Pattern Description:
This free messenger-style tote bag pattern creates a versatile, mid-size bag ideal for daily use. Designed with a sleek shape and practical features, it includes a zippered front pocket, adjustable shoulder strap, and drawstring accent top.
The roomy interior easily fits essentials like a tablet or notebook, making it both stylish and functional for work, travel, or everyday errands.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Pattern: Simplicity S9618 (View B)
- Main Fabric: 1.75 yards
- Accent Fabric: 0.5 yard (cut a 40” x 10” piece)
- Lining Fabric: ⅝ yard
- Interfacing: 2 yards (optional, for structure)
- Belting/Strapping: 5 yards of 1.5-inch width
- Rip Cord: 1.5 yards
- Zipper: One 7-inch closed-end zipper
- Swivel Clasps: 2
- Cord Stops: 2
- D-Rings: 2 (⅝ inch)
- Optional Inner Pockets: Two 8” x 8” fabric pieces
- Front Pocket: 8” x 8” (pocket) and 8” x 3” (flap)
- Tools: Scissors, ruler, heat-sensitive chalk pencil, matching thread
- Recommended BERNINA Feet: Zipper Foot #4 and Buttonhole Foot #3A
Instructions for Making the Messenger-Style Tote Bag Pattern:
Step 1: Prepare the Pattern Pieces
Cut out all necessary pieces from the Simplicity pattern, excluding pieces 4, 8, and 11. Shorten the front, back, and side panels by 1.5 inches at the top. These modifications ensure a sleeker, more compact design.
Step 2: Cut Fabric, Lining, and Interfacing
Using your adjusted pattern pieces, cut the main fabric, lining, and interfacing (if needed). For the strap (piece 7), substitute belting or webbing for added durability. Cut your accent fabric to 40” x 10”.
Step 3: Assemble the Front Pocket
Create the front pocket by sewing an 8” x 8” pocket piece to the bottom edge of a 7-inch zipper (right sides together) using Zipper Foot #4.
Turn right side out and press. Fold the 8” x 3” pocket flap in half, topstitch along three sides, and baste its raw edge to the zipper’s top edge.
Flip the flap down and topstitch neatly along the fold. Center and baste the finished pocket onto the front main panel.
Step 4: Attach Front & Back Panels and Straps
Join the front and back panels, right sides together, and serge the edges for a clean finish.
Cut two belting lengths matching the panel width and stitch them in place, allowing slight overlap over the pocket edges for a professional finish.
Step 5: Add Side Panels
With right sides facing, stitch the side panels to the assembled front and back sections using a ⅝-inch seam allowance. Turn the bag right side out.
Step 6: Optional Inner Pockets
For each pocket, fold all edges ½ inch, topstitch the top edge twice (¼ inch and ½ inch from the edge), and press.
Position the pockets on the lining’s front and back pieces and stitch in place. For one pocket, stitch two 1-inch vertical lines to create pen or pencil slots.
Step 7: Assemble the Lining and D-Rings
Construct the lining as you did the outer shell. Make two fabric loops, insert D-rings, and stitch them closed. Attach each loop 2 inches below the top edge of the side panels, then secure them in place.
Step 8: Add Accent Fabric
Join the short ends of the accent fabric, right sides together, and finish the seam. Pin it along the top edges of both the main bag and lining, right sides facing.
Stitch using a ⅝-inch seam allowance, finish seams, press, and topstitch ¼ inch from the contrasting edge.
Step 9: Create Buttonholes & Casing
On the front accent band, mark the center and place two buttonholes, each 1.5 inches from the top edge, using Buttonhole Foot #3A.
To form the casing, fold the fabric ½ inch, then 1 inch again, and stitch along the bottom fold – leaving a 2-inch opening around the buttonholes.
Step 10: Insert Rip Cord
Thread the rip cord through the casing and buttonholes with an elastic threader. Stitch the casing opening closed and slide cord stops onto both ends to complete the drawstring closure.
Step 11: Add the Shoulder Strap
Cut the belting to your preferred length (adjusting for comfort). Attach swivel clasps to both ends by folding each strap end 1-2 inches back and stitching securely. Clip the clasps onto the D-rings to finish your bag.
Final Touch
You now have a stylish, durable messenger-style tote with a practical design and professional finish- perfect for daily use or travel.
Add decorative stitching or hardware for a custom touch that reflects your personal style.
