Threads To-Go Bag - Number 2

My son wanted a library bag, too, so what better way to try some of my own ideas for the Threads To-Go Bag than to make another one? As you can see, his fabric choices were very different from his sister's! He really wanted the flame fabric and red trim! Aside from the fabric here are some of the changes I made for the second bag:

First, I made the pocket deeper. This is easy to do. Just add twice the amount of depth you wish to add. If you'd like the pocket 1" deeper, add 2" to the cutting measurements.

Second, I added one long strap to the bag that attaches to the sides and did not make the original straps. The new strap is made out of webbing instead of self fabric. My son thought this was a better idea than the "girly handles" his sister's bag has.

Third, I added a flap and snap so that the bag would be more like a messenger bag. The flap is just a rectangle the same finished width of the bag and long enough to go up and over the top. It is lined in the same fabric, by stitching the flap and lining together on three sides and then turn the piece to the right side. The flap is attached to one long side of the bag after the body is constructed, right sides together. The flap is then turned up and topstitched down. The snap was stitched on after the bag was completed.

He was so excited so to see it finished this morning, as I was working on it when he went to bed last night.

I am very pleased with the changes and like the way the bag turned out. As in my previous post, I still think this bag is a good base pattern and starting point for making additions and changes to make it your own.

Parting Shot: Vintage Western, 1948 or 49. I'll be showing you my small collection of vintage children's western patterns over the next couple of weeks along with other parting shots. I will be introducing my newest art garment project in the next fews days and these patterns are very important!