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Home » Sewing » Sewing Bags

Large Messenger Bag Pattern - Sewing Tutorial

Jan 20, 2022

Messenger bag pattern - and a sewing tutorial. Sew a large messenger bag with internal pockets using this free pattern for a messenger bag. If you need a small one, I have one too (this ipad bag pattern, it got really popular). But the one below might become your favorite diy messenger bag: sturdy, large, and super practical. Scroll down to get the free cutting chart and start sewing!

a diy mens messenger bag with basketball in the backgeound

This is a tutorial to sew a large messenger bag with a flap, a nearly full-width laptop pocket, and a generous inner phone pocket too. Practical, sturdy, and probably the best bag you can make for someone that carries a lot of things around.

Do you want an ad-free, printable copy of this online tutorial? Find it here for just $3. You won’t need to access the internet every time you want to make it. ------ Or get the BUNDLE with ALL the Printable Tutorials - current and future ones!

link to printable pattern bundle

This post may contain affiliate links. Thanks for your support. If you like bagmaking tutorials, you'll love these free projects, too:

  • Best 15 FREE Tote Bag patterns
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Messenger Bag Pattern

Now, on to the messenger bag pattern: This bag would make a great birthday present or a practical diy back-to-school gift, especially if you select a special fabric that resonates with the person you're sewing for. And this tutorial includes a free cutting template. You'll love it!

A real multitasker here! You will be able to carry nearly anything and everything in this large messenger bag.

If you need a smaller one, check out this popular slim-sized alternative!

Popular Uses For A Messenger Bag

A messenger bag is one of the most useful (and popular) bag types. A messenger bag like this one can be used pretty much everywhere and by everyone: as diaper bag, for trips and hikes, and for any errands you run, even for grocery shopping (easier to carry than a simple tote). Perfect as a gym bag, or as school bag, especially if you need space to tuck in a jacket too.

(While making it, also cut three pieces and make this free card holder pattern it only takes 5 minutes to sew one!)

sewn large fabric messenger bag on a blue background

Practical, sturdy and probably the best diy gift to sew for a sports fan! This is a huge messenger bag, larger than any I've noticed so far, and it will house tons of stuff.

This Large Messenger Bag Pattern Has a Phone Pocket

Plus, you'll always know where your phone is: a dedicated phone pocket, large enough for any phone model. 🙂

blue phone pocket on teh inside of a large messenger bag

FINISHED SIZE

Messenger bag finished size is 16" width x 12" height x 4" depth (LARGE. I mean it.)
Large full-width pocket - finished size is 15" wide x 9 ½ " tall
Small Pocket (Phone Pocket) - finished size is 6 ½" tall x 6" wide

MESSENGER BAG TUTORIAL

Let's see how you can make this diy messenger bag yourself.

Supplies

  • exterior fabric and lining fabric: 1 yard each, (some fabric will be left)
  • accent fabric for bag flap: half yard
  • contrasting fabric for inner pockets: a little over fat quarter (or use exterior fabric)
  • stiff fusible vowen interfacing for straps: 43" by 3" for strap
  • fusible fleece: 41" by 45" (Pellon Fusible Fleece has 45" bolt width. Check out yours.)

NOTE: add an additional layer of stiff interfacing as base for fusible fleece if you want a stiffer bag. (Same dimensions as fusible fleece)

fabric pieces cut to sew a messenger bag

How To Save On Fabric When Sewing?

Instead of using contrasting fabric for pockets, feel free to cut them from main and lining fabric - it will be enough left if you've got one whole yard of each, exterior and lining fabric.

Of course, you'll get away using less fabric than stated here if you play around with the placing, but do mind if your print is directional. (I've drafted the fabric placement image to take into account the directional prints too!) Also, if you use a lower variety of prints, less fabric will be required.

