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    Home » Crafts

    DIY Laptop Messenger Bag

    March 29, 2015 by Patti Estep Leave a Comment

    Messenger Bag front ~gardenmatter.com

    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.

    Messenger Bag Pattern Cut ~gardenmatter.com

    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.

    Messenger Bag bottom ~gardenmatter.com
    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.

    Messenger Bag Side ~gardenmatter.com

    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.

    Messenger Bag Back ~gardenmatter.com

    Hand sew button onto front.
    Sew a small loop of elastic on the flap about 1/2 inch from edge.

    Messenger Bag Clasp

    That's it. Here it is on Tiffany, my daughters mannequin. The lighting is a bit off but you get the idea.

    DIY Messenger Bag ~gardenmatter.com

    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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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

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