The Covehithe Messenger Bag PDF sewing pattern

A stylishly simple retro cross-body bag with clean lines and asymmetrical details. The Covehithe Messenger Bag is made with a multi-pieced front and a plain back, making it ideal for using some smaller pieces of contrasting fabric. The style also features a two-part asymmetric flap and has templates and instructions for both zippered and patch interior pockets. The strap can be made from self-fabric or from webbing (adjustable). The style is named after a village on the Suffolk coast.

Approximate finished dimensions: Height 11” (28cm), Width 13” (33cm), Base depth 2.5” (6.5cm), Webbing strap at longest length made from quantities given is approx. 55” (140cm), Self-fabric strap is 42” long.

For the Covehithe Messenger Bag, there are 26 pages —13 pages including the cover, general, cutting out and step-by-step instructions, and 13 pattern sheets with the templates, which you must print and cut out. All templates are actual size. Please note that all seam allowances are already added and are ½” (12mm) unless otherwise stated or marked on the pattern templates.

Six of the templates are too big to fit on one page and therefore must be cut out and joined together with tape at the dashed lines, matching numbers where indicated. Lay pieces next to each other without overlapping. Instructions for joining templates are clear.

Materials needed:

• 15” (38cm) x 30” (76cm) of exterior fabric
• 15” (38cm) x 25” (64cm) of contrasting exterior fabric
• 9” (23cm) x 8” (21cm) of different contrasting exterior fabric
• 3/4yd (70cm) of 36” (92cm) or 44” (112cm) width, or 12” (31cm) of 56” (142cm) width lining fabric
• 1 yard (92cm) of 36” (92cm) width firm weight fusible interfacing
• 32 x 12” (82 x 30cm) of foam stabiliser
• 1 magnetic snap set
• 1 large button approx. 2” (50mm) diameter, or two or three smaller ones
• 7” (18cm) zipper for interior pocket

For self-fabric strap with a contrasting underside, you will need:

• 44” x 2” (112 x 5cm) of exterior fabric for strap outside
• 44” x 2” (112 x 5cm) of contrast exterior fabric for strap underside
• 44” x 4” (112 x 10cm) of fusible web or interfacing

For webbing strap, you will need:

• 65” (165cm) of 1” heavy duty webbing for strap, OR if you are using a double layer of a thinner quality you will need 130” (330cm)
• 2 x 1” (25mm) rings to attach strap to bag
• 1 x 1” (25mm) adjustable slider to match rings

You will also need:

• Sticky tape (to join pattern templates)
• Sewing machine
• Pins
• Scissors
• Fabric marker pen, pencil or chalk

Thread to match fabric