Ever since I bought a new laptop last year I've been looking for a stylish messenger bag to carry it when I'm going out-of-town. I haven't found one yet so I decide to create my own with some of the beautiful duck fabric on the market. This one was on clearance for $5/yard and I only need 2/3 yard for the bag and strap. I picked a nice quilted black for the inside lining to give it extra cushioning power.
The whole project was really easy.
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Materials
2/3 yard outer fabric & strap
1/2 yard for inner fabric
1 large button
1 - 6 inch piece of black elastic
2 yards double fold bias tape
The Process
Place the two fabrics together with wrong sides together.
Make sure that there is at lease 2-3 on the sides. This will make the overall bag wider so you will have room for other items like your power cord and mouse.
Fold up enough of the two fabrics to comfortably cover the laptop vertically with 2-3 inches below and leaving 8 or so inches above for the flap which you can make as short or long as you wish.
Pin the two fabrics together and sew the side seams.
Next match up the seams to make a point. Separate and then individually sew across two inches from the point. This will give you a flat bottom.
Turn right side out
Add bias tap to finish the top raw edge and flap
The Strap
Cut approximately 2 yards of remaining outside fabric 3 inches wide for the strap. You may need to piece it together. It all depends on how long you want your strap. If you're not sure make it extra long and test it out by pinning it on the bag and trying it on your shoulder.
Fold edges under and press.
Fold in half lengthwise and top stitch the edges.
Turn under raw edges and sew to side of bag from the bottom all the way up the side.
Make another smaller strap and attach it to the top turning the raw edge under about an inch and sewing a square for extra stability.
Hand sew button onto front.
Sew a small loop of elastic on the flap about 1/2 inch from edge.
That's it. Here it is on Tiffany, my daughters mannequin. The lighting is a bit off but you get the idea.
I love how it turned out. Can't wait to use it on my next trip.
Bonus tip: you could use the same instructions to make a bag for any purpose adjusting the measurements to your preference. I think it would be nice to make one with a deeper base that could be used for an overnight bag. Play around, experiment and let your creativity bloom.
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