In the last year I have been confined to walking with a cane when I go out. Using a cane requires me to have a “hands free” lightweight bag to carry essentials. The cross body bag lets me access my money and my phone easily. As long as I keep the weight down on what I carry in the bag I am able to walk with a better sense of balance. I think covid actually taught me to be a minimalist when I went out to shop or to the doctor. Also I feel I am less of a target for anyone who might want to harm me.
The quilted pocket bag gives you the luxury of 2 outer pockets for the phone and sunglasses. the central pouch gives storage for floss, comb and brush and basic essentials. The zipper pocket gives you a place for money storage. The bag is a perfect size if you want a small lightweight cross body bag. I am going to leave you with some notes on how I prepared and made my bag. I also made a few of these bags as Christmas and birthday gifts. I do not claim the instructions are complete. They are notes for me in case I want to make another bag.
Instructions:
78″ of decorator number 3 cording for handle. Use scotch tape to seal each end and knot each end
You will nee 9″ of 4″ fringe to finish the bag later
1-14 1/2″ X 9 1/2″ pre quilted double faced pocket
Cut a 3″ wide x 20″ trim fabric ( purse body fabric) for the outer quilted pocket edges
Fold trim in half lengthwise and press. Sew the trim raw edges to the 9 1/2″ ends with a 3/8″ seam. Roll the fold edge of the trim over the seam and stitch the edge binding in place using a straight stitch.
2- 16″ dress zippers
1-10″ x 9″ purse body fabric ( I used a suede cloth) use with a lightweight fusible interfacing)
1-12″ x 9″ purse body fabric ( I used a suede cloth) use with a lightweight fusible interfacing)
sew the 2 purse body pieces together at one end with a 1//4″ seam
1-12″ x 9″ cotton print pocket
2 1/2″ x 9″ purse body fabric ( I used a suede cloth) with fusible interfacing
insert a zipper on longer 9 1/2″ end of purse body fabric. Use the 2 1/2″ X 9 1/2″ purse body fabric strip to form the other side of the zipper.
Apply the cotton print pocket to finish the zipper. Move the zipper pull toward the center of the bag and sew off each end to shorten the zipper. trim
Once you have the zipper with pocket completed you are ready to apply the quilted pocket to the outside.
Insert a zipper to the top edges of the bag.
Finish the zipper inside edges with 2-9 1/2″ X 12 1/2″ bag lining cotton print pieces
To finish fold the bag in half and starting at the bottom of the lining, leave a hole on the bottom of the print lining large enough to turn the bag through
as you sew up the sides of the bag. Turn the bag though the hole. Carefully work the purse until you have a nice finish side seam and a pocket on each side of the purse.
You can straight stitch fringe to the bottom edge.
I used a wide mending stitch to apply the cording to each side of the bag.
Enjoy!
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