The Covehithe Messenger Bag Sewing Pattern by Charlie’s Aunt
The Covehithe Messenger Bag Sewing Pattern – Retro, Refined & Perfect for Everyday Style!
The Covehithe Messenger Bag by Charlie’s Aunt is a beautifully simple yet striking crossbody bag with a nostalgic, retro feel. With clean lines, asymmetrical details, and plenty of opportunity for creative fabric combinations, this design blends classic charm with everyday practicality.
Named after the picturesque village on the Suffolk coast, The Covehithe Messenger Bag captures that relaxed coastal spirit. It’s functional, stylish, and made to last.
Why We Love the Covehithe Messenger Bag
This pattern offers the perfect mix of thoughtful design and sewist-friendly construction:
- Retro-inspired design. The clean lines and asymmetrical details give this messenger bag timeless appeal.
- Multi-pieced front. Ideal for using up smaller contrasting fabric pieces for a patchwork or color-blocked effect.
- Plain back and double flap detail. Features a stylish two-part asymmetric flap for a unique finish.
- Customizable strap options. Choose between a self-fabric strap or an adjustable webbing strap.
- Practical interior. Includes templates and instructions for both a zippered pocket and a simple patch pocket.
Finished Size
- Height: 11″ (28cm)
- Width: 13″ (33cm)
- Base Depth: 2.5″ (6.5cm)
- Webbing Strap: up to approx. 55″ (140cm)
- Self-Fabric Strap: approx. 42″ long
Perfectly sized for carrying your essentials while still maintaining a sleek, minimal silhouette — ideal for day trips, work, or everyday wear.
Materials Needed
You’ll need the following supplies to make your own Covehithe Messenger Bag:
- 15″ x 30″ (38cm x 76cm) exterior fabric
- 15″ x 25″ (38cm x 64cm) contrasting exterior fabric
- 9″ x 8″ (23cm x 21cm) additional contrast fabric
- ¾ yard (70cm) of lining fabric
- 1 yard (92cm) of firm fusible interfacing
- 32″ x 12″ (82cm x 30cm) foam stabilizer
- 1 magnetic snap set
- 1 large button (approx. 2″ diameter) or two to three smaller ones
- 7″ (18cm) zipper for interior pocket
For the strap:
- Self-fabric version: 44″ x 2″ exterior + 44″ x 2″ contrast + 44″ x 4″ fusible web/interfacing
- Webbing version: 65″ (165cm) of 1″ webbing, or 130″ (330cm) if using double thinner webbing, plus 2 x 1″ rings and 1 adjustable slider
Inside the Pattern
This digital PDF pattern includes 26 pages in total:
- 13 pages of instructions, cutting guides, and step-by-step photos
- 13 full-size template pages (with ½″ seam allowances included)
Some of the larger templates are split across multiple pages and must be joined together using tape along the dashed lines. Full joining instructions are included for easy assembly.
Skill Level
The Covehithe Messenger Bag is suitable for confident beginners and up. It’s a relaxing make that allows you to experiment with colors, textures, and detailing while producing a polished, professional result.
The Covehithe Messenger Bag by Charlie’s Aunt is a timeless crossbody design that’s simple to sew, endlessly customizable, and effortlessly chic. Whether you love retro-inspired bags or need a new everyday favorite, this pattern is sure to become a staple in your handmade collection.
