Free Cell Phone Bag Pattern
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Learn how to make a cell phone bag with a free sewing pattern. This tiny crossbody bag is great for essentials and it’s a fun sewing project.
School is out for the summer where I take my kids on lots of different adventures. We love going hiking, visiting museums, swimming, etc. Now that my kids are old enough to not need as much when we are out and they are old enough to carry their own stuff, I hate carrying big bags.
I needed a small bag that would carry my cell phone and a couple of essentials, and so this cell phone bag pattern was created. I was picky about what I needed it to do so that’s why it’s this size with two pockets, and it’s a crossbody bag. Don’t miss the video showing you how to make it and the free PDF sewing pattern at the end of the post!
What is a zipper?
A zipper is two strips of fabric tape with interlocking metal or plastic teeth that are closed or open with a metal or plastic pull or slide. It’s used to fasten clothing and bags.
In this tutorial I use the words “teeth” meaning the interlocking projecting metal or plastic teeth, “zipper tape” meaning the two strips of fabric along each side, and “pull” meaning the slide that connects or disconnects the teeth.
What fabric works for a cell phone bag?
The fabric that works best for a cell phone bag is quilting cotton for both the outer fabric and the lining fabric. There are so many prints that will be fun to use. Add interfacing to give stability to the pouch and help it hold its shape.
What is a PDF sewing pattern?
A PDF pattern is a sewing pattern designed on the computer and organized so that it can be printed on several letter or A4 size pieces of paper.
I love using PDF sewing patterns because if the pattern gets ruined or if my children or I changed sizes, I can always print it again. It’ll never be destroyed since I have a digital version!
How do you use a PDF sewing pattern?
Open the PDF on a computer and click print. When printing make sure that the scaling is set to 100% or no scaling so that the pattern prints at the correct size.
Once the pattern is printed it can be taped together to get the full size. Then the pattern can be cut for each pattern piece size or individual sizes can be traced so that the pattern can be used again and again. Learn how to use PDF sewing patterns.
Do you love to sew? Try some of these fun sewing projects:
- Zipper pouch sewing projects
- How to sew a zipper
- How to fix a zipper if the pull came off
- Beginner sewing projects
- Scrap fabric projects
- Easy gifts to sew
- Fat quarter sewing projects
- Accessory sewing projects
How to Make a Cell Phone Bag
Supplies
- Free phone bag sewing pattern – get it at the end of the post
- Fat quarter of fabric for the outer fabric
- Fat quarter of fabric for the lining
- Lightweight fusible interfacing
- Two 8 inch coil zippers (will be cut smaller about 5 inches)
- Two 1/2 inch lobster clasps and D-rings
- Sewing tools
- Sewing machine
Do you just want the pattern and tutorial as a PDF? Get the pattern and tutorial for just $5. You won’t need to access the internet every time you want to make it. Or get the Pattern Bundle with ALL the PDF tutorials!
Seam allowance is 3/8 inch.
Cut out the pieces
Cut out all the fabric pieces as the pattern instructs.
From the outer fabric: 1 back, 1 upper front, 1 lower front, and 1 strap.
From the lining fabric: 2 back, 1 upper front, 1 lower front, 2 zipper tabs, and 2 loops.
From the interfacing: 1 back, 1 upper front, 1 lower front, 1 strap, and 1 loops.
Apply the fusible interfacing to the wrong side of all the outer fabric pieces and the loops.
Sew the front zipper
I’m not going into a lot of details about how to sew a zipper but the article I linked to will teach you if you need a little extra help.
Insert one zipper between the upper front and the lower front pieces. The outer fabric will be on the right side of the zipper and the lining will be on the wrong side of the zipper. Make sure to topstitch the fabric away from the zipper.
Pull the zipper pull to the center of the zipper. Baste down the sides of the front pieces. Trim off the excess zipper on each side.
Sew the top zipper
Pull the zipper pull to the center of the other zipper. Use the zipper guide to cut the zipper to the right size.
Add the zipper tabs to each side of the zipper. It’s like sewing bias binding with the raw edges inside and the fabric wrapped around. (See how I added zipper tabs in this zipper pouch sewing project.)
Insert the zipper with tabs between the front and back pieces. The front piece has the zipper added, and there will be two lining pieces so the front will actually have three layers of fabric.
