Super Simple Bag Pattern and Tutorial

Simple Sixty Minute Slouch Pattern
This is a super simple bag pattern that can be made in only 60 minutes!  Make this pattern up for last minute gifts or for yourself – use this bag as a paperback book carrier, a small recyclable
grocery bag, an extra bag to carry your E-Reader,  or even as an extra bag when you are going somewhere and need to carry extra goodies!

Finished size is an easy to carry 14” wide x 24” tall (including handle).  Also included is an optional pocket that I use for coupons on those trips to the grocery store. This bag does not have instructions for interfacing – it is a slouch bag in the truest sense of the word!  If you like, interfacing can be added for more bag structure and, if you decide to add interfacing, I recommend Pellon 987F.  Just cut out 2 pieces of interfacing from your taped together main bag pattern piece and either sew or iron on (follow manufactures instructions) to the back of the 2 main bag (Fabric A) pieces.  All seams are ½” unless otherwise noted.

Read through all directions first.
 You will need to print out 2 copies of each bag section (there are 3 not counting the pocket), choosing letter size (8 1/2” wide by 11” tall) paper when you print from your computer.  PDF pattern pieces are included (3) that need to be taped together to make one half of the main bag and lining pattern piece. This half bag needs to then be taped together to the other half to form one completed pattern piece.  For this one pattern piece, you will need to cut out 2 main bags from Fabric A and 2 from Fabric B (lining).  The lining will show so choose complementing fabric!

I have given suggestions for placing the pattern piece on your fabric (2 Layouts – you choose which one to use!), as well as adding photos and illustrations to make this simple sewing project easier to follow.

DOWNLOAD PDF PATTERN

ENJOY!

MATERIALS NEEDED: 44” wide non-directional fabric is ecommended.  I have included 2 layouts;  Layout #1 (See Illustration #3) is for fabric that is NOT folded and has the following measurements:
• ¾ yard of Fabric A (Main Outside Bag)
• ¾ yard of Fabric B (Lining of Bag)
• Matching Thread
Layout #2 (See Illustration #5) also uses 44” wide non-directional fabric and is FOLDED:
• 1 yard of Fabric A (Main Outside Bag)
• 1 yard of Fabric B (Lining of Bag)

1. Tape together the 3 printed pieces of the main bag pattern following directions on the pattern pieces (Tape A to A1 and B to B1). ( See Illustration #1) 

Illustration #1

2. Tape the 2nd  copies of the pattern pieces that you print together the same way as shown
above in Illustration #1.
3. You will need to turn one section over to the wrong side (there will be no written instructions on the pattern pieces facing you) and tape these 2 main bag sections together, as shown by the red arrows. This forms the main bag pattern piece.  (See Illustration #2) 

Illustration #2

4. You will only have 1 main bag piece that is taped together.  For laying out the pattern piece on the fabric, you will need to place the main bag piece on the fabric in position #1 as shown and cut the fabric.  Then lay out the main bag pattern piece again as shown on the layout in position #2.  See Illustration #3. 

 Illustration #3 – LAYOUT #1 (NOT FOLDED)
Fabric A – ¾ yard (44” wide x 27” high)

5. Fabric B is cut the same way as Fabric A.  If you wish to add the optional pocket, the layout is illustrated below.  Again you will only have 1 pocket pattern piece.  Cut as shown and then lay the pattern piece on the fabric and cut again (you will need 2 pieces of fabric for the pocket).
 

Illustration #4, LAYOUT #1 – Fabric B (lining) with Optional Pocket (Shown in red) 

OPTIONAL LAYOUT #2 – (This makes up quicker because you cut 2 layers of fabric at the same
time.)
 

Illustration #5 – LAYOUT #2 (Fabric Folded) 

6.   OPTIONAL:  If you are adding the outside pocket from Fabric B, place the 2 pocket
pattern pieces with right sides facing each other.
 

Illustration #6 

7. Sew around the outer edge of the pocket, leaving a 2” gap on one of the longer sides (This will become the bottom of your pocket).
8. After sewing, clip the 4 corners of the pocket.
9. Turn the pocket right side out and press, folding under the 2” gap evenly.
10. Sew across the top of your pocket (the long side opposite the side with the gap) as close to the edge as possible, anchoring the lining securely inside.  This will give you a cleaner and more defined pocket top.
11. Line the pocket up on one section of the main bag evenly.  This will be approximately 2 ¼” in on each side and about 4 inches up from the bottom. See Illustration #7

Illustration #7 

12.  Place the 2 pieces of Fabric A with right sides facing and sew along the bag, excluding the
top portion. (See Illustration #8)
 

Illustration #8 

13. Place the 2 pieces of Fabric B (lining) with right sides facing and sew up the lower portion of the bag as shown above but leaving a 3” gap in the bottom. (Illustration #9)

Illustration #9

14. Turn the main bag (Fabric A) right side out.
15. Leave the lining (Fabric B) wrong side out.
16. Pull the lining up over the main bag (Main bag is right side out and lining is wrong side out – right sides are facing each other). (Illustration #10)

Illustration #10

17. Pin the lining to the main bag along the top (unsewn part of bags).
18. Sew lining to main bag being very careful to make sure the fabric is smooth but DO NOT SEW THE VERY TOP OF THE HANDLES.

Illustration #11
Don’t sew the tops of the handle closed!

19. Pull the main bag out through the gap left in the bottom of the lining.
20. Fold under the edges of the gap in the lining (Fabric B) evenly and sew closed.
21. Push the lining inside the main bag.
22. Press the lining inside the main bag, especially along the edges where the lining meets the main bag.
23. Sew along this edge as close to the edge as possible, anchoring the lining down inside the main bag, still leaving the very tops of the handle unsewn.
24. Fold under one edge of the top handle evenly and press. 

Photo #1 

25. Insert the other side of the handle (the one with the raw edge) into the handle top that you just folded under and pressed.

Photo #3 

26. Sew across, connecting the two sides of the handle.