Small Sling Bag With Zipper Closure – Sewing Tutorial
Sew a small sling bag with zipper closure using this easy to follow sewing tutorial.
Sometimes you want to carry a small sling bag while running errands, going out to dinner, or shopping. This small zipper sling bag is the perfect size for carrying all your essentials.
This sling bag features a zipper closure about 2-inches from the top of the bag because I like how the color of the zipper gives the bag a pop of color. You can opt to have the zipper at the top of the bag by cutting the outer and lining fabric pieces all the same size (8.5″W x 10″H) and following the zipper instructions found in my wristlet sewing tutorial.
Try making a matching small zipper pouch / coin purse that will fit perfectly inside the sling bag or sew a messenger sling bag for everyday use.
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***You can find the AD-FREE, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Includes 18 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Small sling bag supplies needed:
- Outer fabric – enough for the following measurements – (1) 8.5″Wx10″H, (1) 8.5″Wx7″H, (1) 8.5″Wx3″H, (1) 2″Wx48″H for the long strap, and (2) 2″Wx2.5″H for the short straps – my favorite fabric shop
- Lining fabric – (1) 8.5″Wx10″W, (1) 8.5″Wx7″H, and (1) 8.5″Wx3″H
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
- Clear ruler
- Fusible interfacing – enough for all fabric pieces
- 7-inch zipper – my favorite zipper shop
- Two 1/2-inch D-rings
- Two 1/2-inch swivel hooks
- Straight pins or sewing clips
- Sewing scissors
- Sewing machine
Measure and cut the fabric
Using your cutting mat, clear ruler, and rotary cutter, cut one piece of outer fabric and one piece of lining fabric each measuring 8.5″W x 10″H, one piece of outer fabric and one piece of lining fabric each measuring 8.5″W x 7″H, and one piece of outer fabric and one piece of lining fabric each measuring 8.5″W x 3″H.
Cut one outer fabric piece measuring 2″W x 48″H for the long strap.
Cut two pieces of outer fabric measuring 2″W x 2.5″H for the short straps.
Attach the fusible interfacing
My go to interfacing is Pellon 911FF Fusible Interfacing for all my handbag sewing projects. The interfacing provides more durability. Cut two pieces of interfacing measuring 8.5″W x 10″H, two pieces measuring 8.5″W x 7″ H, two pieces measuring 8.5″W x 3″H, and two pieces measuring 2″W x 2.5″H. Cut as many pieces as needed for the long strap.
NOTE: Cut the interfacing for the long strap about 1/2 inch shorter in length on each end for hemming (see above picture).
Attach the fusible interfacing to the wrong side of ALL fabric pieces following the package instructions.
Make the short straps
Place one of the short straps face down on your ironing board.
Fold the strap in half lengthwise.
Open the strap back up and fold the outside edge to the center fold you just made and press.
Turn the strap around and repeat with the other outside edge and press.
Fold the strap in half again and press.
Repeat these steps with the other short strap.
Sew along each side lengthwise.
Make the long strap
Repeat the same steps for folding the long strap.
Once the strap is folded, open up each short end.
Fold the end in to create the hem.
Then fold the strap back up again.
Sew along both sides lengthwise, backstitching at the beginning and end.
The above pictures shows the finished straps.
***You can find the AD-FREE, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Includes 18 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Add the zipper
I’m using a 7-inch zipper for this small sling bag. The zipper is measured from the top metal stop to the bottom metal stop.
Rule of thumb: the width of your fabric should be 1.5 inches wider than the length of your zipper.
If you have a zipper that is too long, follow these instructions to shorten your zipper.
Place the zipper face down on the outer 8.5″W x 7″H fabric piece (right side up).
Place the 8.5″W x 7″H lining fabric piece right side down on top of the zipper. Pin to hold in place.
Sew the zipper
Be sure the upper thread matches the outer fabric and the bobbin thread matches the lining fabric.
Before sewing the zipper, open the zipper up about an inch – this will help with smooth line of sewing.
Use your zipper foot for sewing the zipper. Begin sewing the zipper, then when you get to the place almost to the zipper pull, with the needle down, lift the zipper foot and move the zipper pull back to the top. Then lower the foot and continue sewing.
The above picture shows what the first side of the sewn zipper looks like at this point.
Top stitch along the zipper – be sure the corners and edges are lined up. This gives the sling bag a finished look and keeps the fabric from getting caught in the zipper.
You now have one side of your small sling bag zipper finished!
Repeat with the other fabric pieces
Place the zipper on top of the 8.5″W x 3″H lining fabric piece – lining fabric pieces right sides together.
Now place the 8.5″W x 3″H outer fabric piece on top of the zipper – outer fabric pieces right sides together. Pin to hold in place.
Sew the zipper – repeating the same process of opening and closing the zipper to sew a smooth line.
Top stitch alongside the zipper.
You now have the front of the small sling bag finished.
Baste the short straps
Take one of the small straps and slide it through the D-ring and fold over.
Place the small strap about 1-inch from the top of the outer fabric only. The D-ring should be facing the inside.
Baste the strap to hold in place. Remember, you are only attaching it to the outer fabric, not the lining fabric.
Repeat with the other short strap to the opposite side of the outer fabric.
The above picture shows the short straps basted to the outer fabric of the sling bag.
Add inside pockets (optional)
At this point, you have the option of adding pockets to the lining fabric pieces if you want pockets on the inside of your sling bag. To add a zipper pocket, follow these instructions on how to add a zipper pocket. For slip pockets, follow these instructions on how to add slip pockets to a bag.
Sew the bag together
With the 8.5″W x 10″H lining piece right side up, place the zipper piece on top, lining side down.
Next, place the 8.5″W x 10″H outer fabric piece, right side down, on top of the zipper piece.
NOTE: The outer fabric pieces should be right sides together and the lining fabric pieces should be right sides together.
Sew around the edges using a 3/8″ seam allowance, leaving an opening for turning at the bottom. Be sure to sew over the short straps a couple of times for extra durability.
Trim the edges and clip the corners using your sewing scissors.
Turn right side out
Turn the sling bag right side out, pushing out the corners. Be sure the outer fabric is on the outside of the bag. Press.
Top stitch all around, pivoting the corners, to give it a finished look and to close the opening.
NOTE: Another option for closing up the opening is hand sewing using the ladder stitch, instead of top stitching.
The above picture shows what the small sling bag looks like at this point.
Add the swivel hooks
Slide each end of the long strap through the swivel hook and fold over.
Sew across the strap two times.
Clip the strap to the D-rings. Press the bag again.
Pin for later!
***You can find the AD-FREE, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase in my Etsy shop HERE. Includes 18 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
You are finished!
I hope you enjoyed sewing this small zipper sling bag! Happy sewing!
Handbags you might like to try:
- How to Sew a Belt Bag / Fanny Pack
- Curved Top Shoulder Bag Sewing Pattern
- Simple Tote Bag Sewing Tutorial
- Backpack Purse with Flap Closure Sewing Tutorial
