At this point in the sew along you have completed steps 1 through 6 of the messenger bag. If you need to catch up check out part 1 and part 2.
Step 7: Sew Side Pockets
Pin right sides of a lining piece C and an outside piece C together. Sew along the top, longer end.
Then turn rightside out and topstitch.
Mark the bottom of this piece at 1″, 2″, 4″ and 5″.
Match up the 1″ and 2″ spot as well as the 4″ and 5″ spot then sew along the bottom. My favorite part about this pattern so far is the next step. Put a straight pin in one end of your elastic and a safety pin in the other end. I have never heard of using a straight pin to keep the elastic from going all the way through a casing. Brilliant when you’re working with a small piece of elastic!
Work the safety pin through that casing. Then sew the elastic down on both ends and remove your pins.
Repeat for other side pocket.
Step 8: Attach side pocket
I didn’t get a picture of this but pin and sew these gathered pockets onto the outer piece D. The pattern has great photos and instructions.
Step 9: Construct Exterior Bag Body
Again, the photos in the pattern are fabulous. You’ll be pinning and sewing the bottom 9.5″x4″ outer piece to the side panels with the gathered pockets.
Now you’ll sew the front panel to the side/bottom panels you just sewed. Make sure you pin well and line up the top of your side and front first. Then pin the bottom middle and finally fill in the rest of the pins.
The pattern mentions that you may have puckers here but if you clip the corners of the side/bottom panel you should be able to avoid any puckers and the pieces will line up well. See the photo above. Make sure you don’t clip too deep but feel free to make as many clips as you need.
Then sew the back panel (with the velcro pocket) on in the same manor. This is what you will have when this step is complete.
Step 10: Make Interior Pocket Panel
Match up 2 inner panel Bs right side together. Sew the top straight edge, turn rightside out and topstitch.
Lay a batting panel A down with lining panel A on top. Then the pocket on top of that. Pin the sides and sew around the edges.
Follow the instructions for sewing dividers on the pocket. I chose to sew a small section for a credit card.
Match up the bottom and side batting and lining pieces.
Now sew the rest of the interior together as the pattern describes.
Yay! Done for today! Check back Monday when we finish the bag. How are you doing? Any questions??
