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The Sidecar Crossbody Bag sewing pattern is a beginner-friendly PDF sewing pattern designed for making an everyday crossbody bag you’ll reach for again and again. Whether you’re heading out for errands, spending the afternoon at a craft fair, or packing light for a weekend trip, the Sidecar is designed to carry the essentials without adding bulk.
SHOP NOW: Get the Sidecar Crossbody Bag sewing pattern here ⟶
Sew an everyday bag you’ll reach for again and again.
Whether you’re heading out for errands, spending the afternoon at a craft fair, or packing light for a weekend trip, the Sidecar Crossbody Bag is designed to carry the essentials without adding bulk.
Its clean horseshoe shape gives it a timeless look, while the simple construction keeps the sewing enjoyable from start to finish.
The handmade bag sewing pattern was designed with flexibility in mind. Sew it exactly as written for a classic everyday bag, or personalize it with optional add-ons and your favorite fabrics to create something completely your own.
Sidecar Crossbody Bag Pattern
Make your own crossbody bag with this beginner-friendly sewing pattern. The digital download pattern includes written instructions with photos as well as video tutorials.
– Comes in two sizes.
– Add ons included: two-panel exterior, adjustable strap, zipper pocket
Sidecar Crossbody Bag at a Glance
- Beginner-friendly PDF sewing pattern
- Two sizes
- Fully lined construction
- Magnetic snap closure
- Interior slip pocket
- Optional add-ons come with the pattern
- Great for canvas, leather, cork, quilting cotton, and upholstery fabric
- Perfect for upcycling old jeans
Why I Designed the Sidecar
I love bag sewing patterns that are practical enough to use every day but simple enough to encourage creativity. Whether I’m sewing with worn denim, a well-loved leather jacket, or vintage textiles, I enjoy patterns that let the materials become part of the design.
A beautiful bag sewing pattern that has hundreds of hours put into the layout, pattern design, and sewing methods are great too (I’ve enjoyed many!). The Sidecar Crossbody bag sewing pattern takes a different approach by keeping a construction that’s approachable while still producing a polished, professional-looking bag. Instead of overwhelming you with every possible feature, the core pattern focuses on the essentials. I’ve included a few optional add-ons to let you expand the design but aren’t required.
Whether you make one bag or ten, I hope it becomes one of those reliable patterns you keep coming back to.
Designed for Everyday Use
Do you have a go-to bag? The one you grab for a quick run or the one that “goes with everything”?
The Sidecar crossbody purse sewing pattern was designed to be exactly that.
Its rounded silhouette comfortably holds your daily essentials without feeling oversized. Inside there’s room for items like:
- Wallet
- Phone
- Keys
- Sunglasses
- Small notebook
- Lip balm
- Earbuds
- Snacks
- Water Bottle
Because the bag sits close to the body, it’s comfortable for shopping, walking, traveling, concerts, and everyday errands.
Comes in Two Sizes! Choose the Size That Fits Your Day
I use the smaller size when it’s just the basics (wallet phone, phone, keys) and the larger size when I need to have my large water bottle with me. Both sizes can have any or all of the add-ons.
Classic
The Classic size is ideal when you want to carry just the essentials. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for everyday use.
Large
Need a little more room?
The Large version keeps the same silhouette while providing extra space for those days when you want to bring along a bit more. This size accommodates a wider strap making it more comfortable for carrying more weight.
Customize Your Sidecar Crossbody
One of my favorite things about a simple bag pattern is how easily it can be modified while keeping the same structure and basic construction. Changing the fabric can give this bag a totally different personality.
Upcycled Denim
Perfect for worn jeans and to show off some denim texture. Use faded pockets, interesting seams, or different washes to create a bag that’s better than basic. I like to use the Two-Panel Exterior Add-On with different denim colors or washes. Pair it with an old leather belt for a strap for the ultimate upcycled bag.
Leather
The simple shape of the Sidecar Bag bodes well with various leather weights. A lightweight leather (like garment leather) will stay soft and supple and a medium to heavy weight leather (like upholstery leather) will keep it’s shape a bit more. Just be sure to know what your machine can handle.
Pssst…use a heavier weight leather and skip the lining!
Quilting Cotton
Use quilting cotton with a fusible interfacing and a foam stabilizer to show off a fun print and quilted lines. Interfaced quilting cotton also make the perfect lining material.
Upholstery Fabric
Upholstry fabrics are great for both the exterior and lining for the Sidecar Crossbody Bag sewing pattern. I like to use it for the lining to give the inside of the bag interesting textures and more stability. Using upholstery fabric for the exterior allows you to show off more bold prints and designs.
Mix Fabrics
Get creative with patchwork, denim and leather, applique design, upcycled textiles, and more for a totally unique bag, in your style.
Planning your next bag? Save this crossbody bag pattern for later.
RELATED: Check out my Modified Headline Tote in Black Denim
Pattern Comes with Optional Add-Ons
The base pattern keeps things simple, but if you enjoy adding features, optional Sidecar Crossbody Bag sewing pattern includes add-ons to let you build on the same design.
