New Twist on Hobo Bag

I first made this bag a few years ago for a friend. I loved it at the time, but just did not take the time to make one for me. Well, my husband gave me some old jeans and here we are. I found this pattern on Pinterest, posted by another blogger, “handmadiya.” This is the second diy holiday gift posting and the first of three different size bags using the same pattern.

Supplies:

Fabric for outer bag and lining, scissors, sewing matching, some type of clasp to close the bag. I used a large Button for this one, vinyl fabric for handles (optional), or extra fabric for handles
I used an old man’s shirt for lining and denim jeans for outer fabric. I recommend a heavier fabric for the bag like a canvas, denim, vinyl. The lining can be lighter weight

Cut 2 pieces each 6×18 inches. If using contrasting fabric for bag cut 2 of each fabric
Cut 4 pieces each 6×18 of lining, also cut out square lining fabric if you want to include pockets

Sew the contrasting fabrics and the lining as you see above. Right sides together, 5/8 seam allowance. Sew the bottom first.

Sew up the sides seams. Do the same for the lining fabric.

Press all seams open
Clip curved seams but do not cut through threads
If adding pockets, turn the bags right side out and lay out where you want the pockets. Allow for 5/8 seam allowance. I added a side pocket for cell phone, but allowed for the 5/8 seam allowance at the top of the bag

Sew pockets on right side of bags, stitch close to the pocket edge
Place lining inside bag, right sides together. Make sure that your pocket is facing back or front of bag to your liking
Pin lining to bag, right sides facing each other
Sew lining to bag at 5/8 seam allowance. Leave a 2-3 inch opening to turn your bag right side out. If you have added a hook piece of fabric to use as a closure, make sure it is facing inside the bag so that when you turn the bag right side out, it will be outside

After stitching, clip the fabric at the 4 peaks but do not cut through the thread. Then turn the bag right side out, using a tool to make sure the peaks are pushed out
Press the bag. You can top stitch around the top of the bag and stitch the opening close, or you can hand stitch the opening close
Add your closures. If using a button, place it and make sure closure loop lines up
Select fabric for handles

I used a vinyl fabric from JoAnn’s. You can also use fabric that you are making the bag out of. If using denim, make sure that you use a heavy duty needle in your sewing machine. Once you fold over the handle, it will need to penetrate four layers of fabric.