How to Make a Messenger Bag

You don’t need to be an expert to sew your own messenger bag — just a bit of patience, a clear plan, and some fabric you love.

This guide will walk you through making a simple, boxy messenger bag using basic sewing techniques and rescued fabric. No complicated gussets — just boxed corners, clean lines, and practical advice.

Let’s get started.

If you're curious about the deeper history of bag design and want to see how messenger bags fit into the bigger picture, the Museum of Bags and Purses offers a fascinating overview: Read more here.

What You’ll Need

• Outer fabric (canvas, denim, or sturdy upcycled fabric)
• Lining fabric (light cotton or similar)
• Medium-weight interfacing
• Magnetic snap (or button/Velcro)
• Webbing or fabric strap
• Sewing machine, thread, scissors, pins, and chalk/pen for marking

If you’re using rescued or repurposed fabric, pre-wash it and make sure it’s strong enough to carry a bit of weight.

Cutting Guide (for a standard messenger bag)

Measurements below include 1.5cm seam allowances:

• Main body (cut 2): 35cm wide x 30cm high
• Flap (cut 1 outer, 1 lining): 35cm wide x 24cm high (curve the bottom corners if you like)
• Strap: 100–120cm length of 4cm-wide webbing or fabric strap
• Optional inner pocket: 20cm x 15cm

To create boxed corners, you’ll square off the bottom corners during construction rather than cutting separate panels.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Fuse interfacing to your outer body pieces and flap for structure.
2. Sew the inner pocket to one lining panel (if adding one). Centre it horizontally and position it 6–8cm from the top edge.
3. Sew the outer shell:
   • Place the two outer pieces right sides together.
   • Sew both sides and bottom edge.
   • To box the corners: flatten one bottom corner so the side and bottom seams align, forming a triangle. Measure 4cm from the point, mark straight across, sew, and trim excess. Repeat on the other side.
4. Repeat for the lining, but leave a 10cm gap in the bottom seam for turning later.
5. Make the flap:
   • With right sides together, sew around the sides and curved edge.
   • Turn through, press, and topstitch.
6. Attach flap to the outer bag:
   • Centre it along the back panel’s top edge, right sides together. Baste in place.
7. Assemble the bag:
   • Insert the outer bag (with flap attached) into the lining, right sides together.
   • Align side seams and sew around the top edge.
8. Turn through the gap in the lining, press well, then topstitch around the top edge.
9. Attach the strap:
   • Sew each end of the strap to the side seams near the top edge.
10. Close the lining gap with a neat slip stitch or machine edge.

Closure Options

I like using a magnetic snap for messenger bags — they’re quick to open but hold securely. If you’re a beginner, Velcro is easy to sew in. You can also use a button and loop if you want a softer, more handmade feel.

How I Made My First Messenger Bag from Rescued Fabric

The first messenger bag I ever made came from a rescued upholstery swatch book — one of those thick, beautiful samples that was destined for landfill. I stitched the panels together like a patchwork puzzle, lining it with offcuts from a forgotten curtain. It ended up bigger than A4 — more like a generous day bag that could carry a tablet, a notebook, a water bottle, and a snack or two.

The structure came from medium-weight interfacing, and I added a hidden zip pocket inside. It wasn't perfect — the flap was slightly off-centre — but I loved it. And I still use it now.

Tips for a Strong, Neat Finish

• Use a walking foot for thick seams
• Topstitch edges for extra durability
• Press seams as you go — it makes all the difference
• Use upholstery-weight thread if your fabric is bulky
• Line the flap for a cleaner finish

Want inspiration? Our handmade messenger bags are created using rescued fabrics and sewn for real life — sturdy enough for everyday use, and always one of a kind.

Final Thought

If you give this a try, let me know how you get on. I’m not offering patterns or downloads (yet), but if you'd like more beginner-friendly bag tutorials like this — or want a version with a zip — just say. I’d love to know what you'd find helpful next.

FAQs

Can I make a messenger bag without a sewing machine?
Technically yes — but it will take a long time and might not be strong enough for regular use.

What fabric is best for a handmade messenger bag?
Canvas, denim, or upholstery fabric. Use interfacing to keep its shape.

Can I add a zip closure instead of a flap?
Yes — but a flap is easier for beginners and keeps the classic look.

What size should I make it?
This version fits a tablet, notebook, water bottle, and wallet — adjust to suit your needs.

Can I make it eco-friendly?
Absolutely — use rescued, upcycled, or offcut fabric. That’s what we do at Watership Down Crafts.