How to Sew a Messenger Bag (Tutorial)

[@onlinefabricstore]

Shop Online Fabric Store: www.onlinefabricstore.net/ Visit OFS Maker's Mill: www.onlinefabricstore.net/makersmill/ Check out our selection of décor fabric: www.onlinefabricstore.net/decor-fabric.aspx Feel free to comment, like, and subscribe!

[@thetenthltr]

Made this bag last year. Took some time, a strong seam ripper and lots of rewinding. But it was the 1st messenger I made and ppl love it. Definitely use cardboard to keep the pattern pieces for future use.

[@gbyrd1970]

I'm new to sewing so I've become REAL familiar with my seam ripper!! Lol!!

[@lorraineaylward8167]

Thank you! I made, oh, 6 or 8 of these last year. I sat down to make one this week and sewed the inside to the outside wrong twice. I was sewing everything, outside, inside, flap, and strap all at one time when I made these the first time. Your method of sewing the flap to the outside first is much more straightforward.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Oh no! You can do it!!

[@nethermoon79]

Excellent tutorial! I made 2 of these bags this past weekend (minus the zipper pocket as I didn't have any zippers on hand). Thank you!!!

[@markpeters8157]

thanks for this tutorial. Made the bag in one day. pretty easy to follow- and the zipper instruction was great- as I've only done one other zipper in my life.

[@sofiateamo]

Really good tutorial. Its not for beginners. It was easy enough but when you have experience with all the techniques he is using. My messanger bag came out great. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@ursulaunderhill]

Great tutorial - made fabulous Romney Tweed 'man-bag' (without a zipper) using this tute. The man in my life loves it!

[@StephanieCorralArt]

Phenomenal video! I think the most daunting thing will be all the cutting!

[@2wise4u2]

Awesome tutorial. I'm a beginner so I'll have to try my skills on something smaller first but I'm definitely trying this. Thanks

[@OlgaLing]

This was a great tutorial. This was the first time "how to construct a pocket zipper" clicked in my head, that's going to elevate my sewing skills. Thanks so much.

[@heartkey61]

Great tutorial thanks so much for sharing I really love the way mine turned out I followed exactly other than a couple tweaks I added a press lock and adjustable strap. 😊

[@julie19030]

Nice tutorial! Right to the point and NO yakking.

[@ladybugjenkins3229]

.... When you think a 10 minute video means it's going to be simple:)

[@tracybrewer5750]

WOW this is a great tutorial. Easy to follow and understand. Thanks for showing us all.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Thanks Tracy Brewer!

[@lynette.]

Clearest instructions I have found. Searched long for this ,thank you.

[@onlinefabricstore]

You're welcome! best of luck with your bag!

[@jayd6307]

AWESOME VIDEO. Thank you so much. I can't wait to make my own messenger bag this weekend!

[@chytrim901]

Perfect well constructed, informative, easy to follow video. I will be making this bag.

[@nicholchaisson6803]

I love this bag and the tutorial is the best one I've seen so far Thanks Josh

[@trionadoyle1146]

Great tutorial. Ive just made this bag. First thing ive ever made and I love it. Took me about 8 hours! ha Thank you :)

[@carriecoupon9369]

took me longer than a full time job.

[@yvetteatyjustforme908]

Great tutorial! I love this messenger bag! Thank you for sharing.

[@GreenlifeFin]

Beautiful design and fabrics.

[@msdeedee1808]

Awesome tutorial and I learned lots of zippers tips as well. Thank you for sharing!!

[@pollynelson4138]

Very good instructions!

[@curlyclaire]

Absolutely fantastic tutorial! Thank you for sharing! 😊

[@onlinefabricstore]

Awesome thank YOU for sharing Claire :)

[@sheilawilson2927]

This was a challenge for me but it turned out so awesome! Thank you!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Great job! Practice makes perfect!

[@amandalist4284]

Thanks for the video, you've demystified the construction for me ... paper patterns just don't make sense to me ;) Greatly appreciated!

[@sheilawilson2927]

OMG! Paper patterns make me cry! I love this idea!

