See It — Like It — ReMake It! [Pt 3: The Challenge]

Are you up for this challenge?

What do you consider a true DIY project?

Is it seeing something done on a video — like giving someone a haircut — that prompts you to say, "I can do that"? Or is it using your ingenuity to come up with a one of a kind solution to a problem that's unique to you?

Or is it as simple as a typical sewing project, where you follow a pattern or tutorial and sew a whatever?

There is, of course, no right or wrong answer.

To me, a true DIY means different things in different circumstances. If we're talking about an area where I have no real expertise — as in the hair cutting example — completing something successfully after viewing a video is a DIY. If we're talking about a craft in which I have considerable experience — like sewing — I wouldn't normally call making something from a pattern/tutorial/video a DIY.

One of my true DIYs...

On the other hand, this sewing caddy was a true DIY for me. I made it from "scratch" after seeing a similar item for sale online. You may find it instructive to skim through that post for tips on how to proceed in the absence of a step by step tutorial for today's project.

My ultimate DIY was, of course, the MyTie.

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Today's post is the final chapter in a series about remaking a crossbody sling bag that I first shared with you at the beginning of the month, which definitely qualifies as a DIY by my criteria.

My mission today is to push you into the realm of DIY sewing, and I'm giving you the bare bones to start. Well, technically, the actual pattern (yes, the link to the free version of this pattern will only appear once, right here) is more than just the bare bones, but since you don't have the source bag to examine and trace around, it seemed fair to provide that.

This is about all I'm giving ya...

The "bare bones" descriptor more accurately applies to the number of instructions that'll accompany the pattern... virtually none. No hand holding. Because of that, it's not classified it as a beginner's project; you will have to have an existing arsenal of sewing skills to cross the finish line.

That being said, nothing about each individual component is difficult. (I always compare difficulty against one of sewing's most ubiquitous projects: a lined zippered pouch. If you can do that without help, you can do this.) The "how to" of accomplishing each task has been covered both here on this blog and likely in many other sewing projects that you've done in the past.

Adding Seam Allowance Lines to the Template

After you download the PDF, print out the pattern pages 2 through 6. Print in colour if you can; the pieces are colour-coded and you'll have an easier time if you can see the distinction. Cut out the numbered parts from 1 to 5 and tape them together as shown. (Please note that the way this template is drawn, the bag is meant to be worn over the left shoulder against the right hip; if that is not your preference, reverse everything.)

Cut and tape...

Now take a close look at the whole thing to understand how the actual template pieces fit together. There are only three components here: A (the Side Panel), B (the Upper Strap), and C (the Main Compartment & Back Slip Pocket). To ensure that you know where each starts and stops, I've left it up to you to finish drawing the rest of the seam (and seam allowance) lines.

Add the missing seam and seam allowance lines...

Extend the seam/seam allowance lines from part 1 to part 2 as shown above. The blue dashed line denotes the outer edge of template piece A. The green dashed line denotes the outer edge of template piece C. (Don't worry about the fact that the templates overlap; I'll show you how to cut your fabric without cutting into this large template.)

The seam/seam allowance lines also need to be extended from part 5 to part 1.

Add other seam/seam allowance lines separating B from C...

Note that the left edge of template B is denoted by the same green dashed line as template C. (If you look closely in the above picture, you should see that the line alternates between green dashes and red dashes.)

Further on this matter, the project is meant to be sewn with a 1/4" seam allowance.

Five more templates are required: D (the Main Pocket) and E (the Flap Pocket) are on the pages that you printed. The other three are standard rectangles that you'll have to measure and cut for yourself per the dimensions provided: pieces F (the Receipt Pocket), G (the Card Slot), and H (the Upper Zippered Pocket Lining).

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A brief note about template D: since it's designed to be cut on the fold, it will produce a symmetrical shape. The area of the bag that the fabric will cover, however, is not the same on both sides. This means that you’ll have to do some trimming — either on the right or the left (depending on your preference, because you can choose to make up this bag to be used on the right shoulder) — to even up the edge that’s sewn to the Side Panel (template A).

You will have to "fiddle" with template D...

Since this piece will be pleated or darted along the bottom and attached to a zipper at the top, there is quite a bit of leeway to make it fit. Consider it part of the challenge to get it just right.

One more caveat about the pattern: the markings for the hook and loop tape, upper zippered pocket and darts/pleats are suggestions only. Depending on choices that you make, the markings may not be accurate. In the spirit of DIY, it's totally up to you where you place these elements and it's totally up to you to confirm proper placement.

Cut Fabric Without Cutting into the Template

Keeping this template in one piece is a good idea because you can use it to check the individual components for correct fit as you sew. While you can trace/reprint the individual templates to cut your fabric, it’s possible to do so without wasting more paper.

All you have to do is: 1) pin the desired template down and cut along the outside edges; and 2) crease the pattern along the correct seam allowance line(s) and fold the paper back onto the template; then cut around the new edge formed by the fold(s).

Here is how it works for template piece A:

Cutting piece A...

And here is how it works for template piece B:

Cutting piece B...

And finally, here is piece C:

Cutting piece C...

The fabric used for my bag was a lightweight cotton twill. It needed no additional stabilizer, but if you choose to go with quilting cottons, you should add some interfacing of some sort. (If you use ribbon, I would also recommend that it be interfaced.)

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For the recyclers among you, let me say that a denim version of this bag would be an ideal choice and the fabric wouldn't need to be interfaced. Old jeans for the exterior — and even the strap — and an old shirt for the lining makes for an ultra low cost DIY. (Maybe that could be a muslin version if you're so inclined.)

Other Materials Required

As a DIY, you can use or substitute whatever you like, but here is a list of the specific items that I needed.

Approximate dimensions...

• 1.5” webbing for the strap (overall length to be determined by your preference)
• 2 connectors for the strap
• 2 x 7” zippers (for upper zippered pocket and flap pocket)
• 1 x 9” zipper (for main pocket)
• 1.5" length of hook and loop tape (velcro)
• 2” wide double folded bias binding (3 yards; DIY your own from one fat quarter using this method)
• Exterior fabric* (1/2 to 1 yard, depending on width and any directional print)
• Lining fabric (no more than 1/2 yard)
• 2.5" wide ribbon (optional: 10" for diagonal pocket trim; 22.5" for back of flap pocket; 5.75" for card slots)

* The pattern can be laid out on a half yard of 44" fabric if you are not fussy about grain lines or directionality of print.

If you need to refresh your skills before getting started, check out this post for help with attaching binding. And check out this for some tips on zipper installation.

After writing up so many tutorials, I just wanted to do something different this time — like not writing up a tutorial — and still share what I'd created. While it may be outside of your comfort zone, the adage of if you don't try, you'll never know applies. Let's put it this way: we're currently many months into the defining challenge of our lifetimes. Taking on something that tests our limits should certainly be old hat by now.

If you do end up conquering this bag, send me some pics. (There's an email link you can click at the bottom of the last page of the PDF to contact me.) However, considering the silence of this past week, I may have misjudged a wee bit about the level of enthusiasm for this whole idea.

Oh well. It wouldn't be the first time that I've been wrong about what might or might not be compelling, and I'm sure it won't be the last. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Edit (April 1, 2023) — details on a version 2.0 of this bag can be found here.

'Til next...