Depending on the version you choose, you can add:
- Adjustable webbing strap (works for both 1″ and 1 1/2″ wide straps)
- Two-panel exterior (great for pairing multiple fabrics to add interest)
- Zipper pocket (add to the inside, outside, or both)
Each add-on includes its own downloadable and video instructions and is designed to work seamlessly with the main pattern.
Recommended Fabric & Supplies
The Sidecar Crossbody Bag sewing pattern really is versatile in use and making. Get more structure with more structured fabrics or keep it soft and slouchy with more relaxed materials.
Exterior Fabrics
- Canvas
- Denim
- Upholstry Fabric
- Leather
- Quilting Cotton
- Vinyl
Lining Fabrics
- Interfaced quilting cotton
- upholstry fabric
- waterproof canvas
- canvas
Interfacing and Stabilizers
Soft & Stable – My go-to foam stabilizer when I want the bag to have body without becoming stiff. It adds structure while still allowing the Sidecar to keep its soft, rounded shape.
Fusible fleece – Another great way to add a little body and show off some quilt lines. The fusbility allows it to become one with the chose exterior materials.
Woven interfacing – Add a fusible woven interfacing (like Pellon SF101) to quilting cotton to give a bit more structure and reduce stretching.
Decovil Light – I like to add this to the back of denim and canvas to give it more of a leather feel and structure.
Hardware
While all hardware is optional and can be made without any hardware, I do really like the look (and added stability) of metal rivets to attach the strap. Of course some strap hardware is needed for an adjustable strap and zippers for zipper pockets.
- metal rivets – 9mm (or similar size) are my go-to size.
- #5 zippers – Any size zipper will work as long as the tape is 1 1/4″ wide. #5 is my favorite size.
- rectangle rings and adjustable slider – For use with the adjustable strap. The size needs to match the strap width.
Choose the Material for the Style
For a soft, slouchy bag
To make a soft and more slouchy bag, choose lighter weight exterior fabric and stabilize it with fusible fleece or quilt batting.
For a structured bag
To make a bag that’s more structured and holds it shape, use an exterior material that is more rigid, like vinyl or mid to heavy weight leather. Stabilizing lighter weight fabrics with with a foam layer or Decovil Light will give the bag a more solid appearance and feel.
Video Tutorials
The Sidecar bag sewing pattern includes a growing library of supplemental videos that demonstrate portions of the construction process and each available add-on.
The videos are intended to complement the written instructions, giving you another way to follow along if you prefer seeing the techniques demonstrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sewing level?
This is a beginner-friendly sewing pattern that’s approachable for confident beginners looking to explore bag making.
What sewing machine do I need?
A basic home sewing machine will be enough for this sewing pattern using light-midweight materials. Heavier weight materials or leather may require a heavier duty machine. This can also be sewn on an industrial machine with ease.
Can I use old jeans?
I’m glad you asked! Upcycling old denim jeans is one of my favorite ways to use the Sidecar Crossbody bag pattern. Show off those frays, pockets, seams, hardware, and more! You can stabilize your denim bag with a foam stabilizer, fusible fleece, quilt batting, or a fusible stabilizer like Decovil Light.
Can I sell bags made from this pattern? Yes, you may sell bags made from this pattern as long as they are made by you and not mass-produced.
Is there a video tutorial?
Yes, the main pattern and all add-ons include supplemental videos to help visualize the steps.
Can I make the strap longer or shorter?
Absolutely. Make the strap to your preferred length or make it adjustable using the instructions in the Strap Options Add-On.
What’s the difference between the Classic and Large sizes?
Classic: 10″ tall x 10½” wide x 2″ deep – Make it with a 1″ wide strap.
Large: 12″ tall x 12½” wide x 3″ deep – Make it with a 1″ or 1 1/2″ wide strap.
Both sizes work with all add-on options.
What if I don’t have the exact hardware?
The Sidecar Bag can be made without any hardware at all.
How long does it take to sew?
This project can be complete in a day.
Make the Sidecar Bag
Get the DIY crossbody purse sewing pattern to make your own version.
Make It Your Own
One of my favorite things about the Sidecar Crossbody Bag is how versatile it is. The simple shape also makes it a great starting point for creative fabric combinations, upcycled materials, and personalized details.
I’ll be sharing more inspiration and project ideas in future blog posts, so be sure to check back for new ways to make the Sidecar your own.
Every Handmade Bag Looks Different
One of my favorite parts of releasing a sewing pattern is seeing what everyone creates with it. The same pattern can look completely different depending on the fabric, hardware, quilting, or finishing details you choose. That’s one of the reasons I keep coming back to the Sidecar—it’s a pattern that grows with your creativity.
Sidecar Crossbody Bag Pattern
A beginner-friendly horseshoe-shaped crossbody purse pattern with two sizes and optional skill-building add-ons.
Ready to Make Your Own Sidecar?
Whether you choose classic canvas, upcycled denim, or a favorite fabric you’ve been saving, the Sidecar Crossbody Bag is designed to be a project you’ll enjoy sewing and carrying.
I can’t wait to see the version you create.