[@012quackers]

Love this fabric reminds me of The Shining movie

[@shadymccoy7]

Very cute bag and very well made!

[@onlinefabricstore]

Thanks shadymccoy7! :)

[@janeybip]

What a great video, definitely want to try this now. Thank you.

[@danni8176]

Love this bag. you make it look so easy xx

[@dutchessblackhawk732]

This looks nice but the seems for the strap seem like they would be very weak. One single line of stitching is holding the strap to the bag, that is a weak point.

[@annickc9180]

I'll make 2 soon! I will add recessed zipper closer too :)

[@SilviaSanchez-hc7th]

La mejor explicacion que vi!!!!...thank you

[@TheSewingSwan]

real beautiful job thank you!

[@enemeriogalvan3361]

great job Josh you are so cute!!

[@carolcheny]

good for the impatient. although i have to revisit a bit to figure out what's going on because you should have shown the features - where the pockets are, at the very beginning. you never did that in the video so people have to imagine what's inside the bag.

[@nicholchaisson6803]

Almost finished my bag ☆☆

[@ExpectoPatronum538]

Great tutorial!! Thanks so much!!

[@Creeee]

This video is very nice thank you

[@tonytuffers]

This is confusing because at 1:29 your measurement for (part 2 front of bag) of the the main fabric is 6 by 21 inches but at 2:55 you describe it as 6 and 1/2 inches by 21, so which measurement is the correct one for (part two front of bag) of the main fabric, is it, 6 by 21 or 6 and a half by 21?

[@myworldisanime7675]

This! No one else pointed that out and seemed to be just fine with their bags. I don't understand what's going on with these measurements.

[@tonytuffers]

@@myworldisanime7675 Me neither. If you noticed I wrote this comment around a year ago and she still has not bothered to answer my legit question!!

[@antonellamarciante5148]

questo tutorial è molto spiegato molto bene!

[@dianneroberts2786]

I wish you had given a longer view of each portion after it was finished (as it is it is finished and immediately off screen) as well as view of the finished project pointing out each of the features. As it is everything seemed pretty choppy and very rushed to me...

[@Shawnalc3]

Very rushed

[@punitaiyengar6988]

I'll never be able to do what u did 😔 but I loved watching it.

[@PaulaStreet]

keep trying!

[@cchan1649]

great tutorial. but not for a beginner. there are some details missing for beginners. also, the measurements are not exact (the front outer center panel should be 5 (w) x 21 (h); otherwise, you'll be an inch too much when joined with the two sides (6.5 x 11.5)). you also switched your pocket fabric from lining fabric to outer fabric which can be a bit confusing to a beginner. nevertheless, great tutorial. i made one and looks good, but needs a bit tweeking.

[@mermaidmemoirs]

i thought it was just me..lol

[@chrisrice683]

beginner and confused. I made the bag, but the lining fabric ended up being the outside parts for most of it. I will correct the design and cutlist now that I know. I usually only make bow ties lol

[@cathytaylor1203]

Beginner here...I made this section twice because I thought it was me...lol...thank you. Great tutorial though!!!

[@mermaidmemoirs]

i love this tutorial and cant wait to try it, but i wish there were a little more details...like where to place the pieces...just eyeball it or 1 inch from the end?

[@onlinefabricstore]

+Melody Stillings Hi Melody, you can place them wherever you like them best. You can eyeball or measure to make them the same distance from the edge. Let me know if you have any more questions!

[@mermaidmemoirs]

+OnlineFabricStore.net Whew..Thanks!!!!

[@rmjames83]

Maybe it’s my seam allowance that I messed up with (I’m a quilter, so I use 1/4” seam allowance-so it maybe my error rather than the pattern)-but when I sewed the front 3 pieces of the front of the bag together (2 pieces of “part 1 front of bag” and 1 pieces “part 2 of the front of bag”), the result was 1/2 inch oversize one each end. The height was perfect-however I did need to trim off 1/2 inch either side of the front of bag, so it matched the back of the bag.

