How to sew a cross body messenger tote bag

How to sew a Messenger Tote Bag

Hey y’all and welcome back to Sewspire!

This week we are making messenger style tote bags which can be worn cross body with ease. I especially appreciate the wide padded strap on this style as it is so comfy! For the exterior of my bag, I selected a simple grey Premier Print print and then went a little crazy on the interior and selected a really fun animal print that makes me smile every time I open my bag.

For this project you will need to cut 6 panels which measure 12″ tall by 16″ wide. Three of these panels should be cut from a thicker twill fabric, such as these fabulous Premier Prints and three should be cut form a nice quilt weight cotton such as these adorable Micheal Miller prints. You will also be cutting the handle from the thicker twill and it will measure 8″ wide by 54″ in length. For your project planning purposes: you will need to set aside a half yard of 54″ twill fabric and three quarter yard of cotton quilt weight fabric + a half a yard of quilt batting.

The bag comes together in a cinch and should take you less than an hour to make. I’d love to see photos of your finished projects and invite you to post pictures on the Sewspire Facebook and Instagram pages using @sewspire and #sewspire

I hope you enjoy the project and will share this blog with your creative friends! Until next week, sew happy and be inspired my beautiful friends!

XO!

Andrea

How to sew a cross body messenger tote bag
How to sew a cross body messenger tote bag by Andrea Chapman @sewspire.com