Learn to Sew a Mini Cross Body Bag
Learn to Sew a Mini Cross Body Bag
There are times when I need a mini cross body bag. I particularly like them when I am going out at night or for short day trips. This mini cross body bag is the perfect size for my phone some money and an ID. What more do you need? This is a super simple bag making project that anyone with basic sewing skills can make. There are two zippers in this bag but they are an easy install so don’t be intimidated. I used continuous zippers but you can use standard zippers for your bag. You just need to shorten them for this project. I like using continuous zippers because I can find really cute zipper sliders that add a little pizzazz to my project.
For this project I used standard cotton fabric that I purchased from JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores along with some high loft fusible fleece to add some support. You, of course, could head over to Hobby Lobby, Fabric.com or onlinefabricstore.net to get exactly what you need for your mini cross body bag. This post contains affiliate links that if you click on them and make a purchase I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Here’s how to learn to sew a mini cross body bag.
If you would like a video tutorial of this project head over to YouTube and check out my video. While you are there subscribe to my free YouTube channel.
What you will Need: Learn to Sew a Mini Cross Body Bag
- 1/4 yd Accent Fabric
- 1/4 yd Main fabroc
- 1/2 yd lining fabric
- 1/4 yd Fusible fleece like Pellon TP971F
- 2 5 1/5″ zippers cut from a continuous zipper or a larger standard zipper.
- 2 1/2″ D rings
- 1 1/2″ Bra slider
- 2 1/2″ Swivel clips
Step 1: Cut Your Fabrics
Cut your fabrics as follows:
Accent Fabric
- 5 1/2 x 11 7/8″
Main Fabric
- 5 1/2″ x 8 5/8″ — 2 pieces
- 51″ x 1 5/8″ for strap
- 1 5/8″ x 2 1/2″ — 2 pieces for the tabs
Lining Fabric
- 5 1/2 x 11 7/8″
- 5 1/2″ x 8 5/8″ — 2 pieces
Fusible Fleece
- 4 3/4″ x 7 7/8″ — 2 pieces
Step 2: Create the Tabs and strap
Create the tabs by folding the long raw edges to the center and pressing. Fold in half again to enclose the raw edges and press. Stitch along both sides of the tab pieces. Create the strap in the same way. Fold the tabs through the D-Rings. Clip and set aside. Add the Bra slider to one of the strap ends by sliding the end through the center and stitching. Add one of the swivel clips to the strap. Thread the strap through the center of the bra slider and add the second swivel clip. Stitch the swivel clip in place. Set aside.
Step 3: Fuse the Fleece
Fuse the fleece pieces to the 5 1/2″ x 8 5/8″ main pieces following the manufacturers instructions.
Step 3: Add the first zipper
Take the accent outer fabric and its corresponding lining fabric and lay them right sides up on your work surface. Place one of the zippers right side down on the main outer fabric at the top. Place the lining piece wrong sides down on top of the zipper making a zipper sandwich. Pin. Using a zipper foot stitch the zipper through all layers. Turn right sides out and top stitch along the zipper. Fold the outer fabric up to meet the other side of the zipper and the lining to meet the other side of the zipper creating another zipper sandwich. Stitch the zipper using a zipper foot. Turn right sides out. Top stitch along the zipper. Measure 1 1/8″ up from the zipper. Fold and press. Set aside.
***Zipper Tip**** I used a continuous zipper that I can cut to any length and add a variety of fun zipper sliders to but you can use a longer standard zipper and simply move the slider to the center and cut off both ends using a pair of utility scissors so that it measures the length you need.
Step 4: Add the zipper pouch to the Accent fabric
Take one of the main pieces and measure down 2 3/8″ from the top and Mark. Place the zipper pouch you just created on that mark and clip. Stitch the pouch to the main fabric along the sides and bottom using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Step 5: add the tabs to your Mini bag
Place the two main pieces on your work surface. Measure in 7/8″ From each left edge and mark. Place one tab on the piece with the zipper pocket and one tab on the other piece so that the raw edges are aligned and the D-Rings are facing down.
Step 6: Add the Second zipper
Take the Main pieces and their corresponding lining pieces and place them on your work surface right sides up. Using the piece with the zipper pouch place the second zipper wrong side down at the top and the corresponding lining piece right sides down on the zipper to create a zipper sandwich. Stitch through all layers. Turn right sides out and top stitch along the zipper. Repeat for the other side of the zipper using the remaining main piece and lining piece.
Step 7: Complete your mini cross body bag
Open the bag so that the outer bag pieces are right sides together and the lining pieces are right sides together with the zipper in the center. Clip or pin. Making sure that the zipper is open at least half way. Stitch all the way around the bag using a 3/8″ seam allowance and leaving a 4″ opening on one side of the lining for turning the bag. Turn the bag right sides out using the opening in the lining and through the open zipper. Stitch the opening in the lining closed using your machine or ladder stitch. Clip on the strap and you have finished your mini cross body bag.
I hope you enjoyed this project. If you would like more sewing and crafting projects sign up for our newsletter and receive your free eBook of 15 handbag patterns and tutorials taken from the blog.
If you would like video tutorials of some of Sew Very Crafty’s most popular posts subscribe to our free YouTube channel here.
What is the finished size of this handbag? I need to be able to make something 5X9 finished.
The finished size is 4 1/2″ x 8″ but you could make it bigger by increasing the size of the fabric pieces.
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thank you so much for sharing your pattern. In your directions you say to place the zipper wrong side down but in the photos you show it right side down. I did it as you pictured though and it was perfect. Thanks so much!!
Thank you. I will have to change that. I am glad it worked out for you.
Where do you find 1/4” D rings, sliders and clips? I looked at Joanns local and online, and Hobby Lobby.
I Apologize. I went back and looked at the project and found that I used 1/2″ rings, sider and clips. I can’t imagine why I put in 1/4″. You can get them on Amazon. I am so sorry again. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Diana
I was wondering if using bias tape would work just as well for the straps?
Yes you could do that. Just make sure you stitch it together.
On the pattern pieces, there is one that says 2″ x 1 5/8″ — 2 pieces and one that says 1 5/8″ x 2 1/2″ — 2 pieces for the tabs. I’m thinking that since these are similar, and there are no instructions for use of those small pieces except for the tabs, that this is a duplicate entry??? Thanks!
I think you are right that it is a duplicate. Sorry about that.