Introduction: Cross Body Bag With Organizer

By www.etsy.com/shop/createawave
About: I have been sewing and crafting for several years, my children are grown so now I have lots of time to be creative. I enjoy photography, cooking, cake decorating, painting and sharing my projects with others.

The cross body bag has gotten more popular recently because it frees up your hands while you carry it.

This bag has lots of room and the removable organizer has several pockets for all of your items.

You can make it in a variety of colors and fabrics.

This is a great bag to carry when you are traveling because it has several secret hiding places for money!

Step 1: Supplies

For this sewing project you will need the following:

Fabric approximately 3 yards. I used 1 yard each of 3 different prints.

piece of White fabric for the lining 30" x 13"

Sewing machine

scissors

straight pins

measuring tape

matching thread

3" Velcro

2 sheets of plastic canvas

2 round metal or plastic rings 2" across

Step 2: Organizer Pockets

Cut 4 rectangles out of the fabric- 13" x 21".

Cut 8 rectangles- 13" x 15".

Pair up the 13" x 15" rectangles and pin right sides together. You will have 4 pairs.

Sew the 13" sides with a 1/4" seam allowance.

Turn right sides out and top stitch

Step 3: Pocket Sections

Lay out one of the 13" x 21" rectangles. Locate the center by folding in half & pinning. (10-1/2" from each edge).

Locate the center of the pocket section by folding it in half and pinning.

Place the pocket section on top of the larger rectangle, matching centers. Repeat with other 3 sections.

Sew down the sides of sections, attaching the pocket sections to the organizer bags and linings.

Sew a line of stitching 1" from the center, then sew another line of stitching 1" from the other side of center.

This will be the bottom of the bag.

Step 4: Organizer Pockets

2 of the sections will have pockets that are 2" wide and the other 2 sections will have pockets that are 3" wide.

Measure from the center and mark with straight pins.

Sew the pockets.

Step 5: Sewing Sides of Organizer

Fold each of the 4 organizer pieces in half, right sides together. Pin.

Sew each side with a 1/2" seam allowance.

Fold the sides down, press the seams open and stitch across at the corners, creating a flat bottom.

Cut off the excess fabric at the corners.

Step 6: Sewing the Lining to the Bags

Place the lining of organizer (3" wide pockets) inside the bag. (2" wide pockets) matching the side seams.

Repeat with the other bag.

Fold top edges inside toward each other and pin.

Sew across top edge of both organizer bags.

Step 7: Velcro

Sew 3" pieces of Velcro to sides of each bag so they can attach to each other.

Step 8: Plastic Canvas

Cut 20 pieces of plastic canvas, 1-7/8" x 5-3/4", this will make the organizer rigid.

Place a plastic canvas rectangle in each exterior pocket.

Fold down the excess fabric.

Step 9: Secret Hiding Place

You will be able to hide money inside the outer pockets.

Step 10: Shoulder Strap

Cut 2 pieces of denim from a pair of old jeans. 1-1/2" x 20". Stitch these together, end to end, do not overlap.

Cut a piece of fabric to cover the denim 6" x 40". Fold the fabric in half lengthwise. Press.

Open the fabric and place the denim on the wrong side of fabric, next to the fold.

Fold the long edges of the fabric strip in and fold in half again, pinning.

Sew 5 rows of stitching, evenly spaced down entire length of shoulder strap.

Sew plastic or metal rings onto each end of strap.

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Side sections of shoulder strap:

Cut a piece of denim 1-1/2" x 16".

Cut a piece of fabric 6" x 16". Fold in half lengthwise and press.

Fold fabric around denim like you did with the shoulder strap and pin. Sew 5 rows of stitches down length.

Cut in half so you have 2 sections, 8" x 1-1/2".

Place each piece in a ring on either end of the shoulder strap and pin.

Step 11: Large Bag

Cut 3 pieces of fabric, 13" x 10-1/2"

One for the bottom of bag and the other 2 for the sides of bag.

Sew these together (on the 13" side) with 1/2" seam allowance, press the seam allowance to one side and top stitch.

The piece will now measure approximately 13" x 30".

Use this to make a pattern for the lining section.

Fold the outside bag section in half, pin and sew the sides with 1/2" seam allowance.

Open the sides, press seams open and stitch across the corners making the bottom 3" wide. Clip corners off.

Turn bag right side out.

Step 12: Lining Fabric

Cut 2 pieces of fabric 13" x 4".

Place each fabric strip 3" from each end of the lining, wrong side down.

Stitch across then fold over & top stitch.

Sew across each end securing fabric to the lining.

Step 13: Pockets for Lining

Cut 4 pieces of fabric for the pockets, 7" x 7".

Pin 2 of the squares right sides together. Pin the other 2 squares right sides together.

Sew around 3 sides of each square, 1/4" seam allowance. Clip corners and turn right side out.

Turn under open ends 1/2" and pin.

Sew open ends shut.

Pin both pockets onto the bag lining 4" from what will be the top edge of bag lining.

Stitch around the sides and bottom of each pocket.

Step 14: Lining of Bag

After the pockets have been sewn to the lining, fold it in half and pin.

Sew up the side seams with 1/2" seam allowance.

Open the sides and pin corners with seam allowance open.

Measure and mark 3" across.

Stitch across the corners creating a flat bottom.

Cut off excess fabric.

Sew Velcro to both sides of the lining 2" from the top edge on both sides.

Step 15: Top Edge of Bag

Place the lining inside the bag.

Match up the side seams and pin together folding edges under 1/2"

Place ends of shoulder strap in between bag and lining.

Stitch around entire top edge.

Sew around again, 1/4" below first row of stitching.

Step 16: Finished Bag

Place both of the organizer bags inside the large bag.

Now you have room for all of your essentials.