The Essential Accessories Bag…For Men!

May 01, 2023

Guest Designer: Scorpio Uzuh

Size: 8in x 6in (without shoulder strap)

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Be sure to also check out our interview with Scorpio Uzu here.

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This is a man’s world…well that’s what they tell us! Yet, somehow, I can’t find a decent pattern for an accessory bag that is both stylish, that is NOT a tote bag and something I can carry most of my essential notions in. So, I just decided to make one of my own. Keep in mind this is my first time constructing one, and I self-drafted the whole thing! Enjoy the process!

Materials and Tools:

OLFA 60mm RTY-3/DX Ergonomic Rotary Cutter
OLFA RM-SG 18" X 24" Green Double-Sided, Self-Healing Rotary Mat
OLFA QR-12S 12 1/2" Square Frosted Acrylic Ruler
Guggenheim Cutting Scissors
Sewing pins
French Curve Ruler
BERNINA B735 Sewing Machine
BERNINA L860 Serger Machine
Coordinating thread (Mettler, Gutterman***)
Leather Needle
Zipper Foot
5yds - Stretch Leather Fabric (or fabric of your choice)
1/2yd - Cotton Fabric*** for lining (optional)
5in Pocket Zipper
12in+ Closed Zipper

Cutting

Cut (5) rectangles out of the leather fabric and (1) rectangle of the lining fabric measuring 8” x 6” using the OLFA rotary cutter. To make it easier to keep up what each rectangle would be used for, I labeled each accordingly:

(1) - Zipper Pocket (Front Piece)
(1) - Back Piece
(1) - Pocket Bag*** (Lining Fabric)
(1) - Outside Pocket
(2) - Inside Pocket

Note: If not using lining, cut (6) rectangles out of main leather fabric

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2. Round the edges of each rectangle piece using a French curve sewing ruler.

3. Cut (1) 33” x 3” long piece of main fabric (to be used for gusset).

4. Cut (2) 65” x 3” long pieces of main fabric (to be used for shoulder strap).

Construction

Assembling Front Piece

Outline and cut welt pocket box on zipper pocket rectangle.

2. Insert zipper, hold in place, and using a zipper foot, stitch around welt pocket box, securing zipper in place.

3. Double fold .5in at top of inside pocket pieces and outside pocket, then stitch.

4. In this order: Place wrong side of (1) inside pocket piece, to right side of pocket bag piece, then layer the front piece on top of the pocket bag, wrong sides facing each other. Baste stitch through all layers at 1/4in seam allowance.

5. Stitch ends of gusset piece together, right sides facing each other.

6. Using front piece, pin gusset to it, stretching the front piece to fit. Stitch using 3/8in seam allowance. Serge.

7. Place a mark on the gusset where it is level with the front zipper. Construct a welt pocket box the length of the gusset, from one mark to the next.