Easy sewing project Archives - Faodail Creation | Sewing, Quilting & Embroidery Tutorials

Cassie Cartmell – Faodail Creation

10 steps to Sew a Messenger Bag The Easiest DIY Bag You’ll Ever Make

If you’ve ever wanted to sew a messenger bag but didn’t know where to start, this tutorial is perfect for you. In this step-by-step sewing guide, you’ll learn how to create a simple, stylish, and functional cell phone messenger bag using basic materials and easy sewing techniques.

This project is beginner-friendly, fun, and perfect for those quick sewing sessions when you want something practical yet cute. Whether you’re heading out for a walk, running errands, or crafting a handmade gift, this messenger bag is a must-sew!

🧵 What You’ll Need to Sew a Messenger Bag

Before you begin, make sure you have everything ready. Preparation is key when you sew a messenger bag efficiently and smoothly.

Below I have included my Amazon Affiliate links, if you choose to purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

This is my main Amazon store link : https://www.amazon.com/shop/faodailcreation

Materials:

External fabric – Choose a multi-directional print so your pattern looks right-side-up when finished.
Woven Fusible Light weight Interfacing – https://amzn.to/4d212rj
Two 1″ D-rings – https://amzn.to/46DCkK0
Two 1″ lobster clasps – https://amzn.to/4u7naXt
Strap fabric – Matching or contrasting fabric works well!
Snap fastener – To keep your bag securely closed.

Tools:

Iron – https://amzn.to/4b36o3b
Sewing machine (I used the Baby Lock Altair 2)
Rotary cutter – https://amzn.to/3OVRxzZ
wonder clips – https://amzn.to/4aRwI1q
Friction pen – https://amzn.to/40c70OV
Ruler – https://amzn.to/4laWPnh
Ruler for creating curved edges – https://amzn.to/4l5tlqO
Pinking shears (optional) – https://amzn.to/4ligMsr
Snap fastener tool – https://amzn.to/4ligRwf

✂️ Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric and Interfacing to Sew a Messenger Bag

To start, take your external fabric and interfacing. The interfacing has glue on one side it feels slightly rough.

Place the glue side down on the wrong side of your fabric, then press firmly with your iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps bond the two layers together, giving your bag stability and shape.

💡 Pro Tip: Always use a pressing cloth to protect your fabric and iron from adhesive residue.

Step 2: Create the Loops and Strap

To sew a messenger bag that’s durable and well-structured, you’ll first need to prepare your loops and strap. These pieces are essential for attaching your D-rings and making your adjustable shoulder strap secure.

Fold each fabric strip lengthwise and press.
Open it up, then fold each long edge toward the center crease.
Fold it in half again to enclose all raw edges.
Press well and repeat for both loops and the long strap piece.

This process helps you sew a messenger bag with strong, professional-looking loops and straps that have perfectly clean edges.

For the strap ends, tuck in each short end about ½ inch before pressing this hides the raw edge for a neat finish.

Step 3: Curve the Bag Flap

To give your messenger bag a polished, curved flap:

Place both exterior and lining fabrics right sides together.
Clip or pin them in place.
Using a round ruler or curve template, mark a soft curve at each top corner of the flap.
Cut along those marked lines with scissors or a rotary cutter.

This small touch gives your bag a softer, more professional shape.

Step 4: Sew the Loops and Attach D-Rings

When you sew a messenger bag, the loops and D-rings are essential for holding your strap securely and giving your bag a polished, professional finish.

Start by sewing down the open edge of each loop using a 2.5 stitch length, then sew along the opposite side for symmetry.

Next, insert a D-ring into each loop, fold it in half, and stitch across the folded end this secures the D-ring in place and ensures it can handle daily use when you sew a messenger bag for everyday wear.

🧷 Tip: Sew slowly near metal hardware to avoid damaging your needle.

