Hooray, it’s finally April! And that means it’s time for the next pattern release for the Bag of the Month Club! I’m “Miss April” and my contribution to the club is the Midtown Messenger Bag!

Betz White Midtown-Messenger-Pattern-cover

The Midtown Messenger is a versatile bag you’ll want to carry everyday. It’s got a classic messenger-bag style with lots of extra details. The outer bag has front and back slip pockets and a flap that secures with 2 tuck catch closures.

Betz White Midtown Messenger - zipper detail

Under the flap is a divided slip pocket, a recessed zipper for extra security and a padded tablet pocket inside.

 

Betz White Midtown Messenger - flap detail

It’s got a grab handle at the top and a nice long adjustable strap. Make the Midtown Messenger with durable waxed canvas for a rugged look or repurpose a pair of jeans and a vintage table cloth for a one-of-a-kind bag.

 

Betz White Midtown Messenger - back detail

If you’re not familiar with sewing waxed canvas, it’s easy! I’ve got a blog post full of tips and tricks for working with waxed canvas.

 

MM Cindy front

Cindy of Raspberry Sunshine, test sewed her bag in a home dec cotton and a yummy grey waxed canvas accent with silver hardware.

 

MM Cindy lining

Here you can see the padded tablet pocket under the zipper panel on Cindy’s bag.

MM Stacy front

Of course, if you’d rather not use waxed canvas, that’s ok too! One of my testers, Stacy of Stacy Sews, made her bag in a home décor weight fabric. She opted to beef up her accent fabric with interfacing. I love how the colors coordinate. So springy!

 

MM Stacy zip

Here’s the recessed zipper and pretty lining on Stacy’s bag.

Hardware Helper

For your convenience, there is a Midtown Messenger Hardware Kit available in my etsy shop with all of the hardware needed for this bag in both finishes: Antique Brass (like I used) and the Silver Nickel (similar to what my testers used). I’ll be offering a video tutorial for installing the “tuck catches” on the flap later this week or early next. They are super easy and fun to use!

Join the Club

As I mentioned in my sneak peek post, this bag  pattern is exclusive to the club! Join now and get all 4 previously released bags plus the May and June bags as they come out!

Sign up to become a member here!