My Sallie Tomato Fifth Avenue Sling Bag Adventure
After sitting in my pattern stash for nearly a year, I finally decided to tackle the Sallie Tomato Fifth Avenue Sling Bag! I'm so glad I did because this project turned out to be both enjoyable and rewarding. Let me share my experience with this stylish little bag.
The Pattern
The Sallie Tomato Fifth Avenue Sling Bag pattern was one I snagged for free about a year ago. Like many crafters, I have a tendency to collect patterns faster than I can make them! This one caught my eye with its sleek design and versatile style. It's a compact sling bag that's perfect for carrying essentials while keeping your hands free.
My Fabric Choices
For this project, I decided to use:
- Exterior: Vinyl - I wanted something durable and easy to clean
- Lining: Cotton - For a soft interior with a pop of color
The vinyl gives the bag a professional, polished look while being practical for everyday use. If you've never worked with vinyl before, it can be a bit tricky (those clips come in handy since pins leave permanent holes!), but the end result is worth it.
The Construction Process
The pattern instructions were clear and straightforward. The bag consists of several components:
- Main body pieces
- Zipper pocket
- D-rings for strap attachment
- Various hardware elements
One modification I made was skipping the creation of the crossbody strap. I already had one that worked perfectly with this bag, so I only needed to add the D-rings for attachment points. If you're interested in making your own strap, I actually have a tutorial for that on my channel!
Watch the video tutorial below if you prefer 👇
Installation of the Main Zipper
Firstly I installed the Main zipper to the exterior top and lining pattern pieces as shown in the image above and topstitched.
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| Then I clipped and sewed the other end of the zipper to the front bottom panel. |
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Place strap connectors 1 1/2" down from the top edge of the back exterior and matching the side edges and base in place.
Now, Sew the front and back exterior panels all around, right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance and set aside.
The Lining Pocket
- Place one of the 2 pocket pieces wrong side up on your work table, measure 3/4" down from the the top edge and draw an horizontal line, from that line draw another line 1/2" down and draw vertical lines at the sides to create a rectangle that is 3/4" in from both sides of the pocket piece.
- Finally, draw a center line in the box.
- Place this pocket piece right sides facing and 1" down from the top edge of the lining, and pin. Take this to your sewing machine and sew around the box.
- Cut the center line and pull the pocket piece through the opening and press. This is where you will place your zipper.
Line up your zipper with the opening and stitch around to secure.
Place the second pocket piece over the back of the zipper and pin leaving the bottom open.
Pin the lining out of the way as shown above in order to sew just the pocket pieces together.
Sew the two sides and top leaving the bottom unsewn for turning. Your pocket is complete.
NOTE: Press the bottom of the pocket up1/2" to make it easy when sewing closed.
Attach the Pocket Section
- Open the pocket zipper all the way.
- Place the back lining that has the pocket right side facing with the front lining of the sling bag.
- Pin or clip all around and stitch with a 1/4" seam allowance.
- Put your hand through the opening of the pocket and turn the bag out.
- Sew the pocket bottom close with a 1/8" seam allowance and push back inside.
Finally, open the main zipper and turn your bag right side out, push out the corners and attach a crossbody strap. You're done!
👉Use this link to create a crossbody strap
Tips for Working with Vinyl
If you're considering this project with vinyl like I did, here are a few tips:
- Use clips instead of pins to hold pieces together
- A Teflon foot or walking foot helps the vinyl move smoothly through your machine
- If you don't have specialty feet, placing tissue paper between the vinyl and your presser foot works in a pinch
- Use a longer stitch length than you would with cotton
Final Thoughts
I'm really pleased with how my Fifth Avenue Sling Bag turned out! The size is perfect for carrying my phone, wallet, keys, and a few other essentials. The vinyl exterior gives it a professional finish, and the cotton lining adds a personal touch.
If you've been sitting on this pattern like I was, consider this your sign to give it a try! It's a relatively quick project with professional-looking results. The finished bag is perfect for errands, travel, or anytime you want to carry just the essentials.
Have you made the Sallie Tomato Fifth Avenue Sling Bag? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments!
Happy sewing!
