A Simple 6 Pocket Bag

During the week Better Homes and Gardens sends me emails on how to be more creative. Some of it’s kind of weird but every once in awhile you come across a fun little project that is inexpensive and fun. As soon as I saw this bag I thought it was really cute. Granted, I don’t own a sewing machine and I keep forgetting to steal my mom’s when we go and visit… so I haven’t made this little gem yet. However, I thought I’d pass it along anyways.  It’s a perfect church bag to throw together for your kids or it would make a fun little spring bag depending on the fabric you use. If you’re anything like me, it’ll take you until spring to complete it.

What You'll Need

• 1/4 yard blue print (straps)
• 2/3 yard blue-and-green print (pockets)
• 2  10-1/4-x-14-1/4-inch rectangles thin, firm batting
• 1 yard green print (lining)

Finished Bag

• 8 x 10 x 4 inches
• Quantities are for 44/45-inch-wide, 100% cotton fabrics.
• Measurements include 1/4-inch seam allowances.
• Sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated.

Cut Your Fabrics

Cut pieces in the following order.

From blue print, cut:
  2  4-x-34-1/2-inch strips

From blue-and-green print, cut:
  2  14-1/2-x-16-1/2-inch rectangles

From green print, cut:
  2  14-1/2-x-20-1/2-inch rectangles

How to Make It

Assemble Straps

1. Fold a blue print 4-x-34-1/2-inch strip in half lengthwise with wrong side inside; press.
2. Open and fold long edges into center; press. Refold in half and press. Topstitch 1/8 inch from outer edges to make a strap.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to make a second strap. 

Assemble Bag Units

1. Fold one blue-and-green print 14-1/2-x-16-1/2-inch rectangle in half lengthwise with wrong side inside to make an 8-1/4-x-14-1/2-inch pocket rectangle; press. Repeat with remaining blue-and-green print rectangle to make a second pocket rectangle.
2. Referring to Diagram 2, with right sides together, layer a green print 14-1/2-x-20-1/2-inch lining rectangle and a pocket rectangle. Place a 10-1/4-x-14-1/2-inch batting rectangle under the layered pieces; pin all layers together.
3. Referring to Diagram 2, pin ends of a strap to the bottom edge of layered pieces, leaving 4 inches between strap edges.
4. Place a pin on each side of strap 10 1/4 inches from bottom edge. Beginning at bottom edge of layered pieces, topstitch one side of strap up to the pin marking 10 1/4 inches; remove pin, sew across strap, and topstitch back down to bottom edge. Repeat with remaining side of strap to complete one bag unit.
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 to make a second bag unit.

Layer Bag Units

6. Layer bag units' with right sides together; pin. Pin loose portion of straps in place to prevent catching them in stitching. Join units around all edges, leaving a 5-inch opening at top center for turning (Diagram 3). Press seams open. 

Finish Bag

7. To shape flat bottom for bag, at one corner match bottom seam line to side seam line, creating a flattened triangle (Diagram 4). Measuring 2 inches from point of triangle, draw a 4-inch-long line across triangle. Sew on drawn line. Trim excess fabric. Repeat with remaining bottom corner of bag, and both corners of green print lining.
8. Turn bag right side out through opening and finger-press seams. Slip-stitch lining opening closed. Insert lining into bag.