How to Make a Crossbody Mini Bag

I like to take walks, but I hate taking my purse with me. So I’m usually trying to cram my wallet, phone, keys, and anything else – like dog poop bags – in various pants or hoodie pockets. It’s annoying.

If only there were a way to find the perfect bag… a mini bag, if you will, that would have just enough room for those bare essentials. And the strap would be long enough that it would rest nicely on my hip on not have to be held on my arm or shoulder.

Yes. If only.

This step-by-step DiY tutorial will show you how to make a perfect bag for when you don’t want to haul around a clunky purse. It’s wee, it’s got a nice long strap… plus lots of pockets to fit your crap. (Hey, that rhymed!)Read more…

How to Sew an Armband Pouch for a Cell Phone

Have you ever been listening to something on your headphones, and you’re trying to do something with your hands – sewing, washing dishes, jogging – and you go to put your phone in your pocket only to realize you don’t HAVE a pocket? So then you try to wedge it in your bra or your waistband…

No? Never?

Me neither.

Ahem.

This step-by-step tutorial is the perfect way to go hands-free with your phone. Whether you’re walking, jogging, or going to town on a half-gallon of ice cream, I’m not judging. (Especially not if you share some of that ice cream with me.)Read more…

How To Make a Square Bottom Bag

As promised, the very first WhatTheCraft video tutorial is here!

how_to_make_square_bottom_bag

Check it out for step by step instructions for making a square bottom bag.

And while you’re at it, go subscribe to my YouTube channel!  There are lots more tutorials to come (including applique, inserting snaps, and t-shirt collars)!

squarebag

This tutorial was filmed using a Creative Labs Vado HD Digital Video Camera, a Canon Rebel (for still shots), and edited in Sony Vegas Movie Studio.

Lots of people ask about making different sized bags. Here are a few sizes to use as guides, but you can of course make a bag of any size with this tutorial.
(Click for larger image.)

bagsizesRemember, these are guides only! If you want to try a different size, I’d suggest making a paper pattern first. That way, you can fold up the gusset and get a better feeling for what the bag size will be like when it’s completed.