Making the Crosstown Crescent Bag | Sew-Along Tutorial

[@niinlotantapaista]

Done! I wanted to make a bag to take on a trip to Oxford, and this is the perfect size for a bit of adventuring. My sewing skills leave a lot to be desired, but I'm proud of myself for having the courage to try anyway, the patience to redo stuff when needed, the self compassion to endure some wonky seams, and the creativity to come up with solutions when I did something that couldn't be reversed. 😄 Thank you for an excellent pattern and tutorial!

[@hannu933]

Hey there! I am thinking of attempting to make this. Do you think this is beginner friendly? ❤❤

[@niinlotantapaista]

@@hannu933 Hi! The pattern says 'confident beginner' and I feel like that sums it up pretty well. I hadn't used bias tape or done top stitching before, so there were definitely some new techniques and trial and error, but this video was very helpful. If you're up for a little challenge and learning, then absolutely, go ahead! :)

[@av9440]

Great tutorial. What I loved most is that there was no need to change to a zipper foot! Thank you!!!1

[@owenaisl]

Thank you for the tutorial, this was really easy to follow and I finished it in 2 hours 🎉

[@trashbug521]

thanks so much! I'm making two of these for mother's day gifts. I used medium weight stabilizer for the bottom panel and added a key leash inside and d-rings near the zipper tabs for keychains

[@gracomakes]

Such a great mothers day gift!! Love the additions you made too - great ideas ☺️

[@annedonker4795]

love this so much! Going to try it. I'm somewhat of a beginner sewer tho, because I have a new second hand machine and have yet to use it and before that, it's been maybe ten years since I last made anything with a sewing machine. You clearly put a ton of work into making this video! Thank you so much

[@gracomakes]

You can totally tackle this project as a beginner! The topstitching is the hardest part so you can omit that step if you’re worried (lots of people have been omitting it by choice anyways and it looks great!). You got this ☺️ so glad you’re going to pull out the sewing machine again!

[@juancarlospayanvidal2548]

I bought the patterns a while ago and now I find this video explaining how to make the bag. Magic!

[@laurade4021]

I just made it and wow, it is perfect! thanks for this great pattern!

[@dollylabelle4101]

My daughter sent me this pattern, and I love it. Will have to make hers first, then mine. Thank you for such clear instructions!

[@Heart2HeartCreations]

Love how in depth this video is. Thank you! I have a very similar pattern already, the saddle shape, but wanted to make the strap adjustable. I knew it would be easy, but as a new sewist, I couldn’t quite figure out the details. Watching your tutorial and seeing how you did yours made things click for me. Now I’m off to check out your Etsy to see the patterns you offer. Thanks again!!

[@amyq5615]

This is a very detailed video and super helpful. I've purchased the bag and getting started asap on this snowy sewing day. Thank you for including a video.

[@jordanbanks732]

Just made this & I am in love: I struggle with Seam allowances and my bag turned out a tad bit larger than yours but none the less still a new favorite of mine

[@gracomakes]

So so glad you liked it!!! Hope you enjoy your new bag 🩷

[@karly2190]

I love this. I thought the pattern looked quick and easy after cutting it out but you have done a beautifully detailed construction. Will be nice to take the time for a really professional result 😊

[@PenGwench]

This is such a great video thank you for the clear instructions. Can’t wait to make the bag today!!

[@PenGwench]

I’m going to attempt to make this in a clear vinyl, so I can bring it to a concert where the stadium requires a clear bag…

[@tonia-deegraveson1760]

Wow thank you - i just purchased your PDF printable pattern yesterday and what a beautiful vid tutorial you have given. I am sure with watching this a few times before i start it will turn our beautifully- thank you again for your clear instructions

[@hanpear]

i think this i how i’m going to spend my day THANK U

[@livelaughcreation]

Very well explained.

