Things You'll Need:
- tshirts
- fabric scraps
- tie-dye materials
- sewing machine and/or serger machine
- interfacing or fusible (optional)
- fabric scissors
- pins
- pattern paper (or recycled gift wrapping paper, tissue paper, etc.)
- 2-4 sew-thru buttons
- ruler
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Step 1
Interfacing or FusibleGather your old tshirts, tie-dye, and/or fabric scraps. Select fabric for the outer shell-part"a"-and reversible shell-part"b"-for your messenger bag. Decide if you will be applying an embellishment to your part "b" such as an applique or embroidery. This is optional. Allow your creativity and design come through.
It is important to know if you will be using your messenger bag for everyday use or heavy items. Select a heavy weight fusible or interfacing to apply to part "b". It is also important to decide if the overflap will be quilted. This is a "soft" messenger bag and does not require any backing. You may want to incorporate this into your design. -
Step 2
Messenger Bag PatternsPattern time! Great way to recycle old gift wrapping, tissue paper or grocery paperbags!
You will have 6 pattern parts:
1-front overflap=cut 2: 1 outer shell; 1 reversible:
Specifications: Length=17"; Width=13"
1-front bag panel=cut 2: 1 outer shell; 1 reversible:
1-back bag panel=cut 2: 1 outer shell; 1 reversible:
Specifications: Length=14"; Width=13" (Same Spec for front and back bag panels)
1-shoulder strap=cut 2: 1 outer shell; 1 reversible:
Specifications: Length=48";Width=3-3/4"(optional specs:change according to your design)
1-side bag panel=cut 4: 2 outer shell; 2 reversible:
Specifications: Length=14"; Width=6"
1-bottom bag panel=cut 2: 1 outer shell; 1 reversible:
Specifications: Length=6"; Width=13"
1-quilting box square=cut 20 boxes
Specifications: Length=4-1/2"; Width=4-1/2" (optional spec) -
Step 3
Reversible Shell with AppliqueAssemble your quilted overflap part "a" shell. Showcase your tie dye tshirts, graphics or embroidery. Build your quilted overflap and let your creativity shine through. Attach any embellishments or applique to the reversible part "b" shell. It is important to finish these two (2) panels separately prior to attaching shells.
Time to construct your messenger bag! Once all your parts are cut, assemble your part "a" outer shell and part "b" reversible shell separately. Attach or iron fusible to part "b" before fully constructing reversible shell.
Pin body to side panels. Sew or merrow side panels from top to bottom. When working with recycled fabrics,it is important to note that each fabrication may have different fabric contents with significant stretch. Cut away any excess fabric at bottom before attaching bottom panel.
Take time to pin bottom panel. It is important to attach bottom panel correctly in order to hold your items securely. Stitch all around and add hand or machine sewn reinforcement stitches at bottom panel corners.
Pin and attach overflap panel. If part "a" panel is quilted, size up against part "b" panel and cut away excess fabric. Always remember, recycling is part of your individual expression; change specs to represent your creativity! -
Step 4
Green View: Outer Shell/Grey View: Reversible Inner ShellInsert part "b" into part "a" shell. It is important to note that part "b" finished seams will be facing you when bag is inserted correctly. Finished seams will be shown on inside of messenger bag.
Serge part "a" shell and part "b" shell body together at bag opening. You may serge or sew bag all around, but leaving an back opening for your overflap insert. Stitch or serge overflap pieces together. Insert into back opening. It is always best to pin first and make sure you are happy with the placement. For added security,straight stitch overflap at back panel.
It is best to pin both shells together prior to sewing or serging and make necessary adjustments. -
Step 5
Alternate overflap insert: You may fully construct part "a" and part "b". Once constructed, insert part "b" into part "a" with finished seams showing inside the bag. The key is to insert part "b" with seams facing you to insure that the finished seams will show when bag is in reversible view. Be aware of the applique or embroidery. Make sure that when it is in reverse form, the embellishment placement is facing correctly.
Stitch or serge all around. Once arriving at the overflap corner, stop and rotate fabric to secure clean corners. Although this is an extra step it may be best to stitch corner instead of using the serge machine depending on its capability.
Take your time, your recycled messenger bag is just about finished! -
Step 6
Attach fusible to strap. You may coordinate strap to messenger bag by matching one side strap to part "a" and strap facing to match part "b".
For button-off adjustable straps, sew one(1) button on each side panel. You will need four(4) buttons. Two(2) for outer shell and two(2) for inner shell. At each strap end, make two(2) buttonholes for adjustability. You can also add snaps, if buttons are not an option.
It is always best to lightly iron each shell to avoid any bulk at corners or at seams as you follow each step.(optional)
Your newly recycled messenger bag is ready to enjoy!
