How to make and sew an easy cosmetics bag for your make up and toiletries.

Messenger bag pattern - grab the free sewing pattern for a messenger bag and make a large messenger bag with pockets. Your best one!

With this Crossbody Bag you get so much help it's amazing and it's all FREE.

Windmill Bag Free Pattern available at http://peanutbutteryelleytime.wordpress.com/patterns/windmill-bag/. Super fast knit made with my ladies on our super cool swimming retreat. CO 20 stitches for each panel. Only drawback here is the stitching up, but the slip stitches on the side...

Here's a great FREE pdf pattern, this time for a Crossbody Bag, that's the perfect size for any event. This pattern comes with a full set of free video

Free DIY Walk-throughs, building plans, and other crafty discussions!

Ever wanted to sew the Liesl + Co. Classic Shirt as a pop-over instead of button-front style? Now you can with this free popover placket pattern piece and tutorial.

This is the 3 Way Pouch FREE sewing pattern (with video) from the designer Emels Handicraft.

Sewing a Charming Mini Purse with a Clasp. DIY Pattern & Tutorial.

A blog about all things sewing and quilting, filled with free tutorials, and bulging with modern quilting inspiration!

Nutzt du schon eine Lunchbag? Passt die in deine Handtasche? Wenn nicht, dann brauchst du ja eigentlich immer einen extra Beutel, um deine Lunchbag mitzunehmen. Made … Mehr erfahren!

This is the Lilac Mini Messenger Bag FREE sewing pattern from the designer Blue Calla Patterns.

We think you will love sewing these Reversible Fabric Baskets. The baskets are so fun to sew and the video sewing tutorial from Sotak Co is completely free.

DIY Book Clutch Free Sew Patterns & Tutorials

This busy bag is easy to sew, and is designed to keep your little ones occupied and entertained when you're out and about at sporting events, restaurants or

The Boho Sling Bag – plain or fancy. A sewing project for everyone – regardless of their sewing pedigree or experience! The Boho Sling Bag seems to be fairly popular among those that c…

Make a DIY Celine-inspired leather tote. Free Sewing Pattern and Tutorial.

The Double Zip Crossbody Bag is convenient to carry your phone and wallet. There are two zip top closures that opens nice and front pocket that easy access.

I have been waiting a little while to reveal my latest free pattern/ project . This was a project designed for Liberty Lifestyle. I was asked to come up with something for an intermediate sewer so I designed a mini sewing portfolio travelling case. All the fabrics are from the Bloomsbury collection and you can find detailed instructions, labelled photographs and downloadable diagrams at the Liberty Craft Blog. It is the perfect size for travelling to sewing classes, or carrying small projects to sew on the go and there are pockets everywhere. I promise the zip is not as scary as it looks and the binding covers up all the zipper stitching as a bonus. The scissor zip pull was from Ayumi! I wish I could find more things like that here, cute and practical. You will find is an interview with me there too. From past attempts, I have not been able to get comments to work on the Liberty blog but you can find other projects like Katy's Bloomsbury Stripes quilt and Jessie's star decoration , so go visit, share on Facebook, tweet and if you make one do send me a pic!

Due to popular demand, I’m excited to share with you my FREE video for the Oslo Craft Bag! In case

