Tag: bag

One Hour Easy Zippered Purse

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I absolutely love the project I am sharing with you today! I few years ago I was rushing to get ready for a vacation and my purse would NOT fit in my bag. I had one hour before I had to leave for the airport. What was I going to do? Well, being me, I decided to sew a new purse!

This is what I came up with! And since then I have used this purse absolutely all the time.

This purse is very lightweight and super handy to have around. I love to use this when I travel so I can fold it up in my luggage. I also really like to use it when I go for walks. It is the perfect size for a cell phone and smaller items.

This is a great first zipper project, so if you are just beginning with zippers this is a great place to start because you don’t have to worry about linings. Since the purse doesn’t have a lining it can be made quickly and simplifies the project. This is definitely a casual bag and I have enjoyed making this using both cotton and flannel fabrics.

Free Cut Layouts are available for two different styles, narrow and wide.

The black confetti purse is the wide version, and the cotton print is narrow.

Once you are comfortable with the process of how it is constructed it is super easy to adapt. By changing the length and width of your rectangles you can change the size of the bag. You can also use the same process to increase the number of zippers! I love the look with 3 zippers!

The wide bag measures approximately 7.375 x 9.5 inches and the narrow bag is approximately 6.375 x 9 inches.

SUPPLIES:

  • 2/3 yard cotton or flannel fabric (Makes 2 if the fabric is at least 40 inches wide)
  • Two – Three 9 inch zippers (for each purse)
  • Coordinating thread
  • Fray Check (Optional)

Tools

  • Sewing Machine
  • Basic Sewing Tools (Pins, scissors, etc.)
  • Ruler and marking tool (to draw the rectangles from the cut layout)
  • Iron

Free Cut Layouts:

2-zipper-cut-layouts-by-learncreatesewDownload
3-zipper-cut-layouts-by-learncreatesew-1Download

DETAILED VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS:

QUICK OVERVIEW:

Happy Sewing!

Fun Size Backpack

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I absolutely LOVE this backpack! This is my favorite size backpack to take to amusement parks. At 9 x 11 inches it is smaller than regular sized backpacks, but large enough to hold a lot. I’ve stuffed this thing with water bottle, snacks, extra sweatshirt, wallet, keys, notebook, first aid kit, and more. However, it’s not so big that it gets too heavy, as regular sized backpacks can.

It even fits in a lot of the ride compartments at Disneyland. That is it’s best feature in my book!

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It is constructed with a layer of cotton overlaying duck canvas. I used bias tape to bind the seams.

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I’ve made six or seven of these bags using a variety of fabrics and interfacing. I’ve used vinyl, suede, plain canvas, fusible fleece, and even satin. The cotton covered canvas, with woven interfacing is my favorite combination! It is nice to work with, strong without being bulky, and holds its shape very well.

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I love the pocket in front. While it takes patience to construct it’s not too difficult once you know the method.

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This bag also has adjustable straps depending on how you like to wear your backpack.

Supplies Needed:

1/2 yd 41” wide Main Cotton Fabric
42 inches 19” wide Interfacing (I used Pellon SF101)
3/8 yd 58” wide Canvas (I used duck canvas from JoAnn)
One 20 inch zipper
One 13 inch zipper

1 pkg Extra Wide Double Fold Bias Tape
75 inches 1” wide Strapping
Two 1” wide Rectangle Rings
Two 1” wide Tri-glide adjusters
One “Handmade” Metal Tag (Optional)

This project takes a bit of time and patience when working with multiple pieces, zippers, curves, and interfacings. Difficulty 7/10.

Approximate Finished Dimensions (inches):

Main Compartment 9 x 3.75 x 11, Pocket 7 x 1.5 x 5.75

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS: PART 1: Fabric, Zippers, Pocket

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS: Part 2: COMING SOON!

Free Pattern:

fun-size-backpack-cut-layouts-supply-list-by-learncreatesew-updatedDownload
fun-size-backpack-pattern-by-learncreatesew-updatedDownload

Please note, this pattern has been updated. There was an error in the first version of the pattern, the bottom pocket gusset piece should measure 12.75 inches in length. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Super Simple Tote Bag

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This project is quick and easy, a simple tote bag that is a great project for new sewers. It is also really nice for gifts!

This bag is back to basics with a simple lining and fabric handle.

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This project doesn’t take long to make and can be easily adjusted for other sizes.

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The corners of the bag are boxed to provide space at the bottom, but it can also be made flat.

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This project is super simple and is a 1/10 in difficulty.

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS:

QUICK OVERVIEW:

Classic Fanny Pack

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I have been wanting to make a fanny pack for years, and I finally did!

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This is a classic fanny pack with a curved top flap. It’s what I always picture in my head when I think of a fanny pack. I made several different patterns before I settled on this one, and it was by far my favorite. It is fully lined, so no raw edges! But you could definitely make it with a single layer if you wanted to.

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The waistband is also adjustable.

