Free Sew What! Bags: 18 Pattern-Free Projects You Can Customize to Fit Your Needs by Lexie Barnes

facing, stitch the two flap pieces together on three sides. Trim the seam allowance, clip the corners, turn the flap right side out, and press. Pin the flap to the back of the bag as shown and stitch.

     
5. MAKE AND ATTACH THE STRAP . Fold the strap in half lengthwise, right sides facing, and stitch the entire length. Turn it right side out and press. (
See page
42 .) With right sides together, pin the ends of the straps to the sides of the bag, stitch, and backtack.

     

     
6. LINE THE BAG (OPTIONAL) . With right sides together, stitch the lining pieces together in the same way as the body of the bag (step 3), leaving an opening (about 4" or 5" long) on one side of a bottom seam. Press the seam allowances open. Turn the bag right side out and place it (straps, flap, and all) into the lining, which should be wrong side out (
see the next page
). With right sides together, pin the bag into the lining (the flapand straps will be between the two layers). Stitch the top edges together, and trim the excess. Turn the bag right side out by pulling it through the opening in the lining. Turn under the edges of the liner opening, pin, and edgestitch.

     
     
If you are not lining your bag, it’s a good idea to use a zigzag stitch on your raw edges. This will reinforce your bag so the fabric won’t fray and the bag won’t fall apart down the road. Another idea is to use bias tape to bind the edges. (
See page
46 .)
     
    HEAVY DUTY
     
    The Messenger style is a great option for a laptop bag. But keep in mind that a laptop needs serious cushioning and secure sewing. If you want to beef up your bag, here are a few options that’ll do the trick:
     
FABRIC . Choose sturdy fabrics like canvas, cotton duck, denim, or anything labeled “upholstery” or “home decor” weight. You can also use heavier weight thread and make sure your stitching is secure.
INTERFACING . If you’re looking for more structure, you can attach interfacing to most fabrics. You just apply the interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric at the beginning of the project and then continue as you normally would.

     
PADDING . To protect your goodies inside, you can use a soft, plush lining like fleece, flannel, or corduroy. If you need extra cushioning, you should probably add some foam or batting. To add the foam or batting, you’ll need to leave an opening and insert the padding just before stitching up the panels. (
See the
Artist’s Roll
on page
133.)
LINING . If you are lining your bag, like this one, you’ll probably want to leave a wider opening in the lining to pull the bag through, depending on the combined thickness of your beefy extras: the fabric, batting, and interfacing.
    Ask your local shop for advice when choosing padding and interfacing. There are plenty of options and a little help will go a long way. Whatever you choose, it should have manufacturer’s directions to help you out, too.

     

City Satchel
     
    SKILL LEVEL
daredevil
     
    This signature bag is used by couriers all over the world. Make it rugged for the road warrior in you, classic enough for the office, or hip enough for hitting the streets. Choose your fabrics, size, and pocket configuration to suit your personal style and needs.
     
    OUR FINISHED SIZE : 12" × 17" × 4" deep, 43" strap
    WHAT YOU’LL NEED
     
1¼ yards of fabric for the bag and strap
¾ yard of fabric for the flap and pockets
½ yard of fabric for the lining (optional)
Sewing supplies (
see page
18 )
    WHAT YOU’LL DO
     
Decide your size
Cut your fabric
Make and attach the pockets
Stitch the bag
Make and attach the strap
Make and attach the flap
Line the bag (optional)
    CUT YOUR FABRIC
     

     

     
Measure and Cut
     
1. DECIDE YOUR SIZE . You might want this bag for work or school, or maybe for the gym. Whatever you decide, you can tailor this bag to suit your needs perfectly. Just put a little planning into it before you get started. Figure out what size bag you want to make and how long your strap will