How to Make a Colorful Boston Bag

Table of Contents

Boston bags are easier to make than you think. I really like how this Boston bag came out. For me, this project is all about the fabrics you choose. I really wanted my Boston bag to be fun and totally me so I chose some brightly colored fabrics for mine. Even though this bag has a zipper, it is easy to stitch so do not be intimidated by it, I assure you it is an easy process. So head to your favorite fabric store or go online and find fabrics that suit you. If you would like more handbag projects head over to my handbag page for many more.

What you will Need: How to Make a Colorful Boston Bag

• 1 yd outer fabric
• 1 yd lining fabric
• 2 yd Pellon SF 101 interfacing
• 1 20″ zipper — I used a $5 continuous zipper
• Sewing machine
• Standard sewing supplies

Step 1: Cut the Fabrics

Outer fabric:

2 Strips: 19 5/8″ x 2 3/4″

2 Rectangles: 19 5/8″ x 11″

1 Rectangle: 13 3/4″ x 7 7/8″

Lining fabric:

2 Rectangles: 19 5/8″ x 13″

2 Rectangles: 16 1/2″ x 4 3/4″

1 Rectangle: 13 3/4″ x 7 7/8″

2 squares: 4″ x 4″

Interfacing

2 Strips: 19 5/8″ x 2 3/4″

2 Rectangles: 19 5/8″ x 11″

2 Rectangles: 19 5/8″ x 13″

1 Rectangle: 13 3/4″ x 7 7/8″

2 Rectangles: 16 1/2″ x 4 3/4″

2 squares: 4″ x 4″

All seam allowances are 1/4″

Step 1: Create the Tabs

Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the 4″ square lining pieces using a hot iron and following the manufacturer's instructions. Fold each tab piece in half and press. Open the crease and fold the raw edges to the center and press. Fold in half to enclose the raw edges and press. Topstitch along both edges. Fold the tabs in half and clip. Set aside.

Step 2: Create the Handles

Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the handle pieces. Create the handles in the same way you created the tabs.

Step 3: Create the Pockets

Take each pocket piece and fold them in half right sides together. Stitch along the raw edges but leave an opening for turning. Turn right sides out and press. Topstitch along the folded edges. Set aside.

Step 4: Add the Pockets

Fuse the corresponding interfacing with the wrong side of the lining pieces. Fold the pieces in half to find the center and make a mark. Measure down 4″ and make a mark. Place one pocket piece on the mark and centered. Stitch along the sides and bottom making sure to enclose the opening as you go.

Step 5: Add the Handles

Fuse the interfacing to the main outer bag piece and the bottom bag strips. Fold each outer bag piece in half to find the center and mark. From that mark measure 2 3/8″ on either side and make additional marks. Place the short raw edge of the handles onto the second marks you made. Stitch the handles to one of the outer bag pieces using a 1/8″ seam allowance. Repeat for the other side.

Step 6: Add the Outer Strips

Place each strip piece right sides together with the outer bag on top of the handles. Sandwich the handles and stitch the pieces together. Repeat for the other side. Open and press. Topstitch along the top part of the seam over the handles.

Step 7: Add the Zipper

Pin the handles to the center of the outer bag. Place the zipper right sides down on the outer bag. Add the lining right sides down sandwiching the zipper. Stitch through all layers. Turn right sides out and press. Topstitch along the zipper. Repeat for the other side of the zipper.

Step 8: Stitch the Bag

Place the bag so that the right sides of the outer bag match and the right sides of the lining bag match. Stitch along the bottoms leaving an opening in the lining for turning. Press the seams open. Fold the bag so that the zipper is in the center and the seams are lined up. Place the tabs on top of the zipper matching the raw edges. Stitch along both short edges through all layers. Turn right sides out through the opening in the lining. Open the zipper and turn the outer bag right sides out.

Step 9: Cut out the Corners

Cut a square out of each corner that measures 2 3/8″ x 2 3/8″. Pinch each corner raw edge together. Stitch. Trim the seams. Turn the bag lining side out. Stitch along each corners using a 5/8″ seam allowance. You are creating a French seam. Close the bottom opening using your machine or ladder stitch. Turn right sides out. You have now finished your colorful Boston bag. Enjoy!

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