Hello, my sewing friends! If you’re looking for a fun and practical bag project, the Harley Crossbody is a must-try—and the best part? It’s a free pattern! In one of my latest live sew-alongs on The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety YouTube channel, we tackled this stylish crossbody together, sharing sewing tips, material recommendations, and plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you’re here for the bag-making tips or just love the community vibe of a sew-along, this project has something for everyone. Let me walk you through the highlights!
The Harley Crossbody sew-along was a lively and interactive session where we worked through this versatile pattern step by step. Here’s a little peek into what we covered during the video:
A Cozy Chat to Start.
Before diving into the sewing, we had a lovely chat about the little quirks of filming from a south-facing room—glare galore! To solve it, I’ve have ordered some grape-coloured curtains, so fingers crossed for better lighting soon I just have to talk Andy into putting them up for me!!. I also shared a quick update on my ongoing battle with migraines and how they’ve been affecting my sleep and energy. Thanks to everyone who sent kind messages—it means the world!
Materials for the Harley Crossbody.
This pattern calls for some fun hardware and materials, including:
Zipper pulls and D-rings.
Magnetic snaps for a professional closure.
Vinyl accent pieces for a polished look.
I love how these simple additions can elevate the overall design and make the bag stand out.
Sewing Techniques You’ll Love.
We explored a variety of sewing techniques during the session, including:
Making Straps: I used double-sided tape to keep the edges neat and secure while stitching.
Slip Pockets: Added a custom pocket measuring 7.5" x 9.5" with tips for centering and preventing “sunken pocket syndrome” (we’ve all been there!).
Zipper Installation: I walked through adding a zipper pocket, including neat tricks for aligning the fabric and avoiding wavy zippers
My Go-To Tools & Machines.
Bag making can be a bit tricky without the right tools, so I shared some of my favourites:
Industrial Sewing Machines: The Jack H2 and Juki HD9 for smooth, consistent stitching on vinyl and thicker materials.
Thread & Needles: I used Tex 45 thread with needles suited for vinyl and fusible fleece, ensuring durability without bulky seams.
Pattern Modifications.
One of the things I love about sewing is customising patterns to suit my preferences. For the Harley Crossbody, I swapped out foam stabilizer for fusible fleece to keep the bag lightweight but structured. It’s a great option if you’re not a fan of bulk!
Troubleshooting & Practical Tips.
Let’s face it—bag making comes with its challenges, but that’s half the fun, right? I shared troubleshooting advice on:
Centering pockets properly to avoid lopsided seams.
Achieving crisp, square edges by clipping corners before turning.
Reinforcing stress points with extra stitching for a longer-lasting bag.
What to do when you forget to add your strap connectors in to your seams
Community Engagement.
What made this sew-along so special was the live interaction. Viewers asked great questions about needles, fabric choices, and hardware, and I did my best to answer them all while keeping the conversation flowing. And of course, we had a giggle about my hair colour experiments and adventures at Greggs—can’t beat a good pasty or a yum yum if you know you you know!
A Dose of Encouragement.
We all make mistakes, and that’s okay! Sewing is about learning and enjoying the process. Even when I was feeling a bit groggy from a migraine, the energy and support from the community kept me going. The Harley Crossbody sew-along was such a fun and rewarding experience! Whether you’re new to bag making or just looking for a fresh project, this free pattern is a fantastic choice. Want to see the full process and join in the chat? Head over to The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety YouTube channel to watch the replay. I’d love to hear about your Harley Crossbody projects—let me know how yours turns out! Let’s keep sewing and having fun together. 😊
Until next time happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full
Deb
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