[@sarahelizabeth3240]

This was so helpful!! Really great to have in addition to the pattern - I love the bag I made and I can't wait to make more :))

[@lovecc168]

Amazing video!!! Don’t know if I’m at this level yet since I haven’t used a sewing machine in while but I will def make this after some practice! Please continue making these wonderful sewing tutorials!☺️

[@rosaliepingree4198]

You did such a great job with the very nice handbag. I hope to see more tutorials in the future! Pittsburgh, PA

[@Val-hu4yg]

Ahhhhh TYSM!!! Just what i was looking for

[@anaisaguilera8595]

Thanks for your video!! It helps me lot in my next proyect! Love it

[@user-no1ht3uq3h]

Thank you for this video I understood each step for a change

[@gracomakes]

I’m so glad you found it helpful!!

[@sonjathomas6084]

This is a great bag, easy pattern to follow.

[@SuperJellybaby]

Thanks so much! The tutorial is very easy to follow. Just finished my bag in green corduroy, I love it!

[@vfriday85]

Bought the pattern and looking forward to making this! I have a ton of left over 14" zippers and I'm wondering what the modification would be to use them up. Thanks!

[@didijuardi1863]

Mantaaaap...terima kasih tutorialnya sangat bermanfaat miss

[@patriciasullivan4549]

Love this pattern! Thank you for the tutorial - I am a beginner and it turned out great! Any suggestions for making a smaller version?

[@gracomakes]

You can print the pattern at a smaller scale, say 80%, then will have to make some small adjustments to things like zipper length and strap width - but that should be a good starting point!

[@patriciasullivan4549]

@@gracomakes Thanks so much!

[@Wormsgotagun]

This is such a good tutorial! Definitely making one for the summer! Also why would I pay €52 (!!!?) for a bag I can easily make myself in a fabric and colour of choice :)

[@lilysnyder2219]

how many yards of fabric?

[@maristelasantana3661]

Amei, vou fazer

[@meaghanparent8740]

❤if I make my own binding tape, how wide and long should it be?

[@dianapadilla4970]

Hi! I bought the pattern and I printed it as it specified. I’m just wondering if the size of the bag you do in your video is the same as the one that’s on the pattern on Etsy

[@gracomakes]

@@dianapadilla4970 hi! Yes, same size so long as you printed the pattern at 100% scale.

[@taelorcastellano1960]

Love this bag, the attention to detail makes it look store bought. So good. I am Wondering how you made the pdf of your pattern and made it printable? I have self drafted Fanny pack and chore coat sewing patterns I’d love to sell but am unsure of that process. 🤗🤍✨

[@gracomakes]

Hey! I learned everything from youtube including how to digitalize the pattern with illustrator and make it printable. Hard to explain it all in a comment, but try giving it a search on youtube! There are lots of good resources ☺️

[@TIEM2SHYNE]

made one of these bags and it turned out pretty solid, gonna make a few more for gifts!! question - are you hand-basting these bags? i'm pretty new to sewing and i've read you can baste via machine but i was wondering if there's a technique that's easier overall, i'm pretty comfy using my sewing machine now and have read you can do like a really long stitch to baste but i wasn't totally sure

[@gracomakes]

Hey!! Glad your bag turned out well!! I don’t hand baste for this bag - I use the longest stitch length my machine offers and baste with the machine. I would hand baste more complicated, finiky things, generally on garmets that I really don’t want to mess up - things like zippers, welt pockets etc. But honestly I do a LOT of basting via the machine because I’m impatient 🤓

[@catirodriguez590]

Poner las medidas para hacer el patrón sería genial , mil gracias

[@gracomakes]

Hi, this is a sew along video to go with the pattern that you can purchase on Etsy. That’s why there are no measurements included for the pattern pieces. The link to purchase the pattern is in the video description!

[@katalina3806]

la correa negra de que ancho es?

[@hanban7224]

Could I overlock the edges instead of using bias/binding tape?

