Laptop Bag with Straps! (8894 Views)

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  Step 1 of 27

  How to make a padded laptop bag with straps:

  This how to will illustrate how to make a simple lap top bag. It includes tips on “stitching in the ditch” to keep lining down and how to sew straps and turn them inside out easily, which you might find helpful in other projects as well. This is a great project if you have small lengths of fabric lying around that you want to use or if you need to make a gift for a friend or family member!

  You will need:

  *2/3 yard of self fabric (45" wide min) (less or more depending on size of your laptop)

  *2/3 yard lining fabric (45" wide min)

  *2/3 yard of cotton quilters batting (1/8” to ½” thickness)

  *Contrast fabric for straps

  *Ruler/Measuring tool

  *Safety pin or loop turner

  There is no pattern for this project.

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  Step 2 of 27

  First, measure your laptop. Mine is 9 ½” X 14”. For a tight fitting sleeve-like case, add 2 ½” to the dimensions of your bag. For a larger bag that can hold chargers and other accessories, add 4” to the length and width. These measurements include a ½” seam allowance.

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  Step 3 of 27

  For the self fabric (the fabric that you want the outside of the bag to be made in), cut 1 long piece that is twice the desired length of the laptop bag but the same height. In my case, I am making a larger bag for my 9 ½ X 14” laptop, so I cut one long piece that was 9 ½ + 4" (13 1/2" total height) and 14" + 4" x 2 (36" total length)

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  Step 4 of 27

  Cut a piece of batting that is the same 36” length but is just about 1/2" smaller in height. The batting will be secured between the lining and the self.
  

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  Step 5 of 27

  For the lining we need to cut two separate pieces (can not be cut on fold) that are equal to the desired length and height of the bag. Now I have two lining pieces that are 18” X 13 ½”.

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  Step 6 of 27

  Next, you will need to cut 4 strips 12” X 1 5/8” wide for the straps. This includes a 1/4" seam allowance. I used a contrasting fabric for this, but you can use the self if you prefer.

  Now you should have the following pieces:

  1 long self piece (outside of bag)

  1 long batting piece

  2 lining pieces

  4 strips for the handles

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  Step 7 of 27

  Now you are ready to start sewing, starting with the straps. Pin two strips of 12” X 1 5/8” together, right sides facing each other, and do the same for the other two. Sew with the edge of the presser foot aligning with the edge of the fabric (or with a ¼” seam allowance) on both sides of the strips.

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  Step 8 of 27

  To turn the straps inside out, use a loop turner if you have one (available at most fabric/notions stores) or simply use a safety pin.

  Pin the safety pin to the edge at the middle of one side of the strip.

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  Step 9 of 27

  Turn the top of the safety pin inwards into the tube-like structure created when the two strips were sewn together.

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  Step 10 of 27

  Continue to push the safety pin through the tube of fabric, by feeling for it between the fabric and pushing it towards the other end. As you do so, smooth and ease the fabric that is bunching up behind it.

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  Step 11 of 27

  Continue to push the pin through until it comes out the other end, and then pull it out until the entire piece is turned the right way.

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  Step 12 of 27

  Press it flat. Do this with both straps.

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  Step 13 of 27

  Next mark the center of the top of the bag on the self fabric and determine the center of your straps.

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  Step 14 of 27

  Pin the straps onto the right side of the self fabric. Then lay the lining on top of the self, with the straps in between. Do this for both sides of the bag.

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  Step 15 of 27

  Sew the tops of the bags together (the self, the straps, and the lining). Be sure to stitch the straps in very securely as you will be using this to hold up your laptop.

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  Step 16 of 27

  This is the inside.

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  Step 17 of 27

  And like this on the other side.

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  Step 18 of 27

  Press the seams towards the lining and stitch in the ditch (topstitch on the right side of the seam but as close to the seam as possible). This will help keep the lining and seam allowance towards the inside of the bag when you are finished.

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  Step 19 of 27

  Fold this long piece in half, right sides facing. Match where the lining attaches to the self.

  Sew the sides of the bag from the bottom of the self to the lining, but do not sew the bottom of the lining shut.

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  Step 20 of 27

  To make the corners more pointed when you flip it out, sew them at an angle like shown here as opposed to straight. When you are finished. Clip the seams anywhere where it might be too bulky.

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  Step 21 of 27

  Fold the batting in half over the self. Tack the batting down by hand onto the self. Tack it at the bottom (near the fold on the self) and the top (in the seam allowance where the lining attaches to the self).

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  Step 22 of 27

  Then inside-out the bag, turning the lining over itself and pulling the self and batting through.

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  Step 23 of 27

  All that is left is to finish the lining now.

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  Step 24 of 27

  You can use hand whip stitches to close or you can simply pin the seams inwards and top stitch it closed on your machine, which is what I did since it will be on the inside of your bag only. If you choose to finish it more neatly, this bag can be reversible!

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  Step 25 of 27

  Now you’ve got a laptop bag! I made a matching iPod case, following the same principles.

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  Step 26 of 27

  This is what it looks like below the stitch in the ditch. Notice that the seam allowances are pushed to the right.

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  Step 27 of 27

  This is what the piece looks like once you have sewn the straps in place between the lining and the self. This is a drawing of the right side of it. Seam allowance is on opposite side.