If you’re anything like me, you love a compact bag but hate the chaos of keys, cards, and lip balm floating around in one giant mess. That’s exactly why I designed this clever accordion purse! It’s the perfect weekend sewing project for anyone who loves smart, functional design. Whether you’re a seasoned sewist or ready to level up your beginner skills, this step-by-step guide and pattern will make bag-making your new obsession. Let’s get those sewing machines humming!
The finished measurements of this Muse Accordion Bag are approximately 9½″(24㎝) W × 6⅜″(16㎝) H × 3⅝″(9㎝) D.
You may watch the full video tutorial on my Youtube channel.
Share this video with a lot of people who need it.
Seam allowances are 1/4″ unless otherwise specified.
Let's get started!!
To make this you will need:
◆ Main panel
① 10⅛″ × 6⅞″ (25.5㎝ × 17.5㎝) Exterior
③ 10⅛″ × 6⅞″ (25.5㎝ × 17.5㎝) Lining
② 10⅛″ × 6⅞″ (25.5㎝ × 17.5㎝) Fusible fleece
◆ Slip pocket
① 10⅛″ × 5⅜″ (25.5㎝ × 13.5㎝) Exterior
① 10⅛″ × 5⅜″ (25.5㎝ × 13.5㎝) Lining
◆ Zippered pocket
① 10⅛″ × 2¼″ (25.5㎝ × 5.5㎝) Exterior
① 10⅛″ × 2¼″ (25.5㎝ × 5.5㎝) Lining
① 10⅛″ × 2¼″ (25.5㎝ × 5.5㎝) Exterior
① 10⅛″ × 2¼″ (25.5㎝ × 5.5㎝) Lining
◆ Zipper gusset
② 23″ × 2¼″ (58㎝ × 5.5㎝) Exterior
② 23″ × 2¼″ (58㎝ × 5.5㎝) Lining
② 23″ × 2¼″ (58㎝ × 5.5㎝) Fusible fleece
◆ Bottom gusset
① 8½″ × 4¼″ (21.5㎝ × 10.5㎝) Exterior
① 8½″ × 4¼″ (21.5㎝ × 10.5㎝) Lining
① 8½″ × 4¼″ (21.5㎝ × 10.5㎝) Fusible fleece
◆ Card holder
① 8″ × 23¾″ (20㎝ × 60㎝) Lining
② 1⅝″ × 5⅛″ (4㎝ × 13㎝) Lining
◆ Zipper Pocket Divider
② 8¾″ × 4¼″ (22㎝ × 10.5㎝) Exterior
② 8¾″ × 4¼″ (22㎝ × 10.5㎝) Lining
◆ Divider
① 8¾″ × 7¾″ (22㎝ × 19.5㎝) Lining
① 8¾″ × 3⅜″ (22㎝ × 8.5㎝) Mid-weight woven fusible interfacing
◆ Accordion Gusset
④ 9⅞″ × 4½″ (25㎝ × 11.5㎝) Lining
◆ Others
① Zipper_seam allowance included 7⅛″(18㎝)
① Zipper_seam allowance included 9⅛″(23㎝)
① Zipper_seam allowance included 23″(58㎝)
② 1″(2.5㎝) Wide D-ring
② 1″(2.5㎝) Wide Swivel Hook
① 1″(2.5㎝) Wide Slider Buckle
① 1″(2.5㎝) Wide Webbing Strap 63¼″(160㎝)
① 1⅝″(4㎝) Wide bias tape 67″(170㎝)
Place the exterior and lining pieces of the pocket right sides together, sew along the top edge, then turn right side out and topstitch.
Position the pocket on the main exterior panel and sew around the three remaining sides.
Sandwich the zipper between the exterior and lining pieces of the zippered pocket, sew, then turn right side out and topstitch along the zipper teeth.
Repeat the exact same process to attach the panels to the opposite side of the zipper.
Fold the card slot fabric following the video instructions, then place it on the lining panel and sew around the three sides. Fold the accordion gussets, insert the zippered pocket and divider into the folds, stitch to secure, and then sew them to both sides of the lining panel with the card slots.
Place the exterior and lining pieces of the bottom gusset at both ends of the zipper gusset and sew them together to form a continuous loop.
Mark the 4 quarter-points on both the main panels and the completed gusset loop.
Match the 4 quarter-points with right sides together and sew all the way around using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Wrap the raw internal seam allowances with bias binding tape and sew to enclose them cleanly.
Position the unattached ends of the accordion gussets against the remaining lining panel and secure them in place using a blind stitch or whip stitch by hand.
Finally, attach the adjustable strap to complete the bag.
YOU ARE FINISHED!
The beautiful accordion bag is complete! 🎁 If you loved this project, make sure to check out the [Sewingtimes YouTube channel] for more smart, functional sewing patterns. See you in the next project!
