Hello my crafty friends! Are ready for yet another free pattern!?!
After the huge and unexpected success of the Easy zipper pouch pattern I decided to show you how easy it is to “hack” the pattern to create something completely different! You might know that I like to re-visit old and used patterns and though how fun it would be to transform the Easy zipper pouch into a small crossbody bag! I know that technically I am not “hacking” this pattern, but instead, I am creating new pieces and changing sewing steps. Before you start screaming at me that you do not know how to create new pattern pieces, let me assure you that you are safe! For your (and my) convenience I’ve created a separate pattern with step by step sewing instructions. Additionally you can also find a video tutorial on my YouTube channel, because I know many of you are visual learners and prefer this type of tutorial over the written instructions.
Pattern changes
If you made the Easy zipper pouch before or read my post, you will know that the pattern includes three different sizes: small, medium and large. To make the Mia crossbody bag I used the large size and slightly reduced the angle of the side seams. Nothing else is changed about the pattern. Because I wanted to make the crossbody bag version with a adjustable strap, front flap and no zipper closure I had to draft new pattern pieces. I was a bit lazy here, plus I love this shape (as featured on Kate bag and Emily bag) hence used the existing pattern for the flap. I had to resize it to fit the Mia crossbody bag, but that was super easy. If you prefer you can change the shape of the flap to more rounded or squared, just remember to transfer the magnetic snap closure placement. Lastly, all I had to do is to draft the strap and strap connector patterns. This was even easier, because they are only rectangle shapes.
With beginners in mind I opted to use a magnetic snap closure on the front flap to keep all belongings secured. Similarly to the pouch, the bag is fully lined and I decided to keep the external front slip pocket. If you want to customize the bag further, you can add some pockets to the lining. I have tutorials for zipper pocket and cargo pocket if you want to check it out.
Supplies needed:
Height / Width
Please note: You may need an additional amount of fabric with a directional print.
- 40 cm / 145 cm (14” / 57”) External fabric: waterproof canvas, wax canvas, quilting cotton, faux leather etc.
- 60 cm / 90 cm (24” / 36”) Lining fabric: quilting cotton, waterproof canvas etc.
- 45 cm / 70 cm (18” / 28”) Heavyweight stabilizer: fusible fleece, Decovil light, foam etc.
- 90 cm / 145 cm (36” / 57”) Lightweight interfacing: Stayflex, SF101, Wovenfuse, G700
- Magnetic snap x 1
- 2.5 cm (1”) D-rings x 2
- 2.5 cm (1”) Strap adjuster x 1
- 2.5 cm (1”) Swivel hooks x 2
- Fray stop glue (optional)
- Rivets x 2 (optional)
- Double-sided tape (optional)
Finished measurements: Height / Width / Depth
19cm / 24cm / 7cm (7 1⁄2″ / 9 1⁄2″ / 2 3⁄4″)
