545 – Oregon Trail Messenger Bag Pattern

Sizes Small and Medium

Skill Level:  3, Medium Difficulty

With this sewing pattern you can make two fully-lined, different-sized sturdy shoulder bags with adjustable shoulder straps.  The Big bag is roomy enough to hold a laptop.  Each size bag has an inner velcro pocket, three outer easy-to-access pockets, and an outer zipper pocket.  An optional key lanyard can be added as well. 

Sizes: 
Big Bag: 9 high x 12-1/4 wide x 5 deep
Small Bag: 9 high x 8 wide x 4 deep

Fabric Suggestions:
Outer Fabric: Waterproof nylon pack cloth, cordura, denim, or any medium- to heavyweight fabric.
Lining: Hi-count nylon taffeta or any tightly woven lightweight fabric.

Fabric Requirements, 60 (150cm) wide fabric:
Outer Fabric and Lining, Big Bag: 1/2 yd (.46m) each
Outer Fabric and Lining, Small Bag: 3/8 yd (.34m) each

Notions:
All Versions:  Thread, 1/8 yd 3/4 (2cm) hook & loop.
Big Bag:  1/3 yd (.31m) #4 or #5 coil zipper, one #4 or #5 coil zipper pull, 2/3 yd (.61m) 1 (2.5cm) nylon webbing, 2-1/8 yd (2m) 1-1/2 (3.8cm) nylon webbing, two 1 (2.5cm) side release buckles, two 1-1/2 (3.8cm) loops, one 1-1/2 (3.8cm) slide.
Small Bag:  1/4 yd (.23m) #4 or #5 coil zipper, one #4 or #5 coil zipper pull, 2-1/2 yd (2.3m) 1 (2.5cm) nylon webbing, one 1 (2.5cm) side release buckles, two 1 (2.5cm) loops, one 1 (2.5cm) slide.
Optional Lanyard: one 1/2 (13mm) glove hook, 1/8 yd 3/8 (1cm) grosgrain ribbon.

For more pattern details, go here 545 (PDF).

This pattern is available as a PDF pattern.  The PDF pattern will be sent in an email to download.  The PDF pattern has files for print at home (A4 or 8.5x11), copy shops (A0 and 36), a projector file, and instructions.