It's been a busy blogging week celebrating my favorite accessory, and I thought I would wrap it up with another tutorial. These bags made me so happy, I had to share the pattern. These are great, for business or pleasure. They are a bit more work than your average project (at least for me), so allow yourself about 3-4 hours to cut and complete. I think they are worth the effort! There are 2 sizes. The "regular" messenger finishes up around 15" wide by 10" high and is 3" deep. Perfect for binders, clipboards or laptops:The "mini-messenger" is more purse-sized, measuring 9" wide, but is still 10" tall and 3" deep: You will need: For the "Regular Messenger": 2/3 yard outer fabric- such as wool, wool blends, suiting, canvas 2/3 yard of lining fabric- cotton quilting weight 2/3 yard of interfacing- I used fleece sew-in for a well padded heavier bag For the "Mini-Messenger": 1/2 yard each of above For both- thread color of choice 2 buttons of choice hardware for adjustable shoulder strap- 1 slider and 2 rings as shown (size 39mm/1.5"): Cutting your pieces "Regular Messenger": Outer fabric pieces: front and back panels- 15.5" by 10.5" (cut 2) flap: 15.5" by 10" (cut 1) back pockets: 15.5" by 9.5" sides and bottom: 15.5" by 3.5" (cut 1 for back) and 10.5" by 3.5" (cut 2 for sides) loops for rings : 3" by 2.5" (cut 2) Lining fabric pieces: front and back panels- 15.5" by 10.5" (cut 2) flap: 15.5" by 10" (cut 1) inner pockets: 15.5" by 6.5" sides and bottom: 15.5" by 3.5" (cut 1 for back) and 10.5" by 3.5" (cut 2 for sides) loops for rings : 3" by 2.5" (cut 2) loops for buttons: 5" by 1.5" (cut 2) Note- extend length of button loops if you are using very large buttons Interfacing: front and back panels- 15.5" by 10.5" (cut 2) flap: 15.5" by 10" (cut 1) sides and bottom: 15.5" by 3.5" (cut 1 for back) and 10.5" by 3.5" (cut 2 for sides) Shoulder strap: To make from fabric- cut 1 piece each of outer fabric and lining fabric 45" (or WOF) by 2.5" OR use 1-1/4" webbing (length 45") OR use a recycled belt, cut about 12" from where the strap attaches to the buckle OR get creative :-) "Mini-Messenger": Cut same pieces as above, but change all measurements that are 15.5" to 9.5" Let's sew! Note- all seams are sewn at 1/4", unless stated otherwise. Additional note- please tolerate my sucky photos. I do most of my crafting in the wee hours of the night when my kids are in bed (no more nap times at my house!) so there is no natural light to be found. These are kind of washed out, but hopefully clear enough! One Last thing- the following photos show the assembly of the mini messenger. Same rules apply for the big guy, just watch during the flap step that you put your button hoops on the long side of the flap fabric (not the short side). 1. Preparing the flap of the bag: Take 2 button loop pieces. Fold over one long end 1/4". Press. Now roll it up, rolling 3 times, from the other end, until it looks like this: Sew along the edge to close. Set aside. Grab flap piece of lining fabric and set it right side up. On top, put the outer fabric, right side down. Put your interfacing on top. Make a loop with the button loop pieces you just made, and insert them into the sandwich, loop inward, about 4" in from the outer corner (1.5" in on the mini). Depending on the size of button you are using, allow more or less length for the loop- I think it looks best if the loop is snug on the button. Pin loops in place. If you are adding a label to the flap as I have done, insert it as well, ensuring that the words are facing towards the outer fabric and not the lining. Sew along the 2 side and bottom ends. Clip corners, trim excess, and invert flap piece. Push out corners, and press. Do some top stitching to snaz it up. Set aside. 2. Preparing the lining: Take pocket piece and fold over bottom 1/4'. Press. Fold over top length 1/4", press, then fold again 1/2" and press. Sew along top only. I did 2 lines, one close to the folded edge and one 1/4' down. Add a label if you would like (if doing the mini like shown here, add the label to the lining body, not the pocket). Pin the pocket piece to the lining back piece, about 4" from the top. Sew along bottom edge now to close pocket, close to the fold. Sew vertical lines (I did double lines at 1/4" apart again, simply for style) to separate into pockets of the sizes you would like. In the regular messenger, I used 2 sets of lines equally spaced to make 3 pockets. For the mini, I divided it into 2 pockets, then added my label at this point, just above the pockets. Take the bottom piece of lining, place with right sides facing, and sew along raw edges. Flip bottom piece aside, align 2 side pieces with right sides facing, sew. Align corners. Sew. Repeat to add front piece of lining. LEAVE A 6" SEGMENT OF THE BOTTOM OPEN IN THE LINING AS SHOWN. You will need this hole to invert your bag as one of the final steps. Set your lining aside. 3. Preparing the outer body: Take pocket piece and fold over top 1/4", press, then fold 1/2" and press again (note- with some of the heavier wools, this may not press well). Stitch along fold, and again at 1/4".Align on back body piece such that bottoms are in line. Pin in place. If doing regular messenger, mark center and stitch to make 2 pockets, and stitch in place. (Note- the mini is shown here with 2 pockets, but I found them too narrow to stick your hand down...for the mini, one pocket works best, so skip this step!). Assemble the outer bag much like you did the lining, only include the layer of interfacing on the wrong side of your outer fabric. Also, do not leave a hole- close all seams. Be aware that sewing through 2 layers of wool and 2 layers of interfacing is one mighty thick sandwich!! Invert your outer bag. 4. Putting it all together Make the loops for your shoulder strap rings by aligning pieces, right sides facing, and sewing along long sides. Invert, press, and top stitch along long sides. Set aside. Now it is time to attach the flap to the outer bag. Align prepared flap with outer side facing the back (pocketed) side of the outer bag, raw edges aligned. Pin, then sew. (Note- if you want to have the external pockets on the front under the flap, instead of on the back, then pin flap on opposite side. To-may-to, to-mat-o. You choose.) Thread rings over loops: Center loops (with rings inside) to sides of bag, on outside of bag with raw edges aligned. Pin and sew. Grab your lining and invert. Slip over outer bag so that right sides are facing and the lining pocket is on the same side as the flap. Tuck flap and ring loops inside lining: Sew all around top to close: Remember that hole you left in the lining? Stick your hand through it and yank to invert this puppy! Tuck the open edges of the lining in on itself and sew it closed. Tuck all the lining nicely into the outer bag and press the seams. Top stitch around the top to help it stay nice and flat. Line up your button loops and hand sew on your buttons To finish the main body of the bag. You are almost done! Let's put on a strap. 5. Adding an adjustable shoulder strap: Your strap can be made of the bag fabric, a recycled belt, or made of webbing. It you are making it from fabric, align pieces so right sides are facing, and stitch along length on both sides, leaving ends open. Invert the tube by attaching a safety pin to the lining fabric on one end, and snaking the pin through to the opposite end, working it with your fingers through the tube and pushing fabric back until the safety pin emerges on the other side: Press, then top stitch along length at 1/4". Take your strap and loop through the center portion of your slider. Sew into place as shown: Take the other end and thread it through the ring (left side, if looking at bag from the front) as shown:Loop it up and in one end of the slider from underneath: Loop it back over the other side and pull: Bring the other end to the right loop and thread around as shown: Tuck end in on itself and sew to secure as shown: You did it! You are done! Let me hear you say "Oh yah!" And maybe just a little happy dance..... I hope you have enjoyed the Messenger Bag Tutorial! I would love to see your beautiful bags, so please email me a photo or add one to my Flickr group! As always, my tutorials are intended for personal use only. Feel free to blog about your creations, but please be courteous and link back to this site so I can get credit for all my hard work and ideas. Happy sewing!