Cutting Template And Instructions

1) First, cut from the accent fabric
For Bag FLAP: 17" by 15" (2 pieces) + 16" by 14" fusible fleece

2) Cut from exterior fabric
For bag BODY EXTERIOR:
front and back pieces: 17" by 13" (2 pieces) + 16" by 12" fusible fleece (2 pieces)
gusset:  43" by 5" (1 piece) + 43" by 4" fusible fleece

For Bag STRAP:
43" by 4" stripe (2 pieces)
+ 42" by 3" fusible fleece (1 piece)
+ 42" by 3" stiff woven interfacing (1 piece)

3) Cut from lining fabric:
For bag LINING:
front and back pieces: 17" by 12 ½" (2 pieces) + 16" by 11 ½" fusible fleece (2 pieces)
gusset:  42" by 5" (1 piece) + 42" by 4" fusible fleece

4) Cut from various contrasting prints:
Internal full-width POCKET:  20" by 16" (1 piece) + fusible fleece (!) 9 ½" by 15"

Internal Small POCKET: 14" by 7" (1 piece) + fusible fleece (!) 6 ½" by 6"

TIPS to Use this diy messenger bag pattern:

Please note: bag exterior and bag lining pieces are NOT exactly the same measurements!! This will make your sewing project super neat, you'll soon see how.

As you will also have noticed, the fusible fleece pieces are just a bit smaller than the exterior to prevent bulk when sewing. Since we're using a ½ inch seam allowance, measure accordingly.

Also, the pocket will be folded in half, hence the measurements of the fusible fleece do not match. Just in case you were asking yourself why the discrepancy.

And feel free to use these comprehensive bag sewing tips that will definitely bring your messenger bag to a higher level!

Cutting Template

This cutting template will make your project even easier. I tend to forget to cut a piece or two if I only have a list to resort to - so, in addition to the cutting list above, here's an image for us, visual learners 🙂

pattern for a messenger bag

Please click on the image to enlarge. It is meant as a visual aid for cutting, you'll still need to measure your pieces on the cutting table.

MESSENGER BAG TUTORIAL

I've split the steps into easily digestible parts - you can sew in bitesize sessions, we often do. Take on as much as you can handle in one sitting - or go straight from start to finish. 🙂 Let's start cutting and sewing.

Part 1 - Cut Fabric and Interfacing

fabric for a messenger bag

Cut your fabric, fusible fleece, and stiff interfacing as per cutting instructions above.

Part 2 - Make a Rounded Flap

a red cup used as a template to round corners on a flap when sewing a messenger bag

1 - Using a cup or another round object of approximately 2 ½ inches in diameter, round the bottom corners on the flap piece, and all 4 pieces of the bag body bottom (4 pieces - 2 lining, 2 exterior). You can round the corners before applying fusible fleece, or after - whichever you prefer.

free messenfger bag flap template shown with a bag flap fabric

2 - Now, we'll stitch the flap: place the 2 Bag Flap pieces on a flat surface, right sides together.

instructions to trim the seam allowance when sewing a messenger bag

3 - Stitch, then notch the seam allowance at the 2 rounded corners to make turning a breeze. Take care not to cut into stitches. (I wanted to be on the safe side and made sure to stop cutting approximately ⅛" away from the seam.)

4 - Then turn right side out and press.

messenger bag edge detail

5 - Topstitch along all three finished edges. The top edge will remain unsewn, set aside for now.

finished messenger bag flap

Part 3 - Apply Fusible Fleece and Interfacing To Other Fabric Pieces

Press fusible fleece and stiff interfacing to the other pieces.

(No photo)

Part 4 - Make A Messenger Bag STRAP

fabric and interfacing cut to sew a messenger bag strap

Let's make the bag strap now. It will be quite wide, 3 inches finished width. I opted for a fixed length of 43" which I find ideal for a bag of these proportions, for men too.

Bonus Tip: You can make adjustable straps if you want a crossbody version - adjustable strap tutorial HERE:

adjustable diy bag strap
Click to get to adjustable bag strap tutorial

1 - First, apply fusible fleece to one part of the strap fabric, and apply stiff woven interfacing to the other part. This is what I do when I want to make very stable bag straps.

two bag strap layers placed right sides together for sewing

2 - Then stitch the two strips right sides together, using a ½ inch seam allowance. Make sure to leave one short end open for turning.

dinished strap for a diy messenger bag in grey fabric

3 - Using a bodkin or a safety pin, turn the strap right side out and topstitch along both long edges. Bonus tip: I always use a longer stitch length when topstitching. This way, the stitching looks neat. Here, I may have gone a bit overboard, using a stitch length of 4, but it turned out great!

Bonus Tip - How To Make Extra Stiff Straps

Bonus tip: for an extra sturdy messenger bag strap, feel free to add an additional layer of cotton webbing on top of it - that is, if you have a heavy-duty sewing machine (I use this sewing machine for bag making) that will easily sew through all the layers of fabric, interfacing, and webbing.