[@gracomakes]

Yup, you can finish the edges in whatever way you prefer

[@AussieMumVLOGS]

I feel like im too stupid to understand lol. Im a newbie and never used a sewing machine before lol ive bought one 3 months ago and it sits there lol

[@madebybethy9806]

The measurement for the fabrics pls

[@gracomakes]

The pattern is for sale in my Etsy shop. The link is in the description or you can search “crosstown crescent bag” on Etsy.

[@anjanagaur]

Very long and detailed video with amazing stitching details but am i the only one who couldn't find cutting part??? So, this video isn't much useful to me without cutting instructions.

[@gracomakes]

Hi there, this is a sew along video to accompany the pattern that you can puchase on Etsy (link is in the description). There are no cutting instructions as you need to purchase the pattern to get the pattern pieces and then cut out your fabric accordingly.

[@oliviachapple6434]

Hey! I was wondering where you got your materials. Like the zippers, strap, and strap adjuster. I was also wondering if I can cut a zipper to make it 8 inches? Thanks!! :)

[@gracomakes]

Hi! They’re all just from my local fabric store. You can definitely order all of those materials online as well. And yes you can definitely cut your zippers - i just use whatever length zippers i have on hand and cut them to the right size!

[@oliviachapple6434]

Ok thankyou!!!

[@hannahlazio3560]

this might be a stupid question, but when you say theres a seam allowance, that is included already in the pattern?? so i dont need to cut an extra half inch of fabric around my pattern pieces?

[@gracomakes]

Yup! It’s included in the pattern. You dont need to cut any extra around the pattern pieces ☺️

[@Dawnbomb87]

Could you use quilting cotton by adding a heavy or medium weight interfacing?

[@gracomakes]

I’ve never tried but I think you probably could!! Definitely worth a try.

[@bonernas]

i use something called saddle pad fleece for bags similar like this :) have yet to try this bag pattern but less "sturdy" designs made with quilting cotton do hold up pretty well with that lining/fleece! I'm usually using number 320 by the brand vlieseline but I'm sure there's others that work well too

[@nikkicastevens4749]

Such a lovely bag!! Where did you get the purple canvas from ?

[@gracomakes]

Thank you!! I just got it from one of my local fabric stores (Fabricland in Canada).

[@Jwatchesvideos]

Hi! Thank you for the tutorial, any tips of sewing zippers? I can't seem to get the zipper ends to stay together when I sew them and i get awkward gaps at the ends of the sides that aren't locked in together. Thank you!

[@PenGwench]

you can use double sided tape that will wash out to tape the zipper in place - or baste it in place by hand before sewing. This way it stays in place and doesn’t shift around. If you baste it in place by hand before adding the zipper tabs I think that will solve your problem.

[@Jwatchesvideos]

@@PenGwench Oh thank you!!! Is it better to keep the zipper unzipped while sewing to prevent more distortion or keep them together to make sure they aren't sewn unevenly?

[@PenGwench]

If you use the tape, I would tape it on zipped up. Same If you baste it on, do that zipped up. When you see it on with the machine, you will have to stop sewing, lift the foot, and unzip it at some point - because you can’t sew along where the zipper pull is, it will be in the way. If you never sewed a zipper before - Google some “install a zipper” videos! You can do it! I sewed my first zipper about 18 months ago, and now it’s pretty easy for me!!

[@mariavillanueva5786]

Hola muy lindo tu bolso , pero el patrón no lo encuentro será que podes compartirlo gracias

[@gracomakes]

Hello! I just updated the link in the description so you can copy and paste it into your browser and it will take you to Etsy!

[@estephaniamuller5344]

Hi! I’m currently working on this but I’m kinda stuck at the part where you put the tabs at the of the long zipper.. how do you sew throw the zipper? You kinda explained it on vid but I can’t make out what your saying 😊. I think “hang thread” through zipper? Tia!

[@gracomakes]

“Hand crank” through zipper! If your zipper is nylon, you should be able to sew through it normally but if its plastic or metal, use the hand crank wheel on your sewing machine instead of the foot pedal otherwise you may break the needle! Hopefully that makes more sense.

