Pattern Hacks
A Wider Complete Messenger Bag
Hey bag makers! I have a short and sweet little tutorial for you today! When Lisa told me she was designing a new messenger bag pattern, I just knew that I had to make one for my husband. Once I had the pattern in my hands, I realized that it would *just* fit his laptop but no big deal, I could make it wider! This pattern comes with a BUNCH of customization options for pockets and zippers! To make it easier for you, I wrote down each pattern piece you would need to adjust to make your bag wider across the front/back/flap!
Follow the steps below if you need a slightly wider messenger bag too!
Not familiar with The Complete Messenger Bag pattern? Not to worry! You can find it here!
What you will need:
- The Complete Messenger Bag pattern
- All notions are as per the original pattern.
- A minimum of 1/4 – 1/2 yard (metre) more fabric than what the pattern calls for.
First, decide what finished width you would like your messenger bag to be. Take that figure and subtract the pattern size finished width from it, to arrive at the total additional width figure. Next, divide the total additional width figure by two to arrive at the half additional width figure (see example below). Write both these figures down for future reference as you work your way through cutting your pattern pieces.
Example for a custom finished width of 16”:
- 16” less 14” = 2”, so the total additional width = 2”.
- 2” divided by two = 1”, so the half additional width = 1”.
- Add 1” to the FOLD side of the pattern pieces listed below (Note: One exception is listed!)
New Finished Width _______ – Standard Size finished width of 14.” = Total additional width _______
AND
Total additional width _______ / 2 = Half additional width _______
Example:
Add your half additional width to the fold of the following pattern pieces depending on the customisations you have chosen:
For Exterior Pieces:
- Outer Panel
- Flap
- Outer Gusset Lower
- Outer Gusset – Fleece Foam
For your Lining Pieces –
Recessed Zipper with Stationery Pocket:
- Recessed Zipper Panel
- Lining Panel – UPPER
- Lining Panel – LOWER
- Lining Panel – PANEL A
- Lining Panel – PANEL C
- Lining Gusset
- Lining Panel B (Add width to straight edge – see photo above)
Recessed Zipper with No Stationery Pocket:
- Recessed Zipper Panel
- Lining Panel – UPPER
- Lining Panel – LOWER (refer to note on the pattern piece)
- Lining Gusset
No Recessed Zipper with Stationery Pocket:
- FULL Lining Panel (refer to note on the pattern piece)
- Lining Panel – PANEL C
- Lining Panel – PANEL D
- Lining Gusset
- Lining Panel B (Add width to Straight Edge – see photo above)
No Recessed Zipper with no Stationery Pocket:
- FULL Lining Panel (refer to note on the pattern piece)
- Lining Gusset
Optional:
- Zipper Pockets (I left mine the same size as the pattern)
You will assemble the bag following the steps in the pattern. When you get to the step Creating Your Outer Front Panel it is best practice to check the alignment of the magnetic snaps (male to the corresponding female) before installing them on your panels. I was a 1/4” off on mine so had to make minor adjustments!
And that’s all there is to it! Please feel free to comment below and share your new The Complete Messenger Bag in our patterns group on Facebook!
Until next time, happy sewing!
