Learn how to transform the Anastasia Bag pattern into a cross body purse! A woman who attended a past workshop made her Anastasia Bag into a cross body purse on the fly and it was amazing! I'm finally getting around to sharing the details with you. I hope you'll try it for yourself!
Below you'll find hardware changes and how to make this modification based upon the original pattern. It will refer to specific sections in the pattern, so keep it handy!
Hardware and Material Changes:
Instead of 2 1/3 yards of webbing for the straps, you will need 2 yards of the webbing type and width of your choice. The original pattern calls for 1" cotton webbing, but as you'll see in the finished bag photos, I've used 1.5" nylon webbing. Cut this length as follows:
Main crossbody strap: 58"
Handle: 10"
D-ring loops: (2) at 2" each
Instead of 2 metal rectangle rings, you will need 2 metal swivel clasps in the same width as your chosen webbing.
Instead of 2 metal buckle slides, you only need 1.
STEP 1: Insert the D-rings
Follow pattern as written except skip step A4 when you get to it.
Continue with the pattern as written until step E1. After step E1, on the RS of the body, mark 2" away from the side seams on the side of the flap. Then continue to steps E2-4.
After step E4, take the (2) 2" pieces of webbing and insert them through the D-rings, 1 each. Fold in half and sew close (~1/8") to the raw edge to keep secure.
Insert these pieces, d-ring side first in between the flap and the body so that the outer edge is at the 2" mark you made in step 2 above. Secure with pins to the body.
STEP 2: Insert the 10" Handle
Take the 10" webbing and insert between the flap and the body, raw edges up and each end adjacent to the d-ring straps. Secure with pins to the body.
Skip steps E5-7, then continue with the pattern starting at step E8.
Stop when you get to section G.
STEP 3: Prepare the Crossbody Strap
Skip section G and perform the following steps instead.
Take your 58" webbing strap and insert one end through 1 of the swivel clasps and extend 2" beyond the clasp.
Fold the end underneath by 1/2"-3/4" and sew 2 lines of securing stitches.
Insert the other end of the webbing trap through the slide buckle and slide upwards a little bit onto the strap.
Insert the same end through the other swivel clasp and pull through front to back away from the side of the slide buckle front.
Pull a loop of slack away from the slide buckle. Insert the webbing end downward through the slide buckle on the backside.
This is where you can decide how long you want your strap. Extend your strap beyond the buckle at least 2", however for a shorter strap, just keep pulling it through. Attach the swivel clasps to the d-rings and try on the purse to see how long the strap should be. I position the bag exactly where I want it to hang, then I position the buckle about 12" away from the swivel clasp. This give me good options for making it longer or shorter in the future.
If you shortened your strap, cut the strap so that there's 2" extending beyond the slide buckle.
Fold the end underneath by 1/2" and sew 2 lines of securing stitches.
You're DONE! Enjoy your new Crossbody Style Anastasia Bag!
Try it for yourself and use the tag #anastasiabag if you post a photo!
Want to get the Anastasia Bag pattern and follow along? Find all my patterns in my Etsy Shop.
Have your own take on the Anastasia Bag? I'd love to see it! Post it on Instagram and tag me! @banjoflannel
Scroll down to subscribe to my newsletter for my latest posts, projects and exclusive discounts! 👇