This is the strap technique I use on the Two Zip Hipster and my other cross-body bags.
This style only needs one yard of main fabric, but to make the long strap would require two yards. I haven’t found webbing I’m in love with and I like the comfort level of fabric straps. I pieced the straps on this bag and this bag and they have held up fine. It’s just like piecing binding, so you quilters will already know how to do this, but I think it’s pretty cool!
For a 1.5″ wide by 66″ long strap for a cross body bag:
Cut two pieces 6″ wide by 36″ long, straight on the grain (parallel to the selvedge).
Overlap the ends, right sides together and pin. If you are using directional fabric, you can put the tops of both pieces of fabric together, making the directional fabric right side up on both ends of the strap.
Draw a line from one corner to the other, at a 45 degree angle. Sew on that line.
Cut off the outside triangle leaving a 3/8″ seam allowance.
Press the seam open.
Fuse the entire strap with a long 6″ wide by 58″ long piece of interfacing. If you have to “piece” your interfacing, just don’t do so at the same point as the strap. This will make your strap stronger. (“Piece” is in quotes because you shouldn’t piece your interfacing, just lay it end to end or side by side.)
(You probably already know how to do this part.) Fold the whole strap in half lengthwise and press. UNFOLD and refold the raw edges to the center. Press. USE STEAM for this. Fold that in half, enclosing the raw edges.
Sew along both edges – a little more than 1/8″ from the edge. 3/16″ is about perfect. I just use the edge of my presser foot with my needle in the far right position.
That’s it! Now you can make a cross body bag without buying 2 yards of fabric!
What is that fabric? I love it! And about how much is needed for the hipster? I have some online fabric shopping to do. Can’t wait for the project!
Kelly,
Looking at the fabric, and seeing the little butterflies throught the fabric, makes me think that it is a MoMo for Moda fabric. Maybe from the freebird line? And I believe it is OOP.
Yep it’s MoMo Freebird – it’s actually in twill, but I have the charm squares and this print in cotton to make a quilt… one of these days! It was really popular so I’m sure you can still find it. Check Etsy.
I’m pretty settled on 1 yard for the outside and 2/3-3/4 for the lining. If you have a pretty lining fabric or a fat quarter you want to show off, you can use it on the outside of the pocket!
Thank you for sharing,the fabric is very pretty
I was looking for photo instructions on how to do this and found your blog, but the pictures aren’t showing up. I’m sure they were great. :(
That would make a pretty dog leash.
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