The outer fabric will be on the right side of the zipper and the lining will be on the wrong side of the zipper.
Make sure to topstitch the fabric away from the zipper.
This is what the inside looks like.
Sew the strap and the loops
Take the loops and the strap. Fold them in half with the long sides matching. Fold the long edges into the middle fold and fold all three folds (like bias binding). Press all three folds in place.
Sew along the long edges 1/8 inch from the edge to secure and enclose the raw edges.
Slide the lobster clasp onto each end of the strap. Fold the short end of the strap over 1/4 inch and then again 1/2 inch around the loop of the clasp.
Fold the loops in half and slide the D-ring onto each. Clip the loop with D-ring 1/2 inch below the zipper on the front of the bag. Make sure you are clipping to ONLY the front fabric and not the big lining piece.
Baste the loops in place.
Sew the bag
Grab the two front pieces and bring them right sides together. Pin. Grab the two lining pieces and bring them right sides together. Pin.
One side will be lining fabric and the other side with be the outer pieces, and the top zipper will be in the middle.
Make sure the zipper is folded towards the outer fabric.
Starting at the bottom of the lining, sew around the whole bag and pivot at the corners. Leave a two inch hole to turn the bag right side out and backstitch when you start and when you stop.
Trim the corners to reduce the bulk.
Turn the bag right side out. Poke out the corners of the outer fabric pieces.
Pinch the lining hole closed and sew across the top to close the hole.
Push the lining into the bag and poke out the top zipper corners. Clip the strap onto the D-rings. You finished!
Get the Free Sewing Pattern here!
I believe small sewing moments can create great joy. Find your own “right” way to sew. -Heather
Is there a written tutorial? I can’t figure out your video or the directions. I downloaded all the pattern pieces but I need more help. Thanks
You can buy the written tutorial here: https://heatherhandmade.shop/products/cell-phone-bag-pattern-and-tutorial
What is the finished size of this phone purse?
Do you match up the notches on the Lower Front and Body with additional blank pieces?
The finished size is 4.5 inches wide and 7.5 inches tall. I’m not sure what your other question is?
Looking fwd to trying out this bag
I must be missing something. The pattern calls for 3 lining pieces for the body but following the video, I only used 2. So the front pocket has some raw edges inside and the wrong side of the lining fabric is visible. I could not tell if that was the case for the sample you made on the video as your lining fabric was the same on both sides. Please point out where in the instructions it shows using the 3rd lining body piece.
The body has three total pieces: one outer piece and two lining pieces. You are correct that there are some raw edges and you see the wrong side of the lining fabric. If you want to use a 3rd lining body piece you can do two facing away from each other behind the small pocket. This would change the look of the fabric inside.
Thank you,this pattern is great although I think the video missed the step of the third liner for the front pocket. I figured it out after.
I am impressed with your design and would like the pattern to try,
I signed up to get the free cell phone bag Pattern but, can’t seem to find it.
Once you confirm that you want to be on my list (which I can see you did) enter your email in the form under “get the free sewing pattern” and it’ll be emailed to you!
Nevermind. I figured it out!!!
I can’t figure out how you cut out the strap to make it long enough. My pattern has the one relatively short pattern piece for the strap. What am I overlooking?
I can’t seem to get to the actual pattern. It keeps bringing me to the place to sign up. I signed up and clicked on the link, but it brought me to a bunch of other patterns, but not that one.
I can see that you signed up and that the phone bag pattern was emailed to your email address. did you click the link in the email?
I can’t find the free cell phone bag pattern. Where is it?
I have tried all over this site to find the free cell phone pattern. I signed up on the website, no luck.
I sent you an email, did you recieve it?
I can’t wait to make this. I go over Tues, Thurs, and Sat. to the Amish stand near us. I write a check for my produce and leave my purse in my locked car. This would be perfect to stash my checkbook, pen, and keys in while I have my hands free to carry my produce!
awesome!
Hi. What a darn good Idea. Will be making it for sure. Love it. Thanks.
What size phone was this designed for? I want to do one for my daughter but with her case it is bulky.
The phone in the picture is 3 1/8 inch wide by 6 5/8 inch tall and 1/2 inch deep. I have a bulky phone and it’s fine but I can’t fit a lot of extras into the bag.