In this simple and easy sewing tutorial, I’ll show you how to make this beautiful patchwork bag using patterned fabric and velvet.
This large bag is perfect if you want to create a new and interesting bag that you can use for books or grocery shopping.
Sewing this large bag is relatively easy. First, we’ll start by sewing the two patterned fabric squares together, then join the velvet front piece to the patchwork piece.
I would also like to mention that this large bag is fully lined. So you won’t see the joined seams on the inside and I’m going to show you a quick and easy method to sew the lining and outer pieces together!
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You don’t need to use velvet as the main material for this bag. You can use cotton, linen, or whatever fabric you have on hand.
Just pick something you think will look good.
You can also experiment with colors and add a label to the front of the bag for further customization.
As for the strap, the length is completely optional. I prefer a shorter strap as I like to hold the bag in my hands rather than on my shoulder. So choose a length that will suit your needs!
If you’re ready to get started, here are the essential supplies and sizes:
Finished Size: 34cm x 29cm /13.39″ x 11.42″
DIY patchwork large bag
Consumables
- Front fabric (patterned) – 20 cm x 18 cm / 7.87″ × 7.09″ (2 pieces)
- Corduroy Front Panel – 37cm x 16cm / 14.57″ × 6.30″ (1pc)
- Back Velvet Fabric – 37cm x 32cm / 14.57″ × 12.60″ (1pc)
- Lining – 37cm x 32cm / 14.57″ × 12.60″ (2 pieces)
- straps – 50 cm (or desired length) x 7 cm / 19.69″ × 2.76″ (2 pieces)
If you want high quality, Print version WITHOUT ADVERTISING of this sewing guide with step-by-step instructions included below each photo, you can find the printable PDF guide here!
Video tutorial
Instructions
01 – 02. I started sewing this large bag by placing two patterned pieces of fabric together right sides facing in.
03 – 04. Sew the pieces together using a 1cm seam allowance and then open the joined piece.
Iron or iron the seam flat. Once done, we will now attach the patchwork piece to the front rib panel.
05 – 06. Place the velvet piece at the base of the patchwork piece right side in.
07 – 09. Sew these two pieces together using a 1cm seam allowance.
10. After sewing open the joined part. Your front end is complete. Now we can move on to creating the bag straps.
11. Start by folding one side of the strap towards the center.
12. Fold the opposite side down to the center.
13. Fold the fabric one more time.
14. Pin the fold and then repeat this process for the rest of the ribbon.
15 – 16. Sew the ribbon. Repeat this process for the next strip and you will have a total of two strips.
17. To attach the strips to the front piece, take the front piece and measure 8cm (3.15”) from the midpoint on each side, then mark those points with a fabric pen.
18. Place the strap at the marked points and sew it in place.
19. Place one of the lining pieces on top of the front piece, right sides together. Sew along the top edge of the fabric.
20. Use a 1cm seam allowance.
21. Here’s what the piece looks like after it’s sewn. Next, take the back panel part.
22. Sew the handles onto the back, following the instructions in steps 12 and 13.
23. Place the lining on the back (right sides together) and sew them together.
24. Once the front and back are sewn together, open the piece.
25-26. Place the front and back pieces together and the lining pieces.
27. Make sure the seams match and that the right sides of the fabric are facing in.
28-29. Sew the piece with a 1 cm seam allowance, but leave a small opening on one side of the lining for turning right side out.
30. After sewing, trim the corners and line up the seam.
31. Open the unstitched part.
32. Pull the right side of the fabric through the opening.
33. Now the whole bag should be right side out.
34. Use a pen or your hand to open each corner.
35. Fold the raw edges of the opening inward.
36-37. Pin the fold and head to the sewing machine to sew the opening.
38. Take the lining and place it in the bag. Press the bag quickly with the iron to smooth out any creases.
39-40. To complete your patchwork bag, simply add topstitching to the top of the bag and you’re done!
Here’s what the back of the bag looks like:
This is a great way to sew a large bag that is different from the standard ones.
These large bags are quite easy to put together and easy to sew as you can see.
I loved how it turned out and I can really see myself sewing many more of these patchwork bags.
I also love how light this large bag is. However, if you want the bag to be a little more structured and heavier, try adding some fabric batting or interfacing to the back of the front pieces before attaching the lining. This will definitely help!
I think it’s safe to say that bag sewing might be my favorite obsession right now.
I am currently planning and designing new bags to sew and can’t wait to share them with you.
Do you plan to sew this bag? I really hope so!
If you have any questions or helpful tips, please share them below!
I hope to see you at the next lesson!
Here are some more step-by-step sewing tutorials you might be interested in:
DIY Unlined Tote Bag Tutorial: Easy and Beginner-Friendly
How to sew a shoulder bag (step by step sewing guide)