The musings of a child rearing craftaholic

Are your friends always in envy of your sewing skills? Why not make something special for them by sewing one of these awesome creative gifts you can sew? With ideas that range from phone and laptop cases to cute kitchen towels and home decor, you are sure to find some awesome ideas for Christmas, birthdays

This is a DIY Crossbody Sling Bag FREE sewing pattern (with video) from the designer Sewing Times.

Turban Headband by Dottie Adele at Shrimp Salad Circus Valerie, the super sweet - and incredibly talented - mastermind behind Sewing 101 on Shrimp Salad Circus, just so happened to have an adorable baby who she calls AA. They're a beautiful

Shop for Bag & Purse Patterns Serendipity Hip Bag Sewing Pattern by LTS April 20, 2023 The Parisian Street Purse Tote Sewing Pattern by LTS December 9, 2020 The Somerset Bag Pattern by LTS November

this last week i was able to play with some of lotta’s fabric called bella. (i added a couple of mine into there as well as some solid fabrics to give it a fun mix) hexagons are really cool, i love hexagons. i’ve shown my love of them with a few pics throughout the years […]

Here is our tutorial on how to make a Moda Charm Square Tote Bag. You can make this tote bag from a Moda Charm Square pack or you can create your own 5' squares from your stash. The beauty of Moda Charm packs is that the colors are all beautifully color co-ordinated and the finished bags look amazing. However, a charm square tote bag is a perfect way to use those pretty pieces of fabric that you have on hand, to create a truly personalized tote bag for yourself. Watch the step-by-step video below or scroll down for basic instructions

Well here is a fabulous FREE tutorial that will allow you to transform your completely disorganized purse into a purse where you'll be able to find whatever

We really like this Slim Pencil Case (Zipper Pouch) from Sotak.

