How to Sew a Simple Fabric Bag

If you are a beginning sewer, starting with a simple project like a fabric bag is a great way to get your feet wet while still getting some solid sewing experience that can take you on to larger, more complicated sewing projects. To sew your fabric bag you will need fabric, scissors, a needle, thread, a ruler or measuring tape, some straight pins and an iron.

Begin by measuring out two pieces of fabric in the dimensions that you want your bag, adding 1" to your measurements to leave a 1/2" seam allowance. So for instance, if you wanted your finished bag to be 12" wide by 15" deep, you would want to cut out two rectangles of fabric that measured 13" x 16". Next, you will need to cut the fabric for your strap. You can make your straps as long or as short as feels comfortable to you. Add 1" to the length of your straps and make sure they are at least 4" wide ensure that they are wide enough after they are sewn.

You will also want to cut two pieces of fabric that are 13" x 2". These pieces of fabric will be used to cover the area where your straps attach to your bag to help give it a clean, polished look.

Begin the sewing project by making your straps. On each of the long edges of the straps turn 1/2" of the fabric under and press it into place with a good, sharp crease. Fold the strap in half the long way with the wrong sides together and stitch down the entire length of the strap. The creases that you just pressed should be together and will form a nice, clean edge on the finished strap.

Now you will attach one of the straps to each piece of fabric that you cut for your bag. Begin by basting the strap to the right side of the fabric rectangle attaching each side of the strap to the fabric and allowing the loop created by the strap to hang down. It is important to make sure that you attach the straps to the right side of the fabric (the outside that you want showing) instead of the wrong side of the fabric. Then, take your 13"x2" piece of fabric that you cut and pin it along the top of the rectangle of fabric over the straps making sure that the right side is down. Stitch along the top of the rectangle leaving a 1/2" seam.

When you are done stitching along the top of the rectangle, pull the straps up. This should flip the small rectangle of fabric to what will be the inside of the bag. Fold the bottom edge of the small rectangle under and stitch it into place. This creates the top lining of the bag and effectively hides where the straps are attached giving it a nice, clean appearance. Repeat this whole process with the other half of the bag.

Once you have the straps attached to both sides of the bag, place them wrong sides together and stitch around the sides and bottom to create the bag. When you are done, turn it right-side out and enjoy your new fabric bag!