[@JustMeLizM]

He says in the tutorial he is using a 1/2" seam allowance.

[@TeacherClau]

How can I attached a zipper to this project?

[@onlinefabricstore]

The construction would have to be very different in order to add a zipper. We have a tutorial for a tote bag with a zipper that you might be able to combine with this one: www.onlinefabricstore.net/makersmill/how-to-make-a-tote-bag-with-a-zipper/ I think you could use the tote with a zipper construction and add the elements from the messenger bag. You can change the size, add the pockets and zipper pocket, sew a flap in between the zipper panel and outer fabric, and make the handle different.

[@carolynlaug]

AWESOME!! Thank-you!

[@janauwaga9902]

Hey, thanks for the great tutorial! I would like to add an extra laptop pocket, but I'm not sure how to do this... Could you please help me find an easy way? Thank you!

[@belginhayali6244]

Jana Uwaga

[@blackcatdogdesigns1563]

Would be great if PDF of instructions was available for download

[@onlinefabricstore]

You can't download them, but we do have the full written instructions here: www.onlinefabricstore.net/makersmill/how-to-make-a-messenger-bag/

[@shawnafisher4547]

there has got to be a better way to do the handles? How come you can't skip the d-rings and sew into the lining/outer before you turn, to hid the seams?

[@carriecoupon9369]

exactly Shawna Fisher, thats what i was saying in my comment. This bag was a chore i swear.

[@tracybrewer5750]

Hi I came back to make this bag. But a little confused in STEP 2..for the inside pockets you say with the lining pieces 11.5 x 8'' but in the video you use the main fabric NOT the lining. So is this inside pocket using outside fabric pieces or the actual lining fabric. It is at the time slot 3.40. Hope you can clear this up for me as really want to try this bag. I LOVE IT

[@onlinefabricstore]

+Tracy Brewer Hi Tracy, the outside fabric is being used as the lining to make the pockets. You can use the same fabric that's on the outside or a different fabric for the pockets and lining, it depends on what you prefer :)

[@tracybrewer5750]

Thank you so very much for your fast reply. Now to get sewing. I really love this bag you made here.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Your welcome, glad we could help :)

[@kellyrussell6428]

Great to see a MAN sewing! lol

[@chrisrice683]

we need more seamsters! down with gender rolls lolol. i made this bag too! Usually only make bow ties, but advancing to bags, waistcoats, and lapel decor now!!

[@margotthomas5089]

you should then check out man sewing with Rob Appel

[@dyuphed]

love this

[@gangadhardas9313]

Very nice

[@twosistersiyaelle2411]

Thank you so much

[@devaprasadprasad1469]

its a good demonstration

[@AnonymousAmyMakes]

I'd like to know the measurements of the finished bag. I can't find them in the video or in the written pattern that I found.

[@eddiebrune6038]

Thanks for this tutorial. If I may ask: what type of lining did you use for this project? Thank you in advance

[@onlinefabricstore]

Hi Eddie, we used a home decor fabric for both the lining and outer fabric. You can find the brand we used here: www.onlinefabricstore.net/brand-premier-prints.aspx

[@eddiebrune6038]

Thank you so much, and please, if I may, another question: what type of material did you use for the interfacing?

[@onlinefabricstore]

This is Pellon fusible interfacing: www.onlinefabricstore.net/pellon-no911ff-fusible-featherweight-interfacing-white-.htm

[@eddiebrune6038]

Thank you so much

[@chyygirl]

I really wish you could provide the sizes for the pattern pieces in the notes section. It's confusing for me to write down all the measurements while watching the video

[@TomWDW1]

Hit pause.

[@sylviabrown6617]

Awesome thanks

[@laurabarba3515]

got to make one for my son 🎒

[@Sprint29able]

Love it!

[@Otiselis]

It´s amazing, thank you :D I just have a question, I can't understand how many yards use for each fabric? Sorry I speak spanish and is a little difficult for me understand that part

[@onlinefabricstore]

Marisol Espejel No problem! 2 yards of fusible interfacing (used in video: www.onlinefabricstore.net/pellon-no911ff-fusible-featherweight-interfacing-white-.htm), 3/4 yard of a fabric for the lining, and 3/4 yard of the main fabric for the outside of the bag.