I'll show you how to make an easy thread catcher to hold all of your thread tails. This post contains a free pattern and tutorial for a thread catcher.

The Pop It In Your Handbag String Tote. Thank you for all your lovely comments about the Mystery Giveaway Reveal, I'm glad you all like this cute little tote here is the tutorial and pattern as promised, sorry it took so long it took longer than I thought it would. These little bags are great for gifts make a few now for Christmas presents :) Materials Mercerised Cotton I used Patons 3.50 hook Change the weight of yarn depending on what size of bag you want. I used 4ply for the beige bag Dk for the green 2 strands of 4ply tog for the pink. Written in English Terms ch = chain dc = double crochet (sc/us) tr = treble (dc/us) dtr = double treble (tr/us) ss slip stitch. Pattern (Quick version for experienced crocheters) Make a continuous circle of 4 rounds beginning with with 9 dc in magic loop. (you can make the circle bigger if you wish depending on how big you want your bag) dc for final round. Fasten off and weave in ends. Embellish your circle with a flower or anything you wish, (see step 20 below) Make another circle as above but leave plain. You can make any type of circle you wish but remember there is a certain amount of pulling and tugging involved so it would need to be a sturdy design and multiple colours would need to be well woven in. always finish your circles with a final round of dc (no increases) to give them some depth, Place circles right sides together and dc them together leaving a gap of 13sts. Buttonhole made on flower sided circle. Dc 6 across gap edge 2ch, miss 1 dc, 6dc. sew a small button on the inside of opposite gap Begin string bag Chain 8 miss 2dc, dc in next dc, chain 8, continue around and include 2nd gap edge. (see no 24 in tutorial) Next round chain 8 dc in next ch8 space continue like this until 22 rounds have been worked (or for as big as you want your bag) Don’t fasten off Handles Chain 60 (or as long as you want them) dc into 5th 8ch loop (one handle made) Now judge where next handle should be and place markers. Dc 8 times in each 8ch space until you reach marker and make 2nd handle, Dc all 8ch spaces around the top of bag and loosely dc around handles. Fasten off. Tutorial (Click on the pictures to get a larger view) (revision on no 20...6th line should read 2ch, 1tr, 1dtr, 1tr, 2ch, ss into same st Make second circle as above but don't add flower and don't fasten off. Finished Bag The opening should be on the inside of the bag To close the bag just turn it inside out, then turn the two two circles inside out, gently push the string bag inside and fasten button. My latest bag In Crushed Raspberry Bag in Use If there is any part which is difficult or doesn't make sense please just leave me a comment and I will put it right. Stats Pink bag 75 grams Beige bag 44 grams Green bag 65 grams Crushed Raspberry 56 grams String Tote Galleries Hindusanka Astri Casey Loving Hands More from me info here Mistea Copyright © 2013 Linda Solaiman All Rights Reserved.

This is a large bag that holds everything you need for a busy day. It has a key strap and an internal pocket; and two shoulder straps with a button detail.

