Child's Library Bag

This is essentially the same as my Reversible Library Bag, but I've added a spot for a library card and pencils - making it not reversible. But you don't have to add the pocket so that it can be reversible! This bag is also smaller than the adult one. Please refer to the tutorial here if you need more pictures - it has step by step pictures. The only ones in this tutorial are of additions to the bag. Now, let's get started!


What you'll need:

• 1 fabric strip for the contrast strip on the front, 5" x 12"
• 1 fabric strip for the left front, 4.5" x 12" 
• 1 fabric strip for the right front, 8" x 12"
• 1 piece of fabric for the back, 16.5" x 12" 
• 2 pieces of fabric for the lining, each 16.5" x 12" 
• 4 pieces of fabric for the straps, each 1" x 18"
• 4 pieces of fusible interfacing for the straps, each 1" x 18" (optional)
• 1 piece of fabric for pocket, 5" x 8"

If you don't want to have a contrast strip, just replace the contrast strip, and the left and right front pieces with a front panel measured at 16.5" x 12".

Here's how:

Iron your fabric and cut out all pieces.

Place your contrast strip and left front piece right sides together and sew. Press the seam open.

Place your right front piece right sides together with the contrast strip and sew together. Press seam open.

Place your bag front right sides together with the bag back. Sew together along the SIDES and BOTTOM. Not the top!

Creating the gussets:
Fold the bag so the side seams are centered on the top and bottom (on top of each other). This will make a point at the bottom of the bag. Measure 2" from the tip of the point and cut off in a straight line.

Pin each flap. Sew each corner, separately.

Onto the inside of the bag, the lining:
The pocket will go on the lining piece. First, fold over 1/4" of fabric on all four sides and press.

How I folded the corners:

Before sewing it on the lining, sew a straight line across the top of the pocket, so it looks finished and keeps the fabric folded. You want to do this first so it's not attached to the lining.

Place it where you want it to be on the lining and sew down one side, across the bottom, and up the other side. Do not sew the top.

Then measure 1 1/2" over and sew down once and again another 1 1/2" over from that spot. This is for the pencils!

Place the two lining pieces right sides together and sew along the sides and bottom, just as you did the outside of the bag.

Now create the gussets just as you did for the outside of the bag - Side seams together, make a point, measure 2" up and cut a straight line. Pin and sew each flap.

Straps:
Fold each strap lengthwise wrong sides together and press.

Open the fold. Place interfacing above crease.

Fold fabric over interfacing and press. Place another interfacing strip below the crease and do the same for the bottom half of the fabric.

Fold strap in half at the crease and press. 

Sew strap along the folded edge and along the open edge to close it up. Repeat on opposite strap.

Pin one strap to the front of the bag, each end 3 1/2" from the sides. The bag is outside out now! The strap will lay on the outside of the bag once sewn on, until the lining is in. Sew in place. Repeat on the back side of the bag with other strap. Make sure you don't catch the other side of the bag when sewing the strap on.

Insert the outside bag into the lining, with the right sides touching. The straps go inside, too.

 Line up the side seams and pin in place. Sew together, leaving a 3" section open on the back. Flip it right side out now, through the opening you just left.

Tuck the lining to the inside of the bag. Press, tucking the raw edges of your open stitch to the inside of the bag. Edge stitch around the top of the bag to close up the opening and give it a nice finished look. Make sure the straps stay out of the way when you top stitch.