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Classic Satchel Bag | Debbie Shore Sewing Pattern With Video

Quick Links: What you'll need Project steps

Debbie Shore's modern take on a classic satchel makes a useful, fashionable bag.

You can make this simple satchel bag project personal by adding your own appliqué, or keep it traditional by using webbing to make straps that come over the flap to fasten. I’ve quilted the front of the pocket to add texture and interest, but you can leave this part out if you’d rather keep it plain.

A heavy, leather-like interfacing is used for the back and flap to give the bag a little rigidity; foam stabiliser would also work well, or you could keep these sections softer by using fusible fleece. Heavy interfacing has not been used for the bag front or pockets as I thought it would make the bag too stiff, so these sections are backed with fusible fleece to give them a luxurious feel. The straps are backed with a light-weight fusible interfacing to give them a bit of form, without making them too stiff.

The fabric I’ve used in these instructions is a craft cotton, but choose any woven fabric you like! Finer fabric may need support from a firm stabilizer; heavier fabric such as canvas may not need any at all. You might find it easier to use a non-directional print for your satchel fabric. As the flap comes over from the back of the bag, part of the print will be upside down. To solve the problem, you could sew two pieces of fabric together with the prints in opposite directions before placing your pattern, with the seam in the centre. Alternatively, you could use a non-directional print, such as stripes, spots or, of course, plain fabric.

Use a ¼in (5mm) seam allowance.

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You will need:

Equipment

• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Hand sewing needle
• Scissors
• Pinking shears to snip into curves (optional)
• Free motion embroidery/darning foot for your sewing machine, if you’re embroidering the flap
• Ruler
• Erasable marker pen (I’ve used heat erasable; make sure to always test on a scrap piece of fabric first)
• Fabric glue pen (optional)

Materials

• 38 x 18in (96 x 45.75cm) of outer fabric
• 50 x 65in (127 x 165cm) of lining fabric
• 16 x 12in (41.75 x 30.5cm) of heavy fusible interfacing/foam stabilizer
• 32 x 12in (81.5 x 30.5cm) of fusible fleece
• 38 x 52in (96.5 x 132cm) of light-weight fusible interfacing
• Two 1in (25mm) rectangular rings
• One 1in (25mm) rectangular slider
• One magnetic snap
• One 9in (23cm) nylon zip
• Scraps of fabric for appliqué (optional)
• Adhesive sheet for appliqué (optional)

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