You know by now this isn't a "craft" blog, although you probably also know by now that I am a fan of all things artsy and craftsy! So, I just had to share my latest little project, the tote bag pictured above. Here's the back story. A girlfriend invited me and several other friends to her home for a two-evening quilted tote bag class. This was supposed to be two classes of 2 hours each: four hours total. The teacher, "Miss Nancy", gave us handwritten instructions copied onto pink paper. I am not a sewing newbie, yet I was perplexed and often lost during the class. We stayed late (very late!) both nights, and still had about 10 hours of "homework" to do on our own. I kid you not! It did come out adorable, but there is just NO WAY I wanna spend THAT MUCH TIME on a tote bag, no matter how stinkin' cute it is! As we were making this tote, I kept getting ideas on how it could be done easier and faster. So when the class was over and the tote fiiiiiiiiinally done... I decided to put my money where my mouth is and make a second bag, trying out my ideas. *SUCCESS!* Yep, the second bag, using my "tweaked and revised" directions, only took a few hours, start to finish. It was a very fun and "instant gratification" type of a project. Just the kind I like when I don't want to make a long term commitment to a quilt! LOL! So with many thanks and all-due-respect to Miss Nancy, herein I present... “MISS NANCY’S PATCHWORK TOTE BAG” (w/ LYNN’S REVISIONS AND SIMPLIFICATIONS!) FINISHED SIZE: Approx 17” (wide) x 14” (tall) This tote can easily be made with 5 fat quarters and 1 yard of coordinating fabrics. (Or simply “mix and match” from your stash, and cut pieces to size as below.) Also needed: Warm and Natural, or other thin cotton batting. (Approx. 60” x 40”; or in pieces a little larger than: 18” x22”; 18” x 14”; 18” x 8”; 5” x 96”) NOTE: Photos below are from various stages of both totes... the one I made in class (the flowered one) and the one I made on my own (the kitty one). I apparently didn't have the wherewithall to get all the pictures from one project! ;o) CUTTING: BODY OF TOTE: 5” x 22” Side #1, cut one 5” x 22” Side #2, cut one 10” x 22” Middle, cut one BOTTOM: 18” x 14”, cut one OUTSIDE POCKETS: 18” x 16”, cut one STRAPS: 5” x 48”, cut two (For 1.25” wide finished straps) TIES, OPTION 1: Makes softer, floppier ties: 3/4" wide finished (2 fabric layers) 2” x 12”, cut 4 -or- TIES, OPTION2: Makes firmer, stiffer ties: 5/8” wide finished (4 fabric layers) 2.5” x 12”, cut 4: LINING: 18” x 36”, cut one (NOTE: Depending on exact finished size of tote body, this may be approximate. Do not cut this piece until tote body is done and you can double check this measurement.) INSIDE POCKET(S) -- OPTIONAL: 18” x 16”, cut one for one inside pocket , or cut 2 for two inside pockets BINDING (top finish): 6” x 36” (for 1” finished binding) PIECING/QUILTING (NOTE: ALL SEAMS ARE 1/2” unless otherwise noted.) BODY OF TOTE: Sew one 5” x 22” piece on each side of the 10” x 22” piece along long edges . Press seams toward darker fabric. Size of tote body at this point should be 18” x 22”. Cut a piece of batting larger than 18” x 22” and lay the tote body (right side up) on the batting and carefully smooth it out. Pin the tote body and the batting together with quilting pins (large straight pins). Using your favorite method, mark two diagonal, intersecting 45 degree lines (I use a Hera marker, which only creases the fabric. Hera markers are available online or in most quilt or fabric stores.) If you don't have a Hera marker, use a water soluble or disappearing marker, chalk, etc. Then, using a walking foot with a guide, quilt the tote body in a diagonal “grid” pattern, with lines 1” apart. (NOTE: If you don’t have a walking foot with a guide, you will have to mark ALL of your grid lines.) Press, “square up” and trim batting even with tote body. This is the front side of mine (before trimming batting) : This is the back (batting) side of mine: Carefully measure and cut tote body in half crossways, making 2 pieces, each 18” x 11”. TOTE BOTTOM: Cut a piece of batting larger than 18” x 14”. Lay the tote bottom piece on the batting, smooth out, and pin as above. Mark with two diagonal, dissecting 45 degree lines, and quilt in a 1” diagonal grid pattern as above. Press, “square up”, and trim batting even with tote bottom. OUTSIDE POCKETS: Press 18” x 16” pocket piece in half lengthwise, right sides out. (Will now measure 18” x 8”) Cut a piece of batting 18” x 8”. Place the batting carefully between the layers of fabric, edges even, smooth out, and press. Topstitch 1/4" from the fold. (This will be the top of the pockets.) Pin the 3 layers together and mark/quilt as above in a 1”diagonal grid pattern. Cut pocket piece in half crossways, making 2 pieces, each 9”x 8”. ADD OUTSIDE POCKETS TO TOTE BODY: Using the photos of the completed bags as your guide, place one pocket in the center of each tote body half, raw “bottom edges” of