Slim Bumbag

This months freebie pattern is a big special to me. My little sister was going to travel and on her packing list was a moneybag. How hard can that be to make I though – and of course made it my mission to make it for her. Unfortunately I only had a chance to make one before she left so it was not perfect, but with some changes I am totally happy with how it turned out.

The pattern comes in both A4/letter and A3 (A3 is just a single page!). The instructions are available in both English and Norwegian. Download the pattern for free here. I am also making a video, but I need some new parts so this has been put on hold for now.

For this project you need two fabrics, preferably a thicker fabric for the outside, zipper, fastening for around the waist (e.g. d-rings,adjustable slider, swivel snap hooks, or slide release buckles), optional straps.

Cut out 4 pattern pieces, two in the main fabric and two linings. A seam allowance of 1 cm / 3/8” is included. You can either use a regular sewing machine and overlock/serge. Draw the dashed line on the wrong side of one of the linings. This is where the zipper will be.

Place this lining and the outer fabrics right sides together. Sew around the dotted line.

Cut a long slit in the middle of the box, through both fabrics. Stop 2.5cm / 1” from the side and cut a V shape out to the corners. Turn the lining through the hole you just made and press it. Pin the zipper and sew around the opening. Open the zipper.

Place the two linings right sides together and pin them together. Sew around the edges leaving a space 5 cm / 2” in the bottom. You will turn your bag right side out and hand stitch this at the end.

Since I am using 2.5cm / 1” D-rings I cut two pieces of fabric 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4”, and one piece desired strap length x 10 cm / 4”. Fold your straps in half lengthwise, wrong sides together and press. Fold in both sides inwards again so you have four layers of fabric and press. Topstitch along both sides.

Place the small flap around the D-ring and baste it together. Do the same for the other one. Place them on each side of the zipper and either baste them in place or use fabric glue. You can also place them aligning with the top and fasten them to your belt loops. Place the outer fabrics right sides together and sew around. Turn your bag right side out through the opning in the lining and sew it closed by hand or with a machine.

Add your strap to one of the swivel snap hooks, fold over and sew in place. Pull your strap through the adjustable slider, then through the swivel snap hook, and back to the slider. Sew in place. You can also use a slide release buckles.