Step 5: Mark and Attach the Loops

From the bottom edge of the bag (not the flap side), measure 1½ inches up and mark both sides. These marks indicate where your D-ring loops will go.

Place each loop inside the bag layers, facing inward, between right sides of the fabric.
Clip in place.
The D-rings should be facing inside the bag, not sticking out.

Now your loops are correctly positioned for the shoulder strap later.

Step 6: Sew the Bag Body

Now it’s time to sew a messenger bag together and bring all your pieces to life!

Sew all the way around the bag edges, starting just after one side mark, going around the flap, and stopping just before the opposite mark leave a 4-inch opening at the bottom to turn the bag right side out.

Backstitch at both ends for durability to ensure your seams hold strong as you sew a messenger bag that’s meant to last.

After sewing:

Clip around the curved edges using pinking shears to reduce bulk.
Snip corners gently for sharper turns.
Trim extra fabric near the loops to reduce bulk.

Then, turn your bag right side out through the opening. Use a chopstick or blunt tool to push out corners neatly for a crisp, professional finish.

Step 7: Press and Topstitch

Once your bag is turned, press everything flat so seams sit evenly and edges align perfectly. This step helps you achieve a professional finish when you sew a messenger bag and keeps your project looking crisp.

Fold the fabric edges of the bottom opening inward and press again. Then, take it to your sewing machine and topstitch all the way around the bag edge this gives a polished finish and seals the opening shut.

Step 8: Fold and Stitch the Bag Shape

To form the actual messenger bag pocket, fold the bag bottom up 8 inches (not including the flap).

Topstitch along each side seam where the layers overlap. This creates the bag’s main compartment.

Press again to set the folds in place.

Step 9: Add the Snap Fastener

Now it’s time to secure your messenger bag with a snap closure.

Fold the flap down and find its center point mark it.
Measure about 1½ inches from the flap edge and make another mark for the snap placement.
Using your snap fastener tool, install one part of the snap on the flap and the other on the main body of the bag.
Press firmly to lock them in place.

Make sure both parts align perfectly so the bag closes smoothly.

Step 10: Attach the Strap and Lobster Clasps

To complete your project and sew a messenger bag that’s both functional and stylish:

Attach a lobster clasp to one end of the strap, fold the fabric over, and stitch securely.
Repeat on the other side.
Clip both clasps onto the D-rings attached to your bag.
Try the strap on before final stitching to ensure the length suits your height and comfort.

For most people, the strap length will work perfectly but if you’re taller or prefer a longer crossbody fit, simply extend the strap length by 4 inches or adjust the loops slightly.

🌟 Finished Look: A Simple Yet Stylish Messenger Bag

Congratulations you’ve learned how to sew a messenger bag from start to finish!

This compact, hands-free bag is perfect for carrying your cell phone, keys, and wallet while keeping your hands free. The snap closure adds security, and the adjustable strap makes it convenient for walks, shopping, or travel.

If you’re looking to sew a messenger bag that truly reflects your style, you can easily personalize it with a few creative touches:

Adding an interior pocket for extra storage
Using contrasting fabrics for the flap to make it pop
Trying decorative stitching for extra flair

💬 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love to Sew a Messenger Bag

Learning how to sew a messenger bag is one of the most rewarding beginner projects you can try. It’s quick, functional, and stylish and once you’ve made one, you’ll want to make several as gifts!

If you enjoyed this sewing tutorial, check out my other step-by-step guides on Faodail Creation you tube channel I have hundreds of sewing videos to help you improve your skills and inspire your next project.

✨ Sew a messenger bag today and enjoy a project that’s both creative and practical!

Link to the you tube tutorial is here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqBAIraIVHM

4–5 minutes

If you’ve been looking for a quick and creative project, sewing a pen holder is a fun way to make something practical and stylish. In this beginner-friendly tutorial, Faodail Creation walks you through how to sew a pen holder using just fabric, interfacing, and a key ring no complicated tools required!

