How to Sew a Hobo Bag That Will Look Great With Every Outfit
If you’ve never made a bag before, this tutorial will show you how to sew a hobo bag quickly and easily.
Hobo bags are soft and unstructured but hold a lot of gear. This one has a zipper and an inside pocket, so it’s a great way to learn some new techniques.
I recommend using cotton for the outer and lining if you’re a new sewist.
Follow along with me and we’ll make it together.
Best fabric scissors!
Tools and materials:
- Outer cotton fabric
- Cotton lining fabric
- 20 inch (50 cm) zipper
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Fabric marker
- Pins
- Iron
- Sewing machine
- Leather or denim needles (optional)
1. Cut out the fabric
You’ll need one outer and one lining piece measuring 30 by 21 inches (76 by 53 cm), one lining piece for the inner pocket 12.5 inches (32 cm) square and one strap 33.5 by 6.25 inches (85 by 16 cm) from the outer fabric.
2. Make the strap
Fold the strap in half lengthways with the wrong side inside and press the fold.
Open the strap out and press the long edges towards the center.
Fold the strap in half lengthways again and press.
Sew both the long edges.
3. Inside pocket
Fold the small piece of lining in half widthways with the right side inside.
Sew the open edges together, leaving a small gap in the longer side.
Snip the corners and turn the pocket right side out through the opening.
Top stitch the folded edge.
Place the pocket centrally on the right side of the lining, with the top stitched edge 4 inches (10 cm) below the top edge of the lining.
Sew in place along the side and lower edges and up the center of the pocket.
4. Insert the zipper
Fold the lining in half widthways with the right sides facing.
Cut out a 0.75 inch (2 cm) square through both layers at the open corners.
Cut the outer fabric piece to match.
Open out both pieces with the right sides uppermost.
Place the zipper right side up on the top edge of the lining.
Put the outer fabric on top, with the right side facing the zipper.
Sew 0.25 inches (0.7 cm) from the edge.
Fold the lining under the fabric and top stitch along the edge.
Open the zipper.
Turn the fabric over so the lining is on top.
Fold the bottom edge of the lining up and place it on top of the free side of the zipper tape.
Turn the fabric over again and do the same with the outer fabric, so the zipper is sandwiched between them.
Sew in place 0.25 inches (7 cm) from the edge.
Open out the bag and pull the lining through the open zipper so the bag is right side out.
Top stitch the other edge of the zipper.
5. Side seams
Turn the bag inside out so the fabric and lining both have their right sides facing.
Line up the side edges and match the cut-outs carefully.
Draw a line across both sides of the lining, 3 inches (8 cm) from the bottom fold.
Fold the back lining to the line, and press.
Do the same for the front of the lining.
Place the two pressed edges together.
Repeat this for the outer fabric, so the bottom of the bag and lining is pleated.
Sew the side seams, leaving the ends of the zipper free.
Leave a small opening at one side of the lining.
6. Attach the strap
Pull the bag through the opening in the lining.
Pin the ends of the strap to the zipper tape at each side, in line with the side seams.
Sew in place close to the ends of the strap.
Cut off any excess zipper tape.
Open the zipper and push out the corners of the strap seam.
Sew across the end of the seam half an inch (1 cm) from the edge.
Repeat at the other end of the zipper.
You may find you need a leather or denim needle to stitch through this thickness of fabric.
Pull the lining out of the bag and sew the opening closed.
Tuck the lining back inside and your hobo bag is finished!
How to sew a hobo bag
The pleated base gives a very distinctive look to this DIY hobo bag that I love. It really has a boho or hippy vibe. It’s an excellent size too, nice and roomy.
It looks fabulous made up in many different types of fabric, the more richly decorated the better.
Now I’d love to know what you think of it. Please drop me a comment below.
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