Reversible, Adjustable Monkeytrain Bag

I was looking to make a bag that isn't too big, but just the right size to fit all the important stuff.
I made this!





There are so many things about this bag:
1. the strap is adjustable;
2. it is pleated;
3. it is reversible!


Here's what you need:



Here's how to prepare you materials:



Now you're all ready to sew!


First, we shall use the tiny rectangles to make the hooks for the strap.
Fold the left 2/3 in and the right 1/3 in.
Then fold the right flap over onto the left.
Make sure they are not too short. It needs to be big enough for the swivel hook to pass through




Sew it together.



Do the same for the other tiny rectangle.


Next, mark 3 markings on all your bottom pieces.
Fold it into half; that's one marking.
Then, fold both the left and right to meet the middle; that's markings 2 and 3.
Now, pin the bottom pieces to their respective border pieces by the corners only.



Make a single marking of the border pieces.
Fold them into half and make a mark.


Now we're going to make the pleat.
Note the centre marking.
Fold about 1/4 inch of the cloth under to meet the centre marking.
Do one on the left and one on the right.

Then pin it to the centre of the border piece.


Note the left marking.
Fold it under so that the left of the bottom cloth is now the same length as the border cloth.
Pin it onto border cloth.
Do same for right marking.



Do for all 4 pieces.
Then sew into position.
The pleat is complete.


Pin the 2 insides pieces together and the two outside pieces together.
The pattern facing each other.



Place the inside cloths and outside cloths together; one on top of the other.
Align the top of the border piece.



Sew only the middle of the top of the border to keep them in position.



Sew all four pieces together along the left, bottom and right.
Leave the top open and unsewn.
leave about 1/2cm on top at the border
That means, start sewing about 1/2cm into the border.
This is so you can put the 2 tiny rectangles you made into hooks at the top of the border.


Open the bag from the first cloth and turn the bag inside out.



Now for the strap.
Fold the cloth along the lines you drew.
Then, fold one flap over the other.
Sew into position.
Make sure the strap is not too thick as it needs to go through the swivel hook.



Thread strap through swivel hook.
Fold down top of strap slightly.
Fold down a flap to put swivel hook into position.
Sew.



Tuck the border pieces neatly into each other.



Then, place one folded tiny rectangle inside.



Now, place one end of the strap (the one without the swivel) in as well.



Sew into position.


Do the same for the other end.
But without the strap.
Tuck in corners, put in tiny rectangle and sew into position.


Now, pin the top of the bag ie. borders together and sew.



Hook the swivel hook onto the tinry rectangle hook and it's ready to be used!
Thread the swivel hook with strap through the rectangular hook fasten the swivel hook to the other end of the bag to shorten strap.



Phew! That was a lot!
But now you know how to do a pleated bag that is reversible!
Enjoy!