Art Bag Sewing Tutorial

inside: use this art bag sewing tutorial to create a fun bag for kids. Give the gift of creativity with this bag and easy sewing tutorial. Makes a wonderful holiday sewing project and gift.

**Updated 11/22**

I’ve got a fun art bag sewing tutorial to share today.  Perfect for keeping you busy during the winter months and a great gift, this art bag is a fun sewing project that’s easy to make. I’ve got all the details for making this fun art bag.  My daughter carries a bag like this in the car for times she needs a distraction and these also make amazing gifts.

Art Bag Sewing Tutorial

I’ve sewn several versions of these art bags now and each one makes just such a great gift! My latest version is made from fabric that benefits St Jude Hospitals and I love a good cause for kids. Plus, this art bag makes a great gift for kids in the hospital as well as the sale raising money.

Each art bag is large enough for a coloring book to be carried inside and lots of pencils/markers to be stored on the outside. Before you sew you can decide what kind of colors you are including and make your bag custom to fit the crayons/makers/pencils.

Other great projects to sew for kids

• Messenger style bag
• Ring Binder Pencil Case
• Kids Toiletry bag
• Kids adventure bag
• Kids travel toothbrush roll

Supplies for art bag –

Okay, let’s make an art bag to carry all those fun coloring supplies.

• One yard of fabric will be enough to make this bag, or a 1/2″ yard each of 2 fabrics.
  • You will need to cut the main bag {in inches} 10 x 13 {cut 4},
  • pockets 10 x 6 {cut 2} and
  • straps 4 x 22 {cut 2}.
• Optional is fusible fleece to make your bag a bit more structured.

Begin by finishing the top edge of the side pockets with a narrow  hem, then align the sides and the bottom of the pocket with one main bag piece.

Mark 1/2″ from either side for seam allowance. For colored pencils you need .75″ for each pencil, for markers you will have to make your slots a bit wider. Mark where each line will be.

Sew from the top of the pocket to the bottom of the pocket to create slots for each pencil. Do the same on the other side of the main bag.

On the back sides of those main bag sides you can iron on the fusible fleece if you want. Cut 1/2″ smaller than the fabric so you won’t sew on the fleece. This will make turning the bag much easier.

Sew the bag lining and the bag main on three sides, leaving the top open.

Fold the long edges of each strap towards the center, then fold again and pin. This will encase the edges and create a strap. Do this for both straps.

Turn the main bag right side out and pin the straps 1″ from each side seam on both the front and back. Slide the main bag inside the lining and tuck the straps in as well.

Line up the top raw edges and pin around.

Sew around and leave at least a 4″ opening to turn.

Turn the bag right side out and close the opening with pins. Pin all the way around the top of the bag and top-stitch 1/8″ from the top to secure the top of the bag.  AND… you are finished!

Slide in your art supplies and coloring book and get ready to have some coloring fun!

There you go! A super neat art bag AND custom coloring pages. Use for yourself or as a gift for a creative friend.