First Attempt at a Messenger Bag

[lee-lee ess.]

My normal messenger bag was just a tiny bit too small for my laptop, so I decided one day that I needed a new one, and that I would make it!  How hard could it be, right?

... I don't think I'll EVER make another messenger bag again.  (Though I think I learned a lot from doing it... maybe the second time around won't be so bad?)



Probably the most exciting thing for me was to make pockets for everything, I even made a special pocket for my calculator.  I put a covered pocket on the left side of the bag, which I neglected to take a picture of.  I also made a shoulder pad to button onto the strap, you can kind of see it in the lower right side of this picture.  It actually does make carrying the bag quite a bit more comfy.


Honestly, I probably made it a bit too big for my taste.  Even with my laptop (which you can see peeking through it's pocket on the inside), a binder, and a text book, I still have LOTS of room left.


To give you an idea of the size...


The entire time I was sewing it, I hated it.  I think that it has grown on me... so I should get plenty of use from it!

[Suzanne84]

I think its great! I love the fabric choice. I wish I could make messenger bags. They are my fav. Did you use a pattern?

[Chel02]

cute! i love all the pen/pencil pockets!!! and the fabric of course

[lee-lee ess.]

Thanks!  I loved the fabric too, and snatched it up without any idea of what I could possibly use it for.     Probably not my best shopping moment, but oh well! 

No, I didn't use a pattern.  I basically just took some measurements from my old bag, added a few inches for my laptop, and made it up as I went.

[xashiex]

oh wow! 
love the fabric choices! very classy. mad props to you for making a messenger bag! i've been too nervous to try it did you reinforce the straps? if not how much weight can it comfortable hold?
and again very lovely!

[lee-lee ess.]

oh wow! 
love the fabric choices! very classy. mad props to you for making a messenger bag! i've been too nervous to try it did you reinforce the straps? if not how much weight can it comfortable hold?
and again very lovely!

The straps are made from a red canvas and the main fabric.  I sandwiched them between the inside and outside fabric, and stitched them in place with a square with an X in it, if that makes any sense.  So, I think they're fairly sturdy.  The stuff that was in it in the picture weighed 15 pounds, and everything held up pretty well and was pretty comfortable, too. 

You should definately give it a try, I bet you'd do great!   

[pino_i]

this is beautiful. i love it.  did you follow a pattern or just went for it? if you don't like it I'll take it. LOL

[little me]

This is pretty good, I think you did a great job for your 1st messenger bag. Maybe practice making smaller bags then the next time you make a large one, it won't be so daunting.

[mhills]

It turned out great.  You should try using this tutorial:

http://pinoyinoz.blogspot.com/2008/07/tutorial-messenger-bag-with-zip-top.html

This tutorial is SOOO easy to follow.  And the results are amazing.  This was my first one. And I just love it... I am making another one this weekend

[Kittyqueenfrostine]

I think it's brilliant. I spent my time at uni hauling my laptop around, if only I had made a bag! A brilliant and useful idea.