A simple bag cleverly incorporates six outer pockets for everyday necessities. The sew-simple trick is that the pockets are formed when the straps are sewn on the bag pieces.
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Designer: Monica Solorio-Snow of Happy Zombie

Materials

  • 1/4 yard blue print (straps)
  • 2/3 yard blue-and-green print (pockets)
  • 2/3 yard green print (bag/lining)
  • 2--10-1/4x14-1/2" rectangles thin, firm batting

Finished Bag: 8x10x4"

Quantities are for 44/45"-wide, 100% cotton fabrics. Measurements include 1/4" seam allowances. Sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated.

Cut Fabrics

Cut pieces in the following order.

From blue print, cut:

  • 2--4x34-1/2" strips

From blue-and-green print, cut:

  • 2--14-1/2x16-1/2" rectangles

From green print, cut:

  • 2--14-1/2x20-1/2" rectangles

Assemble Straps

1. Fold and press a blue print 4x34-1/2" strip in half lengthwise with wrong side inside (Diagram 1).

2. Open and press long edges to center. Refold in half and press. Topstitch 1/8" from outer edges to make a strap (Diagram 1).

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3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to make a second strap.

Assemble Bag

1. Fold and press one blue-and-green print 14-1/2x16-1/2" rectangle in half lengthwise with wrong side inside to make an 8-1/4x14-1/2" pocket rectangle. Repeat with remaining blue-and-green print rectangle to make a second pocket rectangle.

2. Referring to Diagram 2, layer a green print 14-1/2x20-1/2" lining rectangle and a pocket rectangle, right sides together. Place a 10-1/4x14-1/2" batting rectangle under the layered pieces; pin all layers together.

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3. Referring to Diagram 2, pin a strap to the bottom edge of layered pieces, leaving 4" between strap sides.

4. Place a pin on each side of strap 10-1/4" from bottom edge. Beginning at bottom edge of layered pieces, topstitch one side of strap up to the pin marking 10-1/4"; remove pin, sew across strap, and topstitch back down to bottom edge. Repeat with remaining side of strap to complete one bag unit.

5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 to make a second bag unit.

6. Layer bag units right sides together; pin. Pin loose portion of straps in place to prevent catching them in stitching. Join units around all edges, leaving a 5" opening at top center for turning (Diagram 3). Press seams open.

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7. To shape flat bottom for bag, at one corner match bottom seam line to side seam line, creating a flattened triangle (Diagram 4). Measuring 2" from point of triangle, draw a 4"-long line across triangle. Sew on drawn line. Trim excess fabric. Repeat with remaining bottom corner of bag, and both corners of green print lining.

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8. Turn bag to right side and finger-press seams. Slip-stitch lining opening closed. Insert lining into bag.