How to DIY a Gorgeous Zipper Bag to Hold Your Favorite Things
I wanted to make a DIY zipper bag that could be worn in several ways.
So I came up with this crossbody bag pattern with outside pockets and a zippered central section.
It’s made from 12 oz canvas with a cotton lining and is suitable for a confident beginner or intermediate sewist.
Tools and materials:
- 12 oz. canvas
- Cotton fabric
- 10 inch (25 cm) zipper
- 3/8 inch (1 cm) wide D rings x 2
- 3/4 inch (2 cm) wide swivel hooks x 2
- 3/8 inch (1 cm) wide woven cotton tape
- Fabric marker
- Ruler
- Fabric clips
- Scissors
- Iron
- Sewing machine
1. Middle bag section
Cut a piece of canvas 19 3/4” by 13 3/4” (50 by 35 cm). Place it flat in portrait orientation and the right side uppermost.
Fold it in half widthways and mark a rectangle 1 1/2” by 1 3/16” (4 by 3cm) at each end of the fold.
Measure 1 3/16” (3 cm) in from each side on the top edge and connect to the outer edge of the rectangle with a straight line.
Cut out the marked shape.
Open out the canvas and lay flat with the cut-outs at the top and bottom.
2. Lining
Cut two pieces of lining 13 3/4” by 10 1/4” (35 by 26 cm).
Place them together in landscape mode.
Mark a 1 1/2” (4 cm) square on the two lower corners.
Measure 1 3/16” (3cm) in from each side on the upper edge and join to the outer edge of the squares. Cut out the shape.
3. Outer pockets
Cut a rectangle of canvas 29 7/8" x 13 3/4" (76 by 35 cm).
With the right side uppermost in landscape orientation, draw vertical lines 7 1/8” (18 cm) from each side edge.
Fold the canvas to the wrong side along each line and press.
Sew each pocket along three sides.
On the wrong side of the first piece of canvas, draw vertical lines 1/4” (0.7 cm) either side of the cut-outs.
Place it over the pocket openings with a 2” (5 cm) overhang on each side.
Sew along the two vertical lines.
Cut the center panel on the lower piece to match the upper piece.
Turn the joined pieces over, fold in half widthways and mark the fold.
Open out the fabric and draw lines across the pockets at this level.
Sew along the lines.
Pin and sew the pocket sides to the upper and lower edges of the bag.
4. D rings
Cut two 1 1/2” (4 cm) pieces of cotton tape and thread each through a D ring.
Pin and sew to the top edge of the bag diagonally opposite each other and 1” (2.5 cm) from the side.
5. Insert the zipper
Cut two pieces of canvas 1 3/4” by 1 3/8” (4.5 by 3.5 cm)
Press the shorter edges to meet in the center with the wrong side inside.
Fold each piece in half again and pin and sew them over each end of the zipper.
Watch the video from 6:08 to 7:51 to see how I insert the zipper and attach the lining.
6. Bag corners
Place the two lining and two bag pieces together, right sides facing.
Line up the edges carefully.
Sew the sides of the bag and the sides and bottom edges of the lining, leaving an opening in the middle of the bottom edge. Take a 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance.
Pin and sew the edges of the corner cut-outs together on the bag and lining.
Pull the bag out through the opening in the lining.
Turn in the edges of the opening and sew it closed.
Tuck the lining inside the bag.
7. Strap
Cut a strip of canvas 44 1/2" x 3 1/8" (113 x 8 cm).
Fold it in half lengthways with the wrong side inside, and press.
Open out the strip and press the two long edges to the center crease.
Turn in the short ends.
Fold the strip in half again and sew the two long edges.
Place each end through a swivel hook and sew in place.
Clip the swivel hooks to the D rings.
DIY zipper bag
And that’s how to sew a crossbody bag with a zipper!
It’s such a versatile style that you can wear as designed or as a shoulder bag. Without the strap, it makes a neat clutch bag too. Or add a strap adjuster and you have a hand held purse.
This bag would also look great in a buttery soft faux suede. I’d love to know if you make this and how straightforward you find it.
Why not drop me a comment below?
Next, learn How to Sew a Hobo Bag That Will Look Great With Every Outfit.
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