This Crossbody Multi Pocket Bag Is So Simple To Sew

Today, I want to show you how to make a crossbody, multi pocket bag from canvas. This is a new design for me and as usual I’m giving you the crossbody bag free sewing pattern.

The main flap is held closed with a 2-part magnetic button and the inner pockets have plastic snap closures. There’s also an external zipped pocket.

1. Shape the bag panels

Cut out the fabric pieces according to the diagram. The larger pieces of canvas and muslin make the main bag panels and the smaller pieces of muslin and interfacing are for the flap.

Iron interfacing on to the wrong side of the four canvas pieces.

Use a tumbler to draw and cut out a curve in two of the corners of each piece.

Use one piece as a template to cut four of the muslin pieces to the same shape.

2. Prepare the D-rings and zipper

Fold the longer edges of the two 1 1/4 inch (5 by 3 cm) pieces of canvas to the wrong side.

Thread each through a D-ring.

Sandwich the ends of the zipper between the smallest pieces of canvas, with the right sides facing the zipper, and sew in place.

Fold the fabric outwards and top stitch.

3. Magnetic button

Iron interfacing on to the wrong side of one of the flap pieces.

Curve two corners as before.

Attach the male part of the magnetic button centrally to the right side, 3 1/2 inches (9 cm) from the top edge.

Place the second flap piece underneath with the right sides facing and sew together, leaving the straight edge open.

Trim to match the top piece, snip the curves and turn the right side out.

Top stitch close to the seam.

Attach the second part of the button centrally to one of the canvas panels, 3 3/8 inches (8.5 cm) from the top edge.

4. Attach the flap

Clip the D-rings to the sides of the panel and sew in place.

Sew the flap to the center of the top edge of the panel.

5. Insert the zipper

Cut a strip from one canvas and the plain muslin panel, 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm) from the top.

Place the zipper right side up on the right side of the muslin and place the canvas on top, wrong side uppermost.

Sew the top edge.

Curve the muslin to match, fold it under the canvas and top stitch.

Place the zipper on top of the right side of the muslin strip. Place the canvas strip on top, wrong side uppermost. Sew the top edge.

Fold the strips upwards and top stitch around all edges.

6. Assemble the bag

Place the zippered panel on a muslin panel, right sides together, and sew the top edge.

Fold the muslin up and top stitch.

Join the other three canvas panels to the remaining muslin panels in the same way.

Draw a shape on the back of the plain canvas section as shown.

Fold the flap up onto the muslin and place the plain panel on top, right sides facing. Sew the canvas pieces together around the shape.

Fold the sides of the shape inwards and hold them in place with sticky tape.

Place the buttoned canvas on top with right sides together and sew around the circumference, leaving a small opening at the top.

Trim close to the stitching line. 

Press the sides of the opening to the wrong side.

Pull the canvas right side out through the opening, remove the tape and sew the opening closed.

Tuck the lining inside the bag and button down the flap.

Tape the smaller pocket and flap out of the way again.

Add the zippered panel to the others in the same way.

Trim the seams and turn the back right side out. Sew the opening closed.

Top stitch around the top edge of both pockets.

7. Finishing

Attach the plastic snap buttons to the top edges of both open pockets.

Turn in the short ends of the strap.

Fold the strap in half lengthways with the wrong side inside and press.

Open out the strap and press both long edges towards the center.

Fold the strap in half again lengthways and top stitch both long edges.

Feed one end of the handle through the adjuster buckle and sew in place.

Thread the other end through a swivel hook and back through the adjuster.

Finally feed it through the second swivel hook and stitch it.

Attach the swivel hooks to the D-rings of the bag.