The cotton webbing should be narrower than 3", and stitched to the very center of the strap. Check out my tutorial on sewing double layer bag straps.

Part 5 - Make Interior Pockets

messenger bag sewing pattern

Now it's time to make and attach the inner slip pockets. Take the two pocket pieces, apply fusible fleece - each fabric piece will only be half-covered by fusible fleece, because we're folding the fabric.

1 - Fold fabric right sides together:

messenger bag template

2 - Sew the pockets as indicated in the photo, making sure to leave a hole for turning on each piece.

3 - Then turn right side out and press. The turning hole will remain open until a later step.

Sew the pockets onto one of the Bag LINING pieces:

4A - First, place the small pocket on the large pocket and topstitch around the sides and bottom of the small pocket. This will also close the turning hole on the small pocket.

NOTE: I chose to have the phone pocket on one side, 2 inch away from the top and left edge. You can center it, or add additional pockets if you want to.  

messenger bag to sew

4B - Attach the large pocket onto the Bag Lining, stitching at approximately ⅛" away from the pocket edge This will also close the turning hole on the large pocket: 

messenger bag to sew

Part 6 - Assemble Bag Lining and Bag Exterior

Here are the 2 sets of pieces you'll need to assemble bag lining and bag exterior: two bag base pieces and the gusset piece:

messenger bag pattern with pockets

1–3 So, we'll sew the Bag Lining first:

You'll need 2 bag lining pieces and the gusset piece for the lining.

Pin or use sewing clips to align one lining piece of 17 by 13” with the gusset piece.

Notch the seam allowance of the gusset piece at corners to make a neat edge. Way easier to sew! Now stitch the gusset piece to the lining piece.

messenger bag pattern with pockets

4 - Same way, attach the other lining piece to the other side of the gusset piece. Make sure to leave a 5 or 6" opening at the bottom (see the spot marked by sewing clips in image No 4 above?)

messenger bag pattern
Detail: the bag lining has been sewn together

Bag lining is assembled.

5 - Proceed the same way to sew the bag exterior:

how to sew a messenger bag

Notice that the lining is shorter by half an inch? This will make sure the lining 'sits' nicely in the bag when stitched together. No wrinkles - you're welcome!

Part 7 - Final Assembly Of the Bag

how to sew a messenger bag

1 - Take the bag exterior piece. Turn it right side out. Use sewing clips to attach the strap (make sure it's not twisted!) and the flap onto the exterior. I suggest you baste them to fix the position. (Basting is a huge help, especially if you haven't made a lot of bags yet!)

messenger bag pattern

2 - Then fold the exterior with the strap and flap and gently maneuver it into the bag lining piece. Align the raw edges. Because the lining is a bit shorter, this will compensate for the thick interfacing. Be patient. There should be no puckers, and the side seams should be aligned. I prefer to use sewing clips - they make matching the raw edges so much easier!

IMPORTANT: Now the POCKETS (those sewn into the LINING) should be on the SAME side as the bag flap! So, are the pockets touching the Bag Flap? Good, continue!

pattern for messenger bag

3 - Stitch all the way around the top of the bag.

4 - Then turn it right side out.

5 - Then stitch the turning hole closed either machine stitching or hand stitching using this ladder stitch and tuck the lining into the bag.

free pattern for messenger bag

6 - Press well and topstitch around the top edge. This will make your bag look so much nicer!

pattern for messenger bag

BONUS TIP: Bury the thread ends when topstitching. Here's a popular how-to that can help you with neat seam finishing:

How To Finish Seam The Neat Way

How To Finish Seam The Neat Way
How To End Stitching The NEAT Way!

So, this is your messenger bag, finished and ready for action. Enjoy!
P.S. And here's the story behind this messenger bag. 

finished large messenger bag on a blue surface and a cell phone next to it

Save this messenger bag pattern for later, using THIS LINK or the image below:

messenger bag pattern

Need a Smaller Bag? Check out THIS ONE. 

If you need a smaller bag, here's a popular iPad crossbody bag for you to try out: TEYA Crossbody Bag 

Get Teya Pattern HERE.

WANT MORE FREE TUTORIALS AND GOODIES?

Get email updates and never miss out on new patterns, printables, and tutorials:

Or …check out the popular Aiden Cell Phone Purse in our shop. Guess what's on the back of this cool phone bag!

