face up on a flat surface; lay the second piece of fabric face down on top of the first piece. Start ½ inch from the corner, sew a ½ inch seam across one long edge; sew a ½ inch seam across one short edge; sew a ½ inch seam across the second long edge. Leave the second short edge open for now. Press your seams toward the lining fabric.

4. Turn the bag so the right sides are out. Turn the raw edges of both the MC and the CC on the second short side to the inside, ½ inch; press. With these folded edges lined up, sew the two pieces together across the second short side. When you are finished, you will have one solid piece, 20x36. Press again.

5. On one long edge, measure 12-14 inches from the corner; mark this spot. On the second long edge, measure the same distance from the corner; mark this spot. Fold your bag along the line formed by your two marks; pin the bag to hold it in place. Sew a seam very close to the edge through all thicknesses of fabric along both edges to create the bag; sew over the top of the first stitching to reinforce the bag. Sew a second line of stitching 1/4 inch inside the first stitching. The remaining length of fabric will become you bag’s flap; you can adjust the measurements to make the flap longer or shorter to suit your taste.

6. Sew your straps the same way you sewed the bag: right sides together, sew one long edge, one short edge, and the second long edge together. Trim the corners. Turn the strap right side out; press. Fold the raw edges of the second short side ½ inch to the inside; press; stitch close to the edge.

7. Attach your straps to the sides of your bag along the seam line. Measure an equal distance on each side of the bag to place your straps evenly. Take them at least 4 inches down the sides of the bag to make the bag more stable. Sew them to the bag using a square stitch pattern: top, side, bottom, side. For added strength, stitch an X in the middle of your square.

Tips & Warnings

• Be creative when you select your fabric.