Today, I'd like to present you a new star in the house: a comfortable hobo bag, an easy-sew shoulder bag I've made for me. A bag that holds my shoulder effortlessly and can take all the necessary everyday items, but can also comfortably fit a water bottle and, say, a few snacks for the kids (and mom!). A perfect fit for everyday essentials. Want to take a look?
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I got this cutest metal weave pendant along with a beautiful ring as a present on a hot summer day from a dear friend. The pendant reminds me of the sun and the summer, my favorite time of the year.
And it felt just perfect to sew something around these colors to say goodbye to the wonderful summertime. And it felt a perfect opportunity to finally sew something for me 😉
I decided to make something I'm not used to. Out of my comfort zone. I used BLACK fabric. Black. Seriously? Yes. If you look around my blog, you'll see I can't stop myself from the wildly colorful fabrics. What I sew usually turns itself into something with a crazy amount of bold colors, especially my favorite, apple green. No wonder I always keep running out of green and blue sewing thread. Do you too? 😉
Say, a comfortable shoulder bag for a leisurely Sunday stroll in the city. So hobo bag it was!
Now where were we? Oh, fabric choice: I used a sturdy BLACK cotton blend I've had for ages. Compared to the (usually) crazy colorful sewing projects (like these easy-peasy felt coasters!), it looked like a good choice for an accessory that would go with any color.
No pattern for the Hobo bag
Pattern? I had none at hand, but I still remember the cute shoulder bag I had brought home from Berlin. It was ages ago and I no longer have that bag, but it is insanely easy to just cut into the folded fabric and play along if you've got a feeling of how your bag should look like. Ok, and you also need a bit of a hit-and-miss sewing project history 😉
So, I can't direct you to a pattern, sorry! But I just might make a printable PDF template pattern for this very bag someday and make it available to my subscribers. If someone would need it. (Anyone?) Till then, check out my other free templates/patterns, such as bunting banner template that goes with the free bunting banner tutorial or my Earwarmer Headband Tutorial. Readers also love my bandana bib pattern. Feel free to browse, there are many more. 😉
Back to the bag - to avoid it being too serious, I added a large playful ribbon horizontally, all around the bag body, just above the bottom edge. And I also used the same ribbon for closing - so I'm able to make a whimsical oversize bow, just for fun!
This Hobo Bag Project Is Partly An Upcycle Project
One thing more: this hobo bag project is at least partly an upcycle project.See the ribbon? It was a belt taken from a never worn mens' housecoat. I didn't even need to cut/hem/finish the pieces before sewing. Fun and easy!
EASY-SEW TIP for Upcycling Bag Embellishments
When adding ribbons to your bags, make sure the ribbon has all the sides already hemmed and finished. It's way easier to sew it on!
Hobo Bag Design FEATURES:
The hobo bag is open at the top, it closes with two wide ribbons. The ribbon is wide enough to form a barrier preventing anything falling out (works surprisingly well, I didn't expect that!)
And A Sewing Fail:
What I totally forgot to add were inner zipper pockets. I need them! What was I thinking! Next time I will be making this bag, it will have zippered pockets. And open pockets. Lots of them! Until then, I'll be carrying my favorite polka dot zippered pouch in the bag, to keep all tiny items nicely packed in one place...
One excellent feature though: I can easily throw it in the washing machine. No worries. And this can be a decisive factor with two little kids in the house.
MY FINAL VERDICT of the Hobo Bag Project:
I've already started carrying it around, and I can tell you I love love love my new hobo bag! It's practical, the generous shoulder strap sits comfortably on the shoulder, and despite the lack of separate pockets, it will house all I need for a short trip to the city, without making a mess. Water-bottle and snacks included!
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sonja
What a great make and a good idea to sew a bag using upcycled materials. Upcycling is always a rewarding thing to do.
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage
Sonja,
totally agree, and thanks! Have a great day,
Nancy M.
Love love that hobo bag. The ribbon is a big plus.
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage
Nancy,
isn't it! I think so too, the huge ribbon just changed a totally ordinary bag into something I really like to carry around 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Anonymous
Awesome post. I am looking forward to making one for myself so yes I would love the pattern when you make it available!
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage
Hi, margaret,
I think I'll put that pattern on my to-do list. Stay tuned!
Crystal Rice
I love the knoted like a men's tie look. Very playful and unique!