This project is ideal for beginners who want to practice basic sewing skills and end up with a beautiful handmade accessory that keeps pens neatly organized.

sewing a pen holder with faodail creation

🧵 Materials You’ll Need for Sewing a Pen Holder

Before we start sewing a pen holder, gather the following materials:

Fabric pieces: 7″ tall × 3½” wide x2
Light interfacing 7″ tall × 3½” wide x2
Fabric Piece Contrast : 9½” tall x 3″ wide
Light interfacing 9½” x 3″ wide
Strap for key ring 4: tall x 2″ wide (no interfacing for strap)
Key ring
Sewing machine
Iron and pressing mat
Wonder clips
Gütermann white thread
90/14 Microtex needle

👉 Tip: Use two matching fabrics for the body and a coordinating one for the strap. The strap does not need interfacing.

🪡 Step 1: Preparing Your Fabric and Interfacing

To start sewing a pen holder, attach your light interfacing to the two main body pieces of fabric.

Lay the fabric with the wrong side up. Find the rough, glue-coated side of your interfacing and place it face down on the fabric. Use your iron to press it into place always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for heat and pressing time.

Once fused, fold your long fabric piece in half lengthwise and press a crease along the top edge. Set it aside for now.

🎀 Step 2: Creating the Strap Loop

The next step in sewing a pen holder is making the loop that will hold your key ring.

Place your strap fabric right side down. Fold it in half lengthwise and press to create a center crease. Open it, fold each edge to the center line, and press again. Then fold the strip in half one more time and press.

Use Wonder Clips to secure the folds before sewing.

🧷 Step 3: Stitching the Strap

At your sewing machine, use a straight stitch and sew along both long edges of the strap. This secures the folds and gives your strap a clean, finished look.

For this project, Faodail Creation uses the Baby Lock Altair 2 Sewing and Embroidery Machine, with Gütermann white thread and a 90/14 Microtex needle for precision stitching.

🔁 Step 4: Attaching the Strap and Key Ring

Before we continue sewing the pen holder together, slide your key ring onto the strap loop you just made. Fold the strap in half with the key ring at the fold.

Find the center of your main fabric piece by folding it in half and pressing a crease. Place the loop at the top center, aligning raw edges, and sew it in place with a 3.5mm stitch length.

Trim any excess fabric from the strap for a tidy finish.

✂️ Step 5: Sewing the Pen Holder Body

Now that your strap is attached, place the second fabric piece on top, right sides together. Clip around the edges to hold everything in place.

Leave a 3½-inch opening on one side for turning. Sew all around the edges with a ¼-inch seam allowance, backstitching at the start and end to secure your stitches.

This is an important step when sewing a pen holder because it ensures your seams stay strong even after turning the project right side out.

🌸 Step 6: Turning and Pressing

Carefully turn your pen holder right side out through the opening. Use a chopstick or turning tool to push out all corners neatly.

Take your iron and press the entire piece flat, making sure the edges of your opening are folded in evenly. This will make topstitching easier and give your pen holder a professional look.

🧵 Step 7: Finishing Your Pen Holder

The final step in sewing a pen holder is topstitching.

Sew close to the edge all around your project. This step closes the turning gap and strengthens the seams. It also adds a crisp, polished edge that makes your pen holder look store-bought!

Once finished, slide your favorite pen into the holder and you’re done!

✨ Final Thoughts on Sewing a Pen Holder

Sewing a pen holder is one of those projects that’s both quick and satisfying. It’s great for using up fabric scraps and makes an excellent gift or craft fair item. With just one key ring and a bit of fabric, you can create a functional accessory that keeps your pens close at hand.

If you enjoyed this project, check out more beginner-friendly sewing tutorials from Faodail Creation on you tube. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you never miss a new sewing idea!

Link to You Tube tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEpLnuAW1YE

Tag: Easy sewing project

10 steps to Sew a Messenger Bag : The Easiest DIY Bag You’ll Ever Make