How to Sew a Toddler Crossbody Bag – Step-by-Step Tutorial

How to Sew a Toddler Crossbody Bag

If you’ve been searching for how to sew a toddler crossbody bag, you’re in the right place! In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through every step of creating the Little Girl Bag Aya Mia – a fun and beginner-friendly sewing project for little ones. With a cute retro print, a magnetic flap, and a handy front pocket, this bag is a joy to sew and even more fun to carry!

With its bold retro pattern, secure flap, front pocket, and adjustable strap, this bag is perfect for little ones who love to carry their tiny treasures on the go. Whether you’re sewing for your child, a birthday gift, or just want a quick and satisfying make, this tutorial will guide you from start to finish with printable templates and detailed instructions.

Finished Size:
Width: 21 cm (8.3″)
Height: 15 cm (5.9″)
Ideal for carrying tiny treasures, snacks, or a favorite plush friend!

Download free pattern Toddler Cross Body Bag – Aya Mia – Pattern.

Here’s where I buy most of my fabrics locally: Mister Stoff (they have a great selection of cotton canvas and colorful prints perfect for bags like this one!).

Materials:

  • Cotton canvas (for outer fabric)
  • Natural cotton (for lining)
  • Optional: Interfacing for extra structure
  • 1 magnetic snap button (e.g., PRYM brand)
  • 1 strap adjuster (silver metal)
  • Matching thread
  • Basic sewing tools: scissors, iron, pins, sewing machine

Pattern Pieces (with 1 cm / ⅜” seam allowance)

Piece Qty Metric Size (mm) Imperial Size (in)
Front & Back 2x 160 x 120 mm 6.3" x 4.7"
Pocket Front 1x 120 x 90 mm 4.7" x 3.5"
Closure/Flap 1x 160 x 150 mm 6.3" x 5.9"
Side Panel 1x 320 x 60 mm 12.6" x 2.4"
Handle 1x 80 x 80 mm 3.1" x 3.1"
Strap 1x 960 x 80 mm 37.8" x 3.1"

How to Sew a Toddler Crossbody Bag – Step-by-Step

1. Download & Cut All Pieces

Start by downloading the Toddler Crossbody Bag Aya Mia pattern and printing it.
Cut the following pieces:

    For the exterior:

  • 1x front panel
  • 1x back panel
  • 1x pocket
  • 1x flap/closure
  • 1x side panel
  • 1x handle loop
  • 1x adjustable strap

    For the lining:

  • 1x front panel
  • 1x back panel
  • 1x pocket lining
  • 1x flap lining
  • 1x side panel

Optional (for structure):
Cut interfacing for the front, back, side, flap, and outer pocket.

2. Apply Interfacing

Iron interfacing to the wrong side of the following outer pieces:
Front, back, pocket, side, and flap. This adds structure and durability.

3. Prepare the Pocket

  • Mark the center of the exterior pocket piece on the right side as a guide.
  • Measure 2–3 cm (approx. 1″) from the top and install the female part of the magnetic snap.
  • Place the pocket right sides together with the lining piece and sew all around, leaving a 3 cm (1.2″) gap at the bottom.
  • Clip corners, turn the pocket right side out, and press neatly.

4. Prepare the Flap

  • Sew the exterior and lining flap pieces right sides together.
  • Mark 3 cm (1.2″) up from the bottom center of the lining side and install the male part of the magnetic snap.
  • Turn right side out, press the flap, and topstitch the curved edge.

5. Attach Pocket & Flap

  • Align the finished pocket with the front outer panel, centered, and topstitch the sides and bottom edges.
  • Align the finished flap to the top edge of the back outer panel, lining side down, and baste in place.

6. Assemble the Bag Exterior

  • Pin the long side panel around the curved edge of the front panel and sew carefully.
  • Repeat with the back panel, enclosing the flap between the layers.

7. Sew the Lining

How to Sew a Toddler Crossbody Bag - Sew the Lining

  • Assemble the lining pieces the same way as the exterior — front, back, and side — but leave a gap at the bottom for turning the bag later.
  • No pocket or flap is attached in the lining.

8. Make the Strap

  • Fold the strap piece in half lengthwise and press to create a center crease.
  • Open it, then fold each long edge inward to meet the center crease and press again.
  • Fold the strap closed along the original center crease, enclosing the raw edges inside — you’ll now have four layers.
  • Topstitch along both long edges to secure and give a clean, finished look.
  • This method avoids flipping and results in a sturdy, professional strap.

Attaching the Strap
Thread one end of the strap through the metal slider attached to the handle loop.
Fold the strap end over and sew securely.
Adjust the strap length as needed for your toddler’s comfort.

9. Make the Handle Loop

Use the same fold-in-four method as for the strap:

  • Fold the loop piece in half lengthwise and press.
  • Open it, fold both long edges toward the center crease, and press again.
  • Fold shut and topstitch both long edges.
    Fold the handle loop in half and thread it through your metal strap slider or D-ring.
    Sew the ends of the handle loop to the top edge of the back panel, ensuring it’s centered. This loop will serve as the attachment point for the adjustable strap.

10. Final Assembly

  • With the outer bag right side out and the lining inside out, insert the outer bag into the lining so that right sides are facing each other.
  • Align the top edges, ensuring the flap and handle loop are tucked between the layers.
  • Pin around the top edge and sew all the way around.
  • Turn the bag right side out through the gap left in the lining
  • Push out corners, press well, and topstitch around the top edge for a polished finish.
  • Stitch the opening in the lining closed by hand or machine.

You now have a beautifully structured, vibrant crossbody toddler bag with geometric charm. The sturdy strap, secure snap, and pocket make it as functional as it is adorable.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to sew a toddler crossbody bag! If you make your own Aya Mia bag, I’d love to see it – tag me on BlueSky @madebychimene.bsky.social!

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