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Since the zipper is on a curve, there is a bit of difficulty, probably a 5/10. If you aren’t as comfortable sewing zippers and think this might be a bit much for you, don’t worry! My next tutorial is a flat fanny pack and the zipper installation is much easier.

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The dimensions of the fanny pack are approximately 13.5 inches side to side, 4 inches tall, and the top flap is about 2.5 inches deep. It tapers to a point at the bottom.

Here is the free pattern & my video instructions!

Enjoy!

Classic Fanny Pack Pattern by learncreatesew

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS:

You can use different fabrics for the fanny pack.

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Canvas and denim are great for the exterior. You can even use regular cotton fabric, but I do recommend interfacing. I used SF101, but a fusible fleece would probably work good as well.

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You can use top stitching as  a decorative element and to add stability to the bag.

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On my denim bag I used contrasting thread so the top stitching would stand out, and two rows on the sides to give it more of a “jeans” feel.

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Keep an eye out for my next tutorial and I’ll show you how to make a different style of fanny pack!

Toilet Paper Drawstring Bag

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As I was contemplating what my next sewing project would be, I couldn’t help thinking about what is on everyone’s minds at present. Toilet paper.

Yes, it is a rare and precious commodity nowadays. So! What to do…

Well, if you feel the need to travel with your toilet paper so you are prepared for those “just in case” moments, here is a little drawstring bag that is perfect to carry it!

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Of course, you don’t need to use your drawstring bag to tote around your toilet paper, it can carry a whole lot of different things, but the toilet paper sure fits nice!

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This is a great little project to practice sewing curved pieces to straight pieces. It doesn’t take a lot of fabric and it is quick.

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Take a look at my video to see how to make it!

DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS:

Here is the pattern for the circular base:

Round Drawstring Bag Pattern

This project is fairly simple. You should be comfortable pressing, sewing curves, and working with small seam allowances. Difficulty 2/10.

OVERVIEW:

 

Cell Phone Pouch

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When I set out to make this project I wanted something simple. I wanted a cute, fun bag that even beginning students could make with success.

For that reason, this is a bag making basics project.

One zipper, one pocket, done.

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I had intended this project for my younger students, thinking it would appeal mostly to young teenagers. I didn’t realize how much I would use it!

It is the perfect size to take on a walk, place inside another bag, or use for quick trips.

This week I went to a conference and was carrying around a gianormous bag with laptop, tablet, snacks, notebook, chargers, and more. It was super nice to place this little pouch with my phone, license, credit card, and lip gloss in the pocket of my large bag, and then simply pull it out when I left for lunch and breaks. That way I didn’t have to carry the huge bulky bag with me everywhere. It was very nice to have!

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This project is a 3/10 in regards to difficulty. I would recommend being comfortable using your machine as well as knowing how to change to and use the zipper foot.

Cell Phone Pouch Instructions

Mini Tool Bag

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I had so much fun with this project, and it turned out beautifully!

I had been exploring different tool bag ideas and really wanted to work with a framed purse, but purse frames are so expensive! And…you are usually very limited in the sizes you can find.

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In an effort to find an affordable way to make a framed purse I decided to make a mini sized tool bag. Since it is small the frames would not need to be as sturdy as on a full sized bag.

I found an EXCELLENT tutorial by sewingtimes on Youtube and absolutely fell in love with the bag construction and wanted to test it out right away. I would highly recommend it.

I changed the size a bit.

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I also didn’t want to have to worry about using a lot of interfacing, so I used a heavy weight denim.

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I also added embroidery and top stitching to decorate the front and add a jeans look.

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I really love how much the bag opens! It provides such a great amount of space.

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The tool bag fit basic sewing supplies, scissors and small dollar tree containers perfectly.

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Instead of purse frames I used two pieces of heavy gauge wire taped together with electrical tape and bent the ends.

 

I played with several different ways to wrap the wire. In the end I preferred the option where the wire was completely covered, just in case of tarnishing, etc. What I love about using the wire instead of the purchased purse frames is that you can make them any size you want! It’s also significantly cheaper.

It worked better than expected and I hope to make a framed bag again in the future.

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Zip-On Tool Caddy Instructions Available!

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I hope you have as much fun making this project as I did.

The difficulty level of this bag is about a 5/10. You need to be comfortable working with thicker fabrics. It also requires a good amount of pressing, and precision is needed for the top stitching, binding, and zipper. That said, it is an unlined bag without interfacing, which makes cutting and prep work a breeze!

Zip On Tool Caddy – Unlined – Instructions

Zip On Tool Caddy Pattern

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Zip-On Tool Caddy

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For my latest project I wanted a tool bag that you could hang on the back of the chair. I find that in the Sewing classroom tools can end up all over the place, and tripping over them is not a fun experience.

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I decided to make a simple tote that you could zip on and off of the chair. It was super simple and after making it I found the tote had a lot more uses than expected!

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I works perfectly on the back of a chair, just like I wanted! It even fits nicely on the back of student desk chairs.

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It’s also great for toiletries. Especially, when traveling.

I absolutely love it! Sewing instructions and pattern coming soon!