Boys Messenger Bag Pattern and Tutorial

I made these bags for my boys earlier in the spring, and now I’m finally getting around to sharing this Boys Messenger Bag Pattern with you all. The boys love hauling their things {junk, ha!} around when we go out. Jack always asks me to make him a “purse” like I make for me, so I made a more boyish version for him, and one for his brother too.

Join the LIfeSewSavory Pattern Group for support on this pattern! Make sure to check out all my Free sewing patterns here.

** Note, this bag can totally work for girls too!!**

I’ve made two different versions of the boys messenger bag pattern, mostly to keep the boys bags separate. But, also to give you some options when sewing this bag yourself.

This messenger bag has a main compartment and then one side pocket. The main area can be closed with a magnetic clasp or with a flap overhang. Both side pockets have zippers.

 You can go to my shop to get the bag pattern. It’s a 1 page print off with the bag dimensions and pattern piece for the top flap.  GET THE PATTERN HERE.

1/2 yard of lining fabric and 1/2 yard of main fabric should

You will cut out 2 main bag pieces, 2 main lining pieces, 1 long strip of lining, 1 long strip of main fabric, a length of strapping, 1 pocket piece. 1 6″ zipper, and the flap if you want. Seam allowance is a narrow 1/4″.

 Prepare the pocket by finishing all four sides with a serger or zig-zag. Sew the zipper to the top of the pocket, right sides touching. Then iron over 1/4″ toward the back side of the pocket. Sew the second side of the zipper to the bag, right side touching. The pocket should be laid up towards the TOP of the bag. After you sew the zipper, flip the pocket back down towards the bottom of the bag. Pin around the outside of the pocket enclosing both ends of the zipper.

You should have a pocket attached to the outer main side, with a zipper enclosed neatly.

 Take the long side strip of fabric and place it right sides together with the main bag piece. Starting on one upper corner, sew down one side, across the bottom and then up the other side. Then line up the  second main bag piece over the first. Sew it to the long side piece.

Now you have a bag shell.

Repeat the above steps with the lining fabric. You now have two bags like this.

{If adding the flap closure skip ahead to ***} I you are using the magnetic closure find the center of the lining side. The right sides of the clasp should be on the right side of the lining.

Attach the clasp to the fabric and reinforce the back if your lining is thinish…

Clasp on the right sides of the bag.

*** Instructions for flap closure *** Sew the flap main and the flap lining on the curved edge. Right sides together.

Turn right side out, press and top-stitch.

With right sides together attach to the back of the bag {the side NOT with the pocket} Sew.

For either bag type, You will now add the strap. Measure a single piece of strapping the length you want. If you strap is wider than your bag thin side, fold it over then sew it to the side of the main bag.

FLAP VERSION: Now put the right side of the main bag with the right side of the lining together. The flap is in the middle.

 MAGNET VERSION: should looks the same, just no flap. Sew right sides together. 

Leave a 4 inch opening when sewing the lining and main bag together.

Pull the lining through like this.

Push the lining into the bag and pin around the top. Pin closed the opening you left for turning. Top-stitch around the top of the bag.  YOU are FINISHED!!

My bags are almost as cute as these boys who wear them! Please let me know if you have any questions about assembly.  Here is also another link to DOWNLOAD the PATTERN here.