[@estephaniamuller5344]

Thank you! That was so helpful :))

[@alexiscantor6946]

hi! do you remove the basting stitch at any point or is it eventually hidden?

[@gracomakes]

Its hidden so no need to remove if you make sure you do it within the seam allowance - so less than 1/2” from the edge!

[@wombatcubes]

hi grace! if i’m using cotton fabric for the outer panels, would lining it with interfacing be a good idea to give it structure? or do you think it wouldn’t look so good with more structure

[@gracomakes]

Hi! I think thats definitely a good option. It will be quite floppy with cotton fabric (it is a fairly floppy bag regardless, but will be even more so with a light fabric). I think others have used interfacing and have had a lot of success!

[@wombatcubes]

@@gracomakes thanks so much for your reply and help! i’d love to give this a try once i become more confident with my sewing skills :) i love the tutorial btw and it was easy to understand!!

[@kaitlynbattistelli7510]

is there a proper seam length for the basting stitch or is anywhere sort of along the edge ok? When does it get removed?

[@gracomakes]

Anywhere just along the edge as long as its within the 1/2” seam allowance. They wont get removed but will get cut off or covered when you cover the inner seams with bias binding.

[@gracomakes]

Alternatively, you can remove your basting stitches after you’ve sewn the bottom panels to the side panels if you’d like. The basting is just there to keep the outer and lining pieces together nicely

[@kaitlynbattistelli7510]

Thank you!!!!! The bag is turning out so beautifully and has been such a fun way to learn ! I didn’t even know what a basting stitch was until yesterday 😂

[@marlenecontreras3826]

Favor traducir al español

[@paolasuarezdiaz7785]

the purple fabric what kind of fabric it is? Thank u so much!

[@gracomakes]

It’s cotton canvas! About 10oz, I believe ☺️

[@paolasuarezdiaz7785]

@@gracomakes what about doing it with nylon fabric?

[@gracomakes]

@@paolasuarezdiaz7785 yeah you could absolutely do that! You can really make this bag out of any fabric you’d like. Some people on instagram have definitely used nylon though and it worked great

[@kristinmozingo5371]

What width should I buy for the double fold bias tape?

[@gracomakes]

When double folded, it should be 1/4”.

[@kristinmozingo5371]

Thank you so much!

[@MichelleYuri]

Can i get for the pattern tutorial? 🥹

[@gracomakes]

You can purchase the pattern on Etsy! The link is in the video description or you can search for “Crosstown Crescent Bag” on Etsy

[@dmarie1157]

Has anyone sized this down to make a smaller sling bag for just phone, keys and wallet?

[@gracomakes]

hey! Someone on instagram sized it down to 80% (just print the pattern at 80% instead of 100% then adjust for the length of zippers etc) and it worked great so Im sure you could size down further if you wanted!!

[@dmarie1157]

@@gracomakes Thanks, I was thinking 80% would be ideal.

[@adrianaEsther6985]

Y las medidas???

[@rosalindaa.sayers2945]

Patterns measurements please

[@gracomakes]

The pattern is for sale in my Etsy shop. The link is in the description or you can search “crosstown crescent bag” on Etsy.

[@swapnaurankar3766]

Do u have PDF pattern file I want this

[@gracomakes]

You can purchase the pattern on Etsy. The link is in the description.

[@ema8877]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-jt2yc2di4k]

Жаль то нет размеров... Печально

[@barakulichova]

Can you please update URL to pattern?

[@gracomakes]

Hi! I updated the link. It's not clickable but you can copy and paste it into your browser and it will take you to Etsy (:

[@bonernas]

​@@gracomakesetsy says you have no products listed and that the pattern is sold out :( I'd love to purchase it as soon as it's available again!!

[@gracomakes]

@@bonernas hello!! So sorry about that - I just fixed it. Should be good to go now ☺️ thanks so much for letting me know!