Whether you’re heading to the market, library, or just out for the day, this Easy Sling Bag is designed to be both stylish and practical. With multiple pockets and a secure closure, it’s perfect for everyday use.

Finished Size

• Width: 18 inches
• Height: 15 inches (excluding strap)

Materials & Supplies

Fabrics

• Exterior Fabric: 1¼ yards (quilting cotton or home décor fabric)
• Lining Fabric: 1 yard (quilting cotton recommended)

Stabilizer

• Fusible Woven Interfacing: 2½ yards (20″ wide, e.g., Pellon SF101)

Notions

• 2 zippers (minimum 10″ each)
• 1 magnetic snap (14mm or 18mm)
• Fabric marking pen
• Seam ripper
• Large safety pin
• Standard sewing tools

Cutting Instructions

Exterior Fabric

• 2 main bag pieces (cut on fold using template)
• 2 strap pieces: 4″ × 38″
• 1 exterior zipper pocket: 16″ × 11″
• 1 slip pocket: 10½″ × 13″

Lining Fabric

• 2 main bag pieces (cut on fold)
• 1 interior zipper pocket: 16″ × 11″

Interfacing

• 4 main bag pieces (cut on fold)
• 2 strap pieces: 4″ × 37″

Step 1: Apply Interfacing

1. Fuse interfacing to:
   • All exterior pieces
   • Strap pieces
2. Tip: Leave about ½″ space at strap ends (reduces seam bulk).
3. If using zipper-by-the-yard:
   • Stitch across zipper ends to secure sliders.

Step 2: Sew Welt Zipper Pockets (Exterior + Interior)

Prepare Pocket Opening

1. On wrong side of pocket fabric, draw:
   • Rectangle: 9″ × ½″
   • Place 1″ from top edge, centered
2. Pin pocket piece to bag piece:
   • Right sides together
   • Position about 2″ below top curve

Stitch & Cut

3. Sew exactly along rectangle lines
4. Cut center slit
5. Clip diagonally into corners (do NOT cut stitches)

Turn & Press

6. Pull fabric through to wrong side
7. Press flat to form clean opening

Insert Zipper

8. Place zipper behind opening
9. Topstitch around edge (⅛″ from edge)

Finish Pocket

10. Fold pocket piece up
11. Sew sides and bottom (¼″ seam)
    Do NOT catch main bag fabric

Step 3: Make Interior Slip Pockets

1. Fold pocket piece in half (right sides together)
2. Sew around:
   • Leave 3″ gap for turning
3. Trim corners → Turn right side out → Press
4. Topstitch along top edge

Attach Pocket

5. Position 4″ below top curve
6. Sew sides and bottom
7. Stitch vertical line in center → creates 2 pockets

Step 4: Install Magnetic Snap

1. Mark placement:
   • 2″ below top edge (on both lining pieces)
2. Cut small slits using seam ripper
3. Insert snap prongs through fabric
4. Add reinforcement (interfacing or batting circle)
5. Attach backing plate and fold prongs outward

Step 5: Make the Strap

1. Place strap pieces right sides together
2. Sew long edges (½″ seam)
3. Press seams open
4. Turn right side out (use safety pin)
5. Press flat
6. Topstitch both long edges

Step 6: Assemble Bag Body + Boxed Corners

Lining

1. Place lining pieces right sides together
2. Sew sides + bottom
3. Leave 5–6″ gap at bottom

Exterior

4. Sew same way (NO gap)

Boxed Corners (Both Exterior + Lining)

5. Flatten corners so seams align
6. Sew straight across corner
7. Repeat for all corners

Step 7: Join Exterior & Lining

1. Turn exterior right side out
2. Insert into lining (lining wrong side out)

Right sides should face each other

3. Match seams and curves
4. Sew along U-shaped top edge ONLY

Step 8: Turn Bag Right Side Out

1. Pull bag through lining gap
2. Push out corners
3. Press top edge neatly

Step 9: Attach Strap & Finish Top

1. Fold raw edges of side openings inward (½″)
2. Insert strap ends into openings
3. Pin securely (check for twists!)

Final Topstitch

4. Sew across side (securing strap)
5. Continue stitching around curved top edge
6. Reinforce strap areas with extra stitching

Step 10: Close Lining

1. Fold raw edges of lining opening inward
2. Sew closed (machine or hand stitch)

Finished!

You now have a functional, stylish sling bag featuring:

• ✔ Exterior zipper pocket
• ✔ Interior zipper pocket
• ✔ Two slip pockets
• ✔ Magnetic closure

Tips for Best Results

• Press after every step → professional finish
• Use clips for thick layers
• Double-stitch stress points (strap + corners)

Final Thoughts

This sling bag is perfect for:

• Everyday errands
• Books & tablets
• Shopping trips

Customize it with different fabrics to match your style—from soft quilting cotton to structured home décor fabric.