pocket and tote body even. Stitch pocket to tote body along both sides (long edges) of pocket using a 1/4" seam. (The straps will cover these raw edges later.) (Note: if you want the side pieces of your tote bag to be alternating fabric between front and back as mine are, then “flip-flop” second tote body piece before adding pocket.) STRAPS: Press each strap in half, lengthwise, right sides out. (At this point, straps will measure 2.5” x 48”) Then open, and with wrong side up, turn each long edge into center fold, wrong sides together, and press. (At this point, straps will measure 1.25” x 48”.) Cut 2 pieces of batting, 1 1/8” x 48”. Open each strap and insert batting between either of the fabric folds. Refold carefully and press. Stitch 1/8” or 1/4" (your preference) along each long edge. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: ADD STRAPS: Position one strap on one tote body piece as follows: Center a strap over the seam between the pocket and the side piece of the tote. Being careful that strap isn’t twisted, center the other end of the strap on the other seam between pocket and side. Pin in place. Following your previous strap stitching, stitch strap to bag, starting from the bottom. Extend your stitching 1” past pocket (toward top of bag). Reinforce stitching at top by triple stitching, or stitch a decorative “barn door” pattern: Repeat with other strap on other tote body piece. BOTTOM: With right sides together, sew a tote body piece to each long edge of the bottom. At this point, you should have: Press each seam toward bottom and topstitch on bottom 1/4" inch from seam. LINING: Measure size of open tote shell. Cut lining the same size. Set lining aside for now. TOTE SIDES: With right sides together, fold tote in half; stitch each side. Press. BOX CORNERS ON TOTE: While still inside out, make mitered/box corners by pressing each corner into a flat triangle, matching the bottom seam to the side seam. Measure down the seam 1.75” and sew horizontally across the triangle. Your seam should be 3.5” long. Stitch again to reinforce. See diagram below (borrowed from HERE). Repeat on other corner. Turn tote body right-side out. OPTIONAL : If making inside pockets, add these to lining now: Press each 18” x 16” piece in half, making an 18” x 8” pocket piece. Top stitch 1/4" from folded edge. Sew to right side of lining, stitching pocket on both sides and across bottom, with pocket top (opening) 4.5” down from each raw, short edge of lining. NOTE: After attaching to lining, pockets can be divided by stitching one or more vertical lines as desired. With right sides together, sew lining in half along sides. Turn right-side out. Make box corners as above. With wrong sides together, place lining inside tote, and line up the top raw edges. Pin and baste. BINDING: With wrong sides together, press one short edge of binding under 1/4". Then press binding in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Starting with the 1/4" turned down edge, position binding along top raw edge of tote. Pin. (TIP: start binding where it will be hidden by the strap.) Leave the first 2” unsewn. Stitch in a scant 1” seam, tucking in and overlapping ends about 1”. Blindstitch vertical overlap where binding meets. Turn binding to back (lining side) and hand stitch (blind stitch) in place. TIES: For OPTION #1 ties: Press each strap piece in half lengthwise, right sides together; sew 1/4" from raw edge, to make a “tube”. Turn right-side out. Press, tucking in each raw edge 1/4". Edgestitch short ends. For OPTION #2 ties: For each strap piece: Turn both short edges in 1/4" (wrong sides together) and press. Then press fabric in half lengthwise. Then fold in each long edge to the center and press. Edgestitch all four sides. Position and stitch straps on outside of each tote side, approx. 1.5” from strap toward side seam and 2.5” down from top of tote. STABILIZER FOR BOTTOM (OPTIONAL): Cut a piece of plastic mesh (the kind used for plastic needlepoint projects, and readily available in craft and fabric stores) the size of the bottom: 3” x 17”. If desired, cover with fabric to match lining. Place stabilizer in bottom of tote; tack in place if desired. ENJOY! So, how fun are these bags?! And just perfect for totin' around your *stuff* or giving as a gift. If you like this bag, please feel free to leave me a comment and let me know. And if you make one of your own, I would love to see what you've done! And before I end this post, and because you also know that I am certifiably CAT CRAZEEE, I just haaaaad to share a couple of pictures of my chief sewing companion and right hand helper, my Ragdoll kitty Bentley (aka "Squeak"). OK, HOW FUNNY IS HE???!

So…….. we are already heading towards Christmas. Time for us to start thinking about gifts for friend’s and relative’s kids. I want to share with you a few free patterns for soft toys. …

This is the Duffel Bag FREE sewing tutorial and pattern from the designer Torie Jayne.