Cute Sling Bag Tutorial

This isn't the first bag I've made, yet it is the first tutorial I've ever done. This particular bag is for a friend's daughter. I will try and make the instructions as clear as possible. I made this in about 4 hours, so it's a good little afternoon project.You can probably make it faster than me, but I like to go slow, take my time, and have good quality work.You can find the pattern here. If you use this pattern in any repost or tutorial please source me. I'd appreciate it :)

I bought 1 1/2 yards of each fabric and the way I laid out my patterns will allow me to make 2 complete bags.  Here is what you need: 2 lining pieces (purple), 2 outer pieces (flowers), 2 small pockets (purple), 2 large pockets (flowers), 2 square pockets (flowers), 1 piece for fabric flower (purple) and a little velcro.

I like to use every bit of fabric I can. Here is how I laid out my pattern on half of the fabric. I squeezed the pockets and flower piece in between the spaces. Just play with it to get everything to fit. If you don't want to lay it out like so, I'd say 1 1/4 yard will do fine.

As I was getting ready to make my pockets, my cat decided to jump up and say "hello" :)

To make all of your pockets, turn the pieces right sides together and stitch. I used 1/4" seam allowance and left an inch to turn them inside out. Then clip your corners and cut the "v's" along the rounded edge. Once turned, iron to make top stitching easier and crisper. I used a 1/4" seam allowance on everything except top stitching, which was 1/8".

 As you can see, I hate sewing curves. They never look as good as I want them... Just as a tip, top stitch the very top of the large pocket. I forgot to do that and had to top stitch the top after I'd already sewed the pocket to the bag, which was frustrating.

Pin your pocket to your bag and eyeball it until it looks straight.

Also, top stitch the top of the pocket before sewing it on. Sew on some velcro. I forgot to top stitch this as well and had to go back, but oh well. Live and learn right?

Sewing on the opposite piece of velcro can be tricky. I stuck the 2 pieces of velcro together and stuck a piece of double sided tape to the back and layed the pocket how I wanted it to lay. Then I sewed along the top, peeled off the tape and continued around. You can also use fabric glue. I didn't because I'm broke haha..

Put your 2 lining pieces right sides together and sew along the outside edge. I marked where you should sew with yarn.

Do the same with your outer fabric.

Iron and press the straps as shown. Trust me, this makes life SO much easier. I couldn't find the iron when I made my first bag, and the straps were bulky and I just didn't like them.

Here's where the magic happens. Turn your lining fabric right side out and stuff it into your outer fabric, which is wrong side out.

Here's how it should look. Since it is a curved edge it can be tricky to get them lined up perfect. I just put a book or 2 in it and it sort of straightened itself out on its own.

So now just sew,sew,sew. Go along the outer edges of the straps and top edges of the bag. I left about 5 inches for turning. In case you don't know, turning is where you pull your inside fabric to the outside through the hole. The first time I did this I literally thought "Oh my God, What did I just do?" It turned out ok though. Never mind the pun haha. Ok back on task. You can leave more or less open for turning depending on how big your hand is and such. I left the opening on the part of the bag where the straps curve into the bag. I don't know why I didn't take a picture of turning the bag or top stitching. Just be sure to iron the seams before you top stitch. I only top stitched the very top edge of the bag and the straps. Don't try and top stitch the bottom of the bag. I just don't see how it would work.

Here is the making of the flower. Fold your fabric in half right sides together and sew along the zig-zaggy edge. Next turn the flower inside out. I swear to you, this is the hardest part of the whole project! You will understand why. It took me 15 minutes to turn it completely. It is tricky, but not impossible and adds a lot of character to the finished bag. Ok now, put the ends of the flower together and stitch them together. Next using a needle and thread, do a running stitch along the bottom. Make sure you use a strong thread or double the thread up.  The stitches don't have to be perfect.

Start to pull your thread. Here is where it transform to this crown looking thing into a flower! You do have to be forceful to get it tight, but don't pull it to the point where the thread snaps.

Lay your flower where you want it. Grab a button and sew it down on top of the flower. Make sure you don't sew your bag opening together. That would suck..Anyways I add stability to the flower by putting the needle through the bottom of the flower and wrap it around the button. It tightens up the flower and makes it stay put. You might have to experiment around to get it how you want it.

 

Here is the finished flower. Beautiful, isn't it?

Here is the outside pocket.

And here is the finished bag!

I LOVE it. I think it's so cute! Let me know what you think and if there's anything I can make clearer in the tutorial. Also, If you made this bag, send me a picture. I'd love to see it :)