Summer Cellphone Solution: DIY Crossbody Bag

Tools and materials:

• Fabric
• Fusible fleece
• Snap buttons (1.2 cm)
• Wide square ring
• Triglide slides
• Webbing strap
• Fabric marker
• Ruler
• Hammer
• Sewing machine

Cut out your fabric 

Start by cutting your fabric. Grab a floral design (or any other design you like) and cut two rectangles that are 7.5 inches by 9 ⅞ inches. Then, use that same fabric to cut two more rectangles that are 7.5 inches by 3 ⅛ inches. Finally, with a different fabric (choose a solid color) and cut two squares that are 7.5 inches by 7.5 inches. Next, cut out two pieces of fusible fleece that are each 6 ¾ inches by 9 ⅛ inches. 

Cut out your fleece 

Measure 1 ¼ inch from the bottom of your fusible fleece and mark it off. Next, draw a line across towards the middle of the fleece) that is the same length. Repeat this on the other side until you have squares on both bottom corners. Next, draw two more lines on the top corners, one that is one inch long and the other that is 1 ⅝. Once that’s done, fold the fleece in half (lengthwise) and trace a curved line from the corner to the line. Pin the fleece to keep it steady and use some scissors to cut it all out. Unfold the fleece to cut out the squares on the bottom. (To better understand this process, watch the video starting at 1:14).

Connect the fleece and fabric 

Place your fleece and fabric together, wrong sides together. Iron it down. Next, connect the two pieces together by sewing diagonal lines across the fleece. Repeat this for both pieces. 

Cut out your shape 

With your smaller rectangles and squares, place them together (right sides together) and sew along the edge (about ⅜ of an inch from the top). Open up the fabric and press down the seam so it lays flat. Next, place your fleece and fabric combo over the new rectangle you just formed, right sides together. Pin it down and cut around the fleece. 

Make the bottom 

Place your two fleece pieces together and the two other pieces together. Pin and sew all around (following the image above) leaving a one-centimeter seam allowance. Next, pull the corners of your fabric open and flatten them down to create a flat bottom. Repeat this with the lining and sew down leaving a one-centimeter seam allowance. 

Insert the lining 

Turn the bag right side out and weave your webbing strap through your wide square rings. Pin this to the sides of the bag and sew it down. Now, place the bag into the lining so the right sides are touching. Align the top edges, pin it down and sew leaving a one-centimeter seam allowance. Cut notches into the edge to help the fabric lay flat and pull the bag right side out by the gap we left in the lining. Hand sew the gap closed and push the lining in. 

Finish the bag 

Fold the top edge over to cover the raw edges and clip it down. Sew to secure. Next, mark the placement of your snap and hammer it into place. Line up the button on the other side and bang that one into place as well. Finally, glide the tri-glide onto the strap (check out the video at 11:20 for exactly how) and slip it through the square rings. Pin the strap together and sew them down. 

This DIY cellphone bag tutorial is the perfect answer for those looking to spice up their summer accessories. It’s cute, it’s convenient and it’s original! What’s not to love?