Messenger Bag Tutorial Part 6: Finishing the Bag ~ DIY Tutorial Ideas!

Messenger Bag Tutorial Part 6: Finishing the Bag. (The beginning here)

Basting Flap and Straps:
Needed for this step: Finished bag exterior, bag flap, strap loops, strap hardware (2 rectangle links), key fob if desired.

    - Center flap on back of bag-right side of bag to exterior of flap. Match raw edges. Pin well.
    - Thread key fob onto 1" x 4" finished strip. Fold in half and center on back of bag over flap.
    - Thread metal rings onto 1.5" x 4" strips. Fold in half and center over side seams.
    - Baste all pieces in place. Add reinforcing stitches 1/4" from the top on the handle straps and key fob strap.

Stitching it all together:

Supplies needed for this step: Bag exterior, bag lining, walking foot, denim needle, and Wonder Clips or heavy pins

   - Turn bag exterior wrong side out. Turn lining right side out. Place lining inside exterior.
   - Match side seams. Pin or clip very well around top of bag. Although this image shows I used wonder clips, I found strong pins also work well. The clips tend to shift slightly on portions of the bag.
    - Stitch slowly around top of bag with 1/2" seam allowance. The pouch in the lining makes this a bit difficult and may require adjusting and repinning when sewing.
    - Go especially slow along thicker areas.
    - Using a denim needle reduced some issues on my machine when sewing through thick areas.

   - When finished stitching, turn bag through opening in lining.
   - Push out boxed corners with chopstick.
   - Stitch opening closed in lining bottom.
   - Ease lining into bag body.
   - Press top edge flat. Edge stitch around the top of bag, holding flap, key fob and strap loops out of the way.

Finishing Straps:
Supplies needed for this step: Finished bag, finished strap, slider hardware piece