The messenger bag that I'm planning is my most complicated one yet, so I'm going to cover its construction over multiple days. Today I'll be talking about how I made the outside features of the bag: the front paper organizer, the back strap holders, the side pockets and the front flap.

The outside of this bag is made of some of the toughest vinyl I've ever used. It's thick and scratch-proof, perfect for my hard-wearing habits. The lining will be some Decole canvas that I got from my husband for Christmas.



The front paper organizer is made of three pieces, staggered in height. Each of the front two are lined, though because the lining will be out of sight most of the time I used some ribbed cotton that was less dear than my precious Decole fabric.

After I sewed in my lining and added top stitching I basted the three pieces together so that it would sew in easily as a whole front panel.



The front flap came with a pillow holder.



I used some sturdy but inexpensive muslin to fill in the unseen parts of the pillow case lining. After that I basted my two lining pieces together.





Next, I sewed my lining onto my outside front flap piece, right sides together, and leaving the corners rounded. I clipped the extra seam allowance and turned. Lastly, I added top-stitching.



The side pockets are essentially cargo pockets.



I cut a piece of my vinyl in a T-shape and did the same for my lining, which was a scrap of one of my favorite fabrics.



First, I sewed the lining to the vinyl at the top of the T.





Next, I pinched the corners together for both pieces and stitched, forming a 3-D shape.



I turned them to the correct side and then stitched my 3-D pocket to the bottom half of one of my side gusset pieces.



The back side of the bag is where my straps will connect. This part isn't quite finished, but I made a shoulder yoke so that the weight of the bag would be more evenly distributed over my shoulders.





I started with the yoke by folding a piece of my vinyl in half and drawing two humps with tailor's chalk. I sewed over the line drawing and then trimmed the excess vinyl. Next, I opened the folded crease and turned the yoke.



Finally, I added reinforcement stitches and cut openings for the straps to fit through. Later this week, if I have time, I'll put together the whole strap system so that it makes a little more sense.

Labels: projects, sewing

posted by Alison 1/28/2009 11:30:00 PM : (0) comments : splink