Get Aiden pattern HERE.

free pattern for mens messenger bag

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marja Macdonald

    July 08, 2022 at 1:46 am

    Hi
    I am about to put the bag together but was wondering if it is possible to add magnetic snap closure

    Thank you
    Marja

    Reply
    • jen

      August 06, 2022 at 7:30 pm

      Hi Marja, I was wondering the same thing. I just finished my first messenger and would have liked to add a magnetic snap or two...I think you would want to add them before you sew the flap pieces together and then before adding the exterior to the interior. Maybe 2" from the end of the flap and 3" from the bottom of the exterior (right in the middle or 3" from either side of the flap for 2 snaps). I am going to try this on my next bag.

      Reply
  2. Robin Cieszlak

    March 14, 2022 at 1:56 am

    I made this bag just yesterday and it turned out really well! My son liked mine so much, I'm now looking to make a smaller one for him.
    I personally made my lining, small pocket, and exterior the same solid color and used a character pattern for the flap and large pocket. This did make a LARGE bag, but the instructions were easy to follow and pictures used were very helpful. Thank-you!

    Reply
  3. Shelly d.

    February 19, 2022 at 8:43 pm

    My first bag ever. I have been sewing for 3 weeks (weekends), and this tutorial was easy for me to follow. Thanks for having so many visuals and tips. Wish I could attach a photo of my project.

    Reply
  4. Ian Wilson

    January 18, 2022 at 7:00 am

    First bag…ever. Turned out fantastic.

    Absolutely top notch instructions. Very well written and backed with great photos. Thanks for your great work on this tutorial.

    My bag turned out looking really nice.

    I started knitting and wanted a project bag. With a few extra pockets, I have exactly what I wanted…including a padded pocket for my iPad (patterns in PDF file format) and a couple of pens pockets (always mislaying my Apple Pencil).

    The next iteration will have a zipper pocket in the flap for storing my needle sets.

    Now my wife wants one.

    Reply
    • Damjana

      January 19, 2022 at 9:10 am

      Ian hi,
      I'm so happy you love the AppleGreen Cottage messenger bag tutorial. It got quite popular in the sewing community and I'm glad it's useful. Now it looks like you're in for another one, I'd love to see them both!
      Happy sewing,

      Reply
  5. Dilshaad

    February 02, 2021 at 12:13 pm

    Hi. I've been planning to make a bag for around 2 years already (queue procrastination through other sewing projects!), and even started mocking the inside - I love space and multiple compartments. While I haven't yet come across a tutorial which has more than 1 'main' compartment, your tutorial is so well explained with appropriate and sufficient visual aid (THANK YOU!) that just reading through it has already given me inspiration and guidance to return to my project. Thank you, with much appreciation 🙂

    Reply
  6. Margaret

    September 20, 2020 at 12:37 am

    Me and my friend LOVED this bag, and decided to make it! we like to take our homework with us while we ride our bike to were we like to do our school work (at a near city park) and this beg is great because were are able to fit our notebook/textbooks in it and our water bottles!

    LOVE this bag!

    Reply
    • Damjana

      September 20, 2020 at 8:11 am

      Margaret,

      so glad to hear that you love this pattern!
      xoxo, Damjana

      Reply
  7. Nancy

    May 26, 2020 at 10:23 pm

    Thank you for such great directions! My bag turned out fabulously! I would post photos, but I don’t see a way to do that.

    Reply
    • Damjana

      May 26, 2020 at 10:27 pm

      Nancy hi,

      I'm so happy to hear you like the pattern and the tutorial. As for posting photos, I'd love to see! Please tag me if you post them on Fb or IG - I'm @applegreencottage1 on FB and @applegreencottage or Instagram. Thanks!
      Damjana

      Reply
  8. CAROLINE

    July 16, 2019 at 2:08 pm

    Am falling for this bag. looks so cute the colours are truly manly. i should try it out. thanks Damjana

    Reply
  9. Irene Arrigo

    January 03, 2019 at 9:27 pm

    I love this bag. Thank you so much. I made it for my son who is a manager for Schwan's. He asked for one large enough to carry his clip board, phone and other things. This bag is perfect!

    Reply
    • Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage

      January 04, 2019 at 5:31 am

      Irene,
      so glad this tutorial was helpful!
      xoxo,

      Reply

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