The One Hour Bag

Before you start wondering why I’m sharing a 60-minute project on 30 minute crafts… let me explain. This bag takes about an hour to make… but you can make a version in 30 minutes, and I’ll give you the steps on how to make a 30 minute version right in this tutorial. Basically, the 30 minute version has a different handle and no pocket. But I really, really love the 60 minute version. So, if you’re looking for a super quick bag that you want finished today, go ahead and make the 30 minute version. But, if you have a little more time to spare (or are willing to spend 30 minutes today and 30 minutes tomorrow), indulge in the 60 minute bag. It’s worth the extra half hour, I promise!

I made my 60 minute bag with fabrics sent to me by Modern Yardage. They’re a fun online fabric company that prints the fabric as it is ordered. And when the fabric comes, they have an extra-wide selvedge that they print little goodies in. Which comes in handy on this pattern. You’ll see.

To make the 60 minute bag, you’ll need:
1/2 yard each of 2 different fabrics (I used Burst in Chocolate – printed medium – for the outside, and Float in Mint – printed small- for the lining)
1/2 yard By Annie Soft and Stable (you can use fusible fleece if you don’t have Soft & Stable. Your bag won’t be as firm, but it will be fine)
Standard Sewing Supplies – ruler, rotary cutter, scissors, sewing machine, pins, etc.
Drinking Glass (for marking)
Pen or Pencil
Nancy Zieman’s Create a Strap in both 1″ and 3/4″ sizes

To make the 30 minute bag, substitute 1.5 yards of 1″ wide grosgrain ribbon for the create a strap.

(SKIP THIS STEP IF MAKING THE 30 MINUTE VERSION) Start by cutting your fabric. You’ll need to cut a strip off of your outer fabric for the 1″ Create a Strap and a strip off of your lining fabric for your 3/4″ Create a Strap. Follow the package instructions. If you want more information on Create a Strap, you can find my full Create a Strap review here on Craft Test Dummies.

(START HERE IF MAKING THE 30 MINUTE VERSION) Cut the outside fabric and the lining fabric. You’ll need 2 pieces from each, each piece 15×12.5. You can adjust this size to make it larger if you like. I wanted a small bag that was still big enough to carry around my keys, cell phone, wallet, and a magazine or couple of toys for the kids.

Put the two lining pieces right sides together, then the two outer pieces on top of those (also right sides together)

Use the wide mouth of your drinking glass to cut the bottom two corners into curves.

Draw a line across the top, 2″ down from the top edge. Mark in 3/4″ from each side. Use these markings to position the water glass to mark curves on the top edge.

To make the pockets, find the “fun bits” that Modern Yardage puts in the selvedge, and cut into a large rectangle. You’ll need two pieces. I used the designer’s square and the Modern Yardage social media info (trimmed down). If you’re using store-bought yardage, you’ll still have enough fabric to make a pocket – cut two pieces 9″x10″.

Put the pieces right sides together, and stitch all the way around, leaving about a 4″ hole on the bottom for turning. Clip the corners.

Turn the pocket right side out through the hole, use a pen or other pointy object to push the corners into place.

Topstitch across the top to hold the pocket together, and give it a finished look. For the 30 Minute version, do just one line of stitching. If you’re splurging, add a second line of stitching… it looks good. Don’t worry about stitching the bottom yet.

Put the lining piece on top of a piece of the Soft and Stable. Pin the pocket on, pinning through all the layers.

Stitch down the pocket, stitching from the top, down one side, across the bottom, and up the other side.

Cut the Soft and Stable to size with a rotary cutter. To make cutting the top easier, and to reduce bulk, fold down the handle flaps (so they are out of the way), then cut the top with a rotary cutter.

Repeat this cutting process with the second lining piece and piece of Soft and Stable. Since there is nothing holding them together, be careful to make sure the pieces don’t shift.

Put the outer pieces and lining pieces right sides together, and stitch all the way around each. Leave a 6″ hole at the bottom of the lining piece for turning later.

Trim the excess Soft and Stable in the corners.

Turn the outer piece right side out, and insert into the lining piece. Line up the top edges and pin.

Sew all the way around the top.

Turn the bag right side out through the hole left at the bottom of the lining. Stitch the hole closed.

Adjust the top of the bag so that the lining and outer shell meet properly. Pin. Top stitch all the way around to secure.

(IF YOU ARE MAKING THE 30 MINUTE VERSION, SKIP THESE HANDLE STEPS AND GO DOWN TO THE 30 MINUTE VERSION’S HANDLE) Stitch the outer of the two handle pieces made with the Create a Strap in place, tucking 1/4″ of the raw edge under to cover it.

Try on the strap, adjusting the length to make it perfect for you, then pin the other side. Stitch the other side in place.

Repeat this process with the inner handle piece, by stitching one side down on the inside. Before securing the other side, topstitch down both sides to secure.

Then secure the other side of the inner handle, stitching it into place. The bag is complete!

I love the little peek of the pocket made with the bonus fabric!

30 MINUTE VERSION HANDLE:
Tie an overhand knot in the Grosgrain ribbon, right on the handle nub that sticks up from the main body of the purse. The length of the ribbon should go up, with a few inches sticking down. Topstitch the tail at the bottom in place. Cut the ribbon handle to the desired length, then repeat the process of tying and stitching the ribbon in place. Your 30 Minute Bag is Complete!