Things You'll Need:
- Hemp cloth Lining fabric Needle (or sewing machine) Heavy duty thread Scissors Pins
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Step 1
Purchase hemp cloth. Hemp cloth is not typically found in larger fabric stores. Check local co-ops or online retailers for the cloth. Many specialty health food stores and ecologically friendly hobby stores carry hemp cloth as well. Review your options. Choose the pattern you like best.
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Step 2
Cut your fabric and lining into the basic pieces of the messenger bag. Cut one flap, 2 pieces that will become the front and back, three gussets, and one long strap. When cutting the strap piece, longer is better than shorter. You can always go back and remove extra fabric later. Take care not to fray the fabric as you cut. Otherwise, you could compromise the integrity of the hemp.
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Step 3
Using your heavy duty thread. Sew the three gussets together end to end on the short ends. Press the seams open. The gussets will form the wide sides and bottom to allow more storage space. Once sewn together, the gussets look like one long strip of fabric. When pressing the seams, bear in mind that hemp cloth may require a higher heat setting. Start on a low setting. Work your way up to higher settings if necessary.
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Step 4
Pin and sew the gussets to the front and back pieces of the messenger bag. Pin the gusset to the front piece, then sew the seam in place. Once this is done, pin the gusset to the back piece. Stitch this into place. By sewing the seams as you go, you have a more stable working frame. It will create less risk of pulled or snagged fabric. Hemp is tough, but it is slightly elastic. Take care not to stretch the fabric, or your bag will be misshapen.
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Step 5
Attach the flap to the top of the back piece of the bag. Pin the flap to the top. Pin the right sides together. Stitch these into place. Attach your closures to the flap.
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Step 6
Pin the strap and lining right sides together. Sew them together, leaving the short ends open. Trim the seams. Turn the strap inside out. The right side of the fabric should be showing. Press the seams flat. Top stitch the short ends. Pin the strap to the side gussets and sew. Trim the excess thread.
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Step 7
Add pockets and compartments. Cut front and pack pieces. Place them right sides together and pin. Sew the side and bottom seams, leaving the top open. Hem the top edge. Attach the pockets to the lining of the messenger bag.
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Step 8
Complete the lining of the bag. Pin and sew the lining gussets together. Do this like you did for the outer shell of the bag. Pin and sew the gussets to the front and back pieces. Hem the top edge. Stitch the top edge of the lining to the top edge of the outer shell. Trim away any excess thread.
