Mini Sling Bag Pattern Hack

Hello, how's everyone doing? I've been pretty busy making masks and few custom orders. I really appreciate your supports in the past few months since the pandemic started. It's been very tough for everyone, especially with heartbreaking news everywhere. Let's stay positive,  be kind, and help each other. Do what we can as an individual as well as a community. 

Today I will share how to scale up the mini sling bag the easy way without any computer involved. I know it's frustrating to scale up the pattern on the computer and print it a few times before you get the size that you want. 

This mobile sling bag pattern is very versatile. You can easily adjust the pattern based on 2 things:

1. Phone model
2. Whether or not it has a softcover. Softcover makes the phone slightly thicker. 

The basic is if you scale up the height of one part of the pattern do the same with the rest of the pattern pieces too. If you increase the height of the main body panel, increase the height/length of the pocket and flap too. Unless you want a shorter flap. Since the pattern pieces are mostly rectangle it's easy to increase the length or the height.

This basic rule applied if you want to increase the width too. I'd suggest increasing the width especially if you want to add a thicker batting or wadding.  Now, here's how to increase the width of the curvy flap:

1. Take one piece of paper and fold it in half lengthwise. From the fold, mark how much you want to increase by drawing a straight line e.g 0.5 inches away from the fold. 
2. Fold the original pattern lengthwise and place the fold on the line you just made and trace the pattern.






3. Now it will look like picture # 3. Cut along the line you just traced.
4. Your new wider pattern is done. This will increase the overall width by 1 inch. If you want to increase the overall width by 0.5 inches, draw the line 0.25 inches from the fold.

This matryoshka phone sling bag is to fit the new iPhone 11 and the newest android phone. I increase the length and width using the method above. 

If you want to learn how to make this mini sling bag, you can get the pattern on ETSY or my Webshop. 

Here is a supporting video I made a few months ago. I'll make better video when time permits :)

More Pattern Hack/Update

How to Add Zipper Pocket

Thank you for stopping by.

Take care & stay safe!

- Elvira- 

Something New

Hello again,

Few days ago, I was reading my past blog posts from way back in 2009 and 2010. I even read the comments and checked the profile of the commentator. Most of the bloggers are no longer writing. After the Facebook and Instagram, many people think writing a blog is too time-consuming. I was also caught up in the same trend. I mean, isn't it easier and more practical to just click photos and upload it to Facebook and Instagram, instead of writing all the details on the blog. The thing is, Facebook and Instagram is a fast moving, it's difficult to track what you have posted, even with the hashtag. Unlike a blog, where everything is properly documented. It's like a diary. We can always go back and read. Some cute moment, some ridiculous photos, and of course it warms my heart to read all those. Anyway enough of feeling nostalgic.

Yesteday, in between finishining my orders, I made this cute hipster cross body bag. It's been on my mind for several days, and it sort of bug me (you know what I mean?), so after cutting interfacings and fabrics for my Passport Holder orders, I draft the pattern and here it goes:

Pleated Hipster Crossbody Bag 

Originally, I wanted to make the pleat slightly closed, but I changed my mind. I love how the pleat turned out here.  It gives a patchwork look which was my initial intention.

I also made the front exterior pocket with hidden/concealed zipper. From far it will look like a slip pocket when it's actually a zippered pocket. 

Concealed Zipper Pocket

I was thinking to finish the top without a zipper, I guess that can always be an option later. I use beige linen for the solid and an orange diamond print fabric. 

Also, don't miss the patchwork removable strap! I love patchwork strap. 

Besides that, I finished another mini crossbody bag from my Phone sleeve pattern. I used the kindle size for this one which turned out pretty cool.

Red and White Mini Sling Bag

It's such a fast sewing and how scrap friendly this pattern is. The paisley fabric is just perfect, it's like waiting for the right project to come along. 

and of course the additional zippered pocket is always great option, right? Especially when you are traveling and want to keep all the small necessities with you without having to rummage the big backpack. 

That's all for today. I have to go and take the boys to their music classes today and I hope the weather holds.  

Until then,

Have a nice crafty weekends

This post is linking to Finish it up Friday 

Supplies Links : 

Mini Cross Body Bag Pattern

Linen Fabrics

Triangle Print Fabric 

Bright Orange Fabric