It’s that time again, the last Tuesday of the month where I showcase Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time for you. Piggybacking on my last month’s project, my refashioned bib overalls from a corduroy jumper and thrifted pants, I want to use up the remnants. How about a DIY crossbody bag? What you see below is the skirt leftover from the jumper and the zipper with placket from the pants.
While I had many ideas for this scrap pile, my first thought is to make a bag. BIG SURPRISE!
If you didn’t know it, I’m a sucker for bags, purses and all the accessories. Funny thing is, I don’t often use them, but I love making them and switching them out often. Today, however, I have a certain lover of pink in mind for this one.
After digging into my stash, I find this fabric I’ve had for quite some time after making my oldest daughter (who is now in her 20’s) a skirt with pockets. It was my first attempt at making a skirt with pockets and it was a hit.
This time, I’m using it for the lining of my bag today.
CUTTIN’ UP
First, I roughly get an idea of the size I want and just have at it. I’ve made so many bags in the past (including those listed below) that I just dive in.
- Insulated Lunch Bag
- Corduroy Hip Bag
- DIY Boho Bag from Skirt
- DIY Sling Bag from Linen Shirt
- DIY Denim Bag
- Reusable Compact Shopping Bag from Tank Top
- Insulated Beach Bag from Swimsuit
- Refashioned Bag from Tea Towel
- Upcycled Bandana Drawstring Bag
- Feed Sack Tote Bag
First, to get started I measure and cut two pieces of the outer layer.
Next, I box the corners removing a 1 ½” x 1 ½” square.
Then, I cut two matching sized pieces out of the lining fabric using the outer fabric as a template.
DESIGN
Once I have the pieces, I just need to add some details before assembly. For instance, I take apart the zipper and the placket so I can add the zipper to the outer body and the placket cut up for tabs.
After that, I make a box the length of the zipper and about 1″ wide with cut lines on the backside of the outer fabric.
Also, I cut a small pocket liner as sew on.
Last, but not least, I always like to reinforce my bags with plastic canvas. It makes the bag stable and keeps it open.
Oh, and I had someone watching my every needle move. hee hee.
BAGGIN’ IT
Finally, I have this sweet DIY crossbody bag for my youngest and I think she’s smitten.
Likewise, I’m smitten that I got this done in a hour and she is able to tote along her water bottle and books (plus a few extras) to all the track meets and tennis matches of her siblings.
Isn’t that lining cute? Not only that, but it’s perfect for her personality and pretty too.
In addition, I made it adjustable with extra length so it can grow with her. She fits right in to my tall family!
SHARE
Your turn! Would you have saved those scraps for a future purpose? Let me know in comments below and also pin and share to inspire others to hoard fabric {{wink, wink}}.
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While you’re at it, check out these out refashion projects like this DIY crossbody bag:
Aw sew sweet! It’s always nice to have a bag to carry odds and ends in to events, and yes bags are one thing that I could have too many of if I wasn’t so picky about what needs fit in the bags and where. Scraps are perfect for making things like this especially when you are talented enough to do so. The corduroy and print are great together and the print is also a bit of whimsy. Fun !!
tee hee! Thank you, Niki. She was sick over the weekend and was at her dad’s so I had fun making this bag for her as a treat. (and I have too many) 😉
Cute bag. I made a recycled bag out of upholstery samples some one gave me. It is fun seeing what you can do with free fabric!!
Those are the best! I used to make wallets and bags out of upholstery samples I could snag anywhere. Fun and so functional! Here’s to creating…
Hey I just started sewing myself. I am messing up big time, had to take out like 10 feet of threads because I sewed the bottoms on the sides, but I am failing forward! LOL Love the bags!
Love that… falling forward. YES!