[@NolaGB]

Just recently found your tutorial and really like this bag! The fabric you used looks like it might be a canvas, but I'm not sure. Would this messenger bag be be suitable for a heavier fabric such as upholstery?

[@onlinefabricstore]

+NG B The fabric here is a medium weight decor fabric, but a heavier upholstery fabric would definitely work as well.

[@nubiandol]

Hey, I've made this bag before and it fit my 15" macbook perfectly. Any tips on how I can make one to fit a 17"? Should I just add 2-3" on all the pieces lengthwise? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@onlinefabricstore]

Yes, adding 2-3 inches lengthwise should work.

[@jayd6307]

Awesome Tutorial. I will definitely be trying this. What sewing machine are you using?

[@onlinefabricstore]

+Jay D This is a Brother Designio DZ2750.

[@jayd6307]

Thank you very much for your prompt response. I greatly appreciate it.

[@carriecoupon9369]

You could of pointed out alot of things during this video. I had alot of problems with this and i put the lining inside instead of the way you showed in the video, it was much easier that way. I feel you rushed through this tutorial. If you do happen to do another video just keep in mind the people that are doing this for the first time and how you might want to elaborate on the important parts of this project. Also it would of been alot better if it was made with canvas, and you did the strap last. I did finish it and it is not all that big. Thank you for your video.

[@pattl7406]

awesome!

[@zhadom001]

Great

[@kevinsnotebook]

Please clarify for me. After assembling the three parts of the front of the bag, is it supposed to be an inch wider than the back of the bag?

[@onlinefabricstore]

Hmm.. they should be the same size. I think your best course of action is going to be cutting 1/2 inch off each side and just making adjustments from there. It can definitely be fixed, it is just going to take a little more planning out.

[@kevinsnotebook]

Yeah, I suppose it is an easy fix if that is the case. I was just worried there was something I missed. Thanks for the swift reply.

[@hampton769]

I notice that you chose the external fabric for the inner pocket panel which differs from the cutting instruction. Constructing the front panel could have been more descriptive. Agree it’s very rushed in strategic places.

[@sew2prosper]

This is what also confused me as well.

[@pushpniceindani9157]

nice

[@aneeshameem]

What kind of fabric you have used for main fabric?

[@onlinefabricstore]

We used a medium weight decor fabric by Premier Prints: www.onlinefabricstore.net/brand-premier-prints.aspx The specific patterns are no longer available, but they have plenty of other options.

[@TheWhitePhoenix2]

Has anyone made this and did the straps rip after use?

[@rebeccascott1353]

Is there a written pattern available?

[@onlinefabricstore]

There is not a written pattern available for this messenger bag, but you can make one based off of the measurements provided in the tutorial.

[@kimworkman2425]

Great list of fabric piece sizes but a bit too fast for me

[@onlinefabricstore]

Sorry about that, we do have the full written instructions available: www.onlinefabricstore.com/makersmill/how-to-make-a-messenger-bag/ Hope this helps!

[@haileymwhiteley]

Do you need to use a zipper

[@onlinefabricstore]

Hailey Whiteley You can make it without the zipper compartment at all or just leave the opening without the zipper.

[@waelwasfi2299]

الحقيبة فى منتهى الجمال ولكن الفديو للاسف بسرعة ومعجبة بالاعداد

[@cosmosrula5692]

U pretty alright homie

[@cosmosrula5692]

Answered a lot of questions for me

[@jenniferwilbanks2999]

You are not using lining Fabric to make the inside or patch pockets, you're using the out side fabric

[@Shawnalc3]

You went way too fast in this tutorial. I would have to watch this so many times to accomplish this.

[@Filiaris1]

Please turn the edges the whole way and make it not so sloppy

[@nilifaivre2540]

Don’t try! The measurements don’t fit! 😤

[@parbatigurung3395]

Very nice

[@hari.chitiz7746]

Really very nice