Laptop Bag Pattern

It’s getting to be about back to school time, but back to school doesn’t have to just be for the kiddos right? Mom’s need to have a little fun with this too I think, so today I have a back to school sewing project for you that’s perfect for moms (or dads) and college kids! It’s a Laptop Bag Pattern and Tutorial:

 

It’s customizable to the size of your laptop (or really whatever you want to put in it.

 

It’s basically just a very large zipper pouch, with a strap, so it’s not too difficult to make.

And for those of us who don’t have a laptop? It also works great just as a book bag.

Let’s make it!

Or, if you want a quick and simple version, I have an easy DIY Laptop Sleeve.

Laptop Bag Pattern:

Supplies Needed:

• 1 yard each of 2 coordinating fabrics (I got mine at Modern Yardage)
• 2 D rings
• 1 yard of usible fleece interfacing (You can get it here or at your fabric store.)
• 1 zipper that is as long as your bag measurements (see instructions on measuring below)
• 2 clasps (like the ones in this picture):

 

Cutting Guide:

The first thing you need to do is measure your laptop. I can’t give you exact measurements for this because you are going to size it to your own laptop.

Measure the length and the width. Then, from your inner fabric cut 3 pieces that are about 3 inches wider and 3 inches longer than your laptop measured. From your main, outer fabric, cut one piece that is the same size as those. (So my laptop measured about 15 inches by 12 inches, so I cut my fabric 18 x 15.) Round off the corners of all of these pieces:

Now cut one piece from your main fabric that is as wide as the other pieces you cut out about 3-4 inches shorter. Round off just the bottom two corners on this piece.

Cut fusible fleece to match the 5 pieces that you have cut so far.

Now, to cut out your strap cut a piece from each fabric that is 3 inches wide by 36 inches long. Also, cut one from your fusible fleece. If you want the strap to be really sturdy, the other option is to use webbing.

Iron the fusible fleece to the wrong side of all of the pieces.

Sewing Instructions:

Start with your smaller piece of the main fabric (the one that is 6 inches shorter than the others.) Hem the top edge (the one that does not have rounded corners). Press that and set it aside for later.

Now, to assemble the bag we will be making it just like a zipper pouch. If you need more pictures or help, try this tutorial here.

To start, grab your zipper and one of your inner and your big outer fabric pieces. Lay them on top of each other with right sides facing and your zipper facing down on the main fabric with the zipper laying right along the edge so that the edge of the zipper matches up with the edge of the fabric. Pin this all in place and then sew.

This is what it looks like from the right side:

And this is what it looks like from the wrong side:

Once you are done with that, take your other two pieces of fabric, the two inner fabric ones, and do the same thing on the other side of the zipper.

When you have sewn that in place and get all the layers laying right it should look like this:

Now, the smaller piece of fabric that you hemmed earlier and set aside is going to be sewn in place on one of the inner fabric pieces two form a pocket that will go on the outside of the bag.

So, take that smaller piece of fabric. Lay your bag out so that right sides are together with the two pieces that will form the outside of the bag together and the two pieces that are the inside of the bag are together and the zipper is in the middle:

In this sandwich you want your smaller piece in place as well so that it is lined up with the bottom edge of the bag and the fabric is touching (with right sides together) the other main fabric piece.

Now, before you do anything else, we are going to sew some small straps for the side. Cut 2 pieces of your main fabric that are about 3 inches wide by 7 inches long. Fold those pieces in half lengthwise with right sides together and sew up the long side. Turn right side out and press, then slide your D rings through:

 

Take both of these pieces and slide them into the sandwich of bag that you have sitting waiting for you. You want them two go between your 2 outer pieces and be about 3 inches down from the top. the raw edge of the straps should match up with the raw edge of the bag with the D rings further inside.

Now, sew all the way around each of the pieces of the bag, from the zipper around and back to the zipper. On the inner pieces, leave a small opening at the bottom to turn it all right side out.

Turn right side out by pulling all of the fabric through that hole:

Press that flat and sew the opening closed then get it all tucked into place nicely.

Top stitch along the edge of the fabric near the zipper:

 

Now you just need to sew your strap. Take your strap pieces and place them with right sides together (the fusible fleece will be on the outside). Sew up the two long sides, then turn it right side out:

Press it flat. Grab your two hardware clasps and fold the ends of the straps through them and hem the straps in place on each end. Then clip the strap to the bag.

And head to class! Or wherever you are going!

I hope you love making and using this laptop bag pattern.

You might also like:

DIY Laptop Sleeve:

Easy Tote Bag Pattern:

Pin It: