Pattern Description:
This foldover messenger bag pattern is designed for busy moms who need a stylish and practical way to stay organized.
It features multiple pockets, including a large media pocket for a Kindle or iPad, a front pocket for keys or notes, and interior sections for essentials like a wallet or chapstick. The foldover design keeps everything secure and easy to carry.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
General Materials List
- Designer weight fabric: For the outside of the bag and pockets
- Cotton weight fabric: For the lining and pockets
- Accent fabric: For top edges, pocket trims, and strap accents
- Sew-in fleece (optional): Recommended only for the side containing the Kindle or iPad to reduce bulk
Measurements:
| Section | Quantity | Measurement | Fabric Type |
| Lining | 2 | 20″ x 13″ | Cotton |
| Outer Bag – Hidden Pocket | 2 | 12″ x 9″ | Cotton (pocket pieces) |
| Outer Bag – Hidden Pocket | 2 | 8½” x 13″ | Designer weight (1) and fleece (1, optional) |
| Outer Bag – Hidden Pocket | 2 | 12″ x 13″ | Designer weight (1) and fleece (1, optional) |
| Outer Bag – Small Pocket | 4 | 3¼” x 20″ | Designer weight (2) and fleece (2, optional) |
| Outer Bag – Small Pocket | 2 | 7″ x 20″ | Designer weight (1) and fleece (1, optional) |
| Outer Bag – Small Pocket | 1 | 9″ x 7″ | Designer weight |
| Outer Bag – Small Pocket | 1 | 9″ x 7″ | Cotton |
| Outer Bag – Small Pocket Hem | 1 | 2″ x 7″ | Accent fabric |
| Large Pocket – Lining | 1 | 18″ x 13″ | Cotton |
| Large Pocket Hem | 1 | 2″ x 13″ | Accent fabric |
| Small Pockets – Lining | 2 | 5″ x 6″ | Cotton |
| Small Pocket Hem | 1 | 2″ x 6″ | Accent fabric |
| Strap | 2 | 2″ x 50″ | Designer weight fabric (length adjustable) |
| Strap | 1 | 2″ x 50″ | Fleece |
| Strap Accent | 1 | 1″ x 50″ | Accent fabric |
| Finishing Accent Hem | 1 | 2″ x 16½” | Accent fabric |
Instructions for Making the Fold Over Messenger Bag Pattern:
Outside with Hidden Pocket
- Cut Pieces:
- 2 pieces: 12″ x 9″ (cotton)
- 1 piece: 8½” x 13″ (designer weight)
- 1 piece: 8½” x 13″ (fleece, optional)
- 1 piece: 12″ x 13″ (designer weight)
- 1 piece: 12″ x 13″ (fleece, optional)
- Layer Fleece (Optional): Layer fleece on the wrong side of the matching designer fabric before pinning or sewing.
- Attach Pocket: Pin the 12″ x 9″ pocket piece (cotton) to the 12″ x 13″ piece (designer weight), right sides together. Sew. Repeat with the 8½” x 13″ piece.
- Assemble Designer Fabrics: Pin top and bottom designer fabrics right sides together. Pull pockets out, pin together (right sides facing).
- Sew: Sew along designer weight edges, turn, and sew the pocket on 3 sides. Turn again and sew along the designer weight fabric.
- Iron and Topstitch: Iron pockets flat and topstitch for a clean finish.
Outside with Small Pocket
- Cut Pieces:
- 2 pieces: 3¼” x 20″ (designer weight)
- 2 pieces: 3¼” x 20″ (fleece, optional)
- 1 piece: 7″ x 20″ (designer weight)
- 1 piece: 7″ x 20″ (fleece, optional)
- 1 piece: 9″ x 7″ (designer weight)
- 1 piece: 9″ x 7″ (cotton)
- 1 piece: 2″ x 7″ (accent hem)
- Prepare Hem: Fold the 2″ x 7″ accent hem in half lengthwise and iron (1″ x 7″).
- Assemble Pocket: Sandwich the pocket pieces between the folded accent hem. Pin.
- Sew Hem: Stitch ¼”–⅛” from the edge. Fold under raw edges, iron, and sew again for durability.
- Position and Attach Pocket: Pin pocket onto 7″ x 20″ designer weight piece. Sew sides (3¼” x 20″ pieces) to it.
- Finish: Topstitch along side seams if desired.
Sewing the Outside Together
- Pin front and back right sides together, aligning pockets.
- Sew around three sides (leave top open).
- Box corners by pinching bottom corners, measuring 1″, and sewing.
Strap Instructions
- Cut Pieces:
- 2 pieces: 2″ x 50″ (designer weight)
- 1 piece: 2″ x 50″ (fleece)
- 1 piece: 1″ x 50″ (accent fabric)
- Assemble Layers: Stack designer fabrics (right sides together) on top of fleece. Pin.
- Sew and Turn: Sew around, leaving a 3″ gap. Clip corners and turn right side out. Iron.
- Close and Finish: Sew sides to close opening. Pin accent strip centered on strap and topstitch ⅛” from both sides.
Lining Preparation
Cut two pieces of cotton: 20″ x 13″.
Large Pocket
- Cut Pieces:
- 1 piece: 18″ x 13″ (cotton)
- 1 piece: 2″ x 13″ (accent hem)
- Prepare Pocket: Fold the 18″ x 13″ cotton piece in half and iron. Fold the 2″ x 13″ hem piece in half and iron.
- Assemble Hem: Insert folded pocket edge inside the folded accent hem. Pin and sew.
- Attach Pocket: Pin to one lining piece, align bottom edges, and sew divisions as needed.
Small Pocket
- Cut Pieces:
- 2 pieces: 5″ x 6″ (cotton)
- 1 piece: 2″ x 6″ (accent hem)
- Assemble: Sew cotton pieces right sides together on 3 sides. Turn, clip corners, iron.
- Hem: Fold hem (2″ x 6″) in half, iron, and sew pocket edge inside it.
- Attach: Pin to lining about 8″ from bottom center. Sew around three sides.
Sewing the Lining Together
- Pin lining pieces right sides together.
- Sew around 3 sides, leaving top open.
- Box bottom corners by sewing across 1″ from each corner.
Attach Strap
- Pin strap ends to sides of the outer bag.
- Sew securely, ensuring no twist in strap.
Join Lining and Outer Bag
- Cut 1 piece: 2″ x 16½” (accent hem).
- Turn outer bag right side out. Insert lining inside it.
- Sew short ends of hem together to form a tube, fold in half (1″ wide), and iron.
- Slip over top edge of bag, sandwiching both layers. Pin.
- Sew ¼”–⅛” from edge; fold under edges, iron, and topstitch for a clean finish.
Your Fold Over Messenger Bag is Ready to Use!
