Mini Messenger Bag

Ivy loves to wear bags across her chest. She usually tries to make it work with bags that are as big as she is, or ones with too short of straps. I made this little bag up one evening when I felt like sewing, but didn't feel like thinking. Ever have those nights? Both of these are up-cycled from old skirts, which is not my first fabric choice. Up-cycling usually makes me a little frustrated, because it takes extra brain power to get it all to work, but it was free, and I like that.

Cut out your outer material and lining.
Base: (4) 10 x 11 inch rectangles (2 outer fabric, 2 lining)
Flap: (2) 9 x 6.5 inch rectangles (1 outer fabric, 1 lining)
Strap: (2) 3 x 26-28 inch rectangle (1 outer fabric, 1 lining)
Note: measure child to determine length of the strap

1. With right sides together, sew around three sides of the base, leaving one long side open. Repeat with lining.
2. Turn corners: This is going to create the bottom of your bag. Flatten the corner and sew a straight stitch at 45 degrees across the corner. Cut the corner off. Repeat on other side. I stitched 1 1/2 inches from the corner. For further reference check out XL Beach Bag tutorial
4. Sew around three sides of the flap. Leaving one long side open. Clip corners, turn right side out, iron and top stitch.
5. Measure your child to determine the length of the strap. Add one inch. I made Ivy's 26 inches long
6. With right sides together straight stitch the two long sides of the strap. Flip right side out, iron and top stitch.
7. Assemble the bag: Turn your outer material base right side out. Pin strap on either side of the bag. Centering each end with corresponding side seam. Match outer material to outer material.
8. Pin flap in between straps. matching outer material to outer material.
9. Sew a basting stitch around the top of the bag to keep straps and flap in place
10. Place your semi-assembled bag inside the lining. Right sides of fabric should be touching. Stitch around the top on the bag leaving a small space to flip the bag right side out.
11. Flip bag right side out, Iron and top stitch around the top of the bag.
12. Find the center of the flap, mark a half inch from the bottom and stitch a button hole.
13. Sew button on the base of the bag to correspond with the hole.

I don't have any pictures for this tutorial, so if you have any questions, comment or send me an email.