Huff N Cuff’s Koda Cross Body Bag Review

Pattern Description:
“The Koda Cross Body Bag (by Huff 'N Cuffs) is the perfect size for any event. Approx. 9 1/2" H by 10" W with a front zipper pocket for your phone. A top zipper closure keeps the rest of your possessions safe and easy to access.”

Pattern Sizing: 9 1/2" H by 10" W (I changed it to 9x11")

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
No, because I altered it quite a bit to meet my needs.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, and she has a video tutorial that makes it even more helpful to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked it because it was simple to make, and also easy to alter.

Fabric Used: Cotton Quilting Fabric- from Susan Winget's chocolate collection (OOP).

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made a LOT of alterations.

  1. I wanted the strap to be removable, so instead of stitching the strap directly onto the bag, I stitched two D ring connectors instead. (I also used D rings instead of O rings.) I used cotton belting for both the strap, and the connectors.

  2. I wanted it to fit my Samsung 10 tablet, so I altered the size. The main panel pieces were cut to 10x12" instead of 10-1/4x10-1/2". The zippered pocket piece is also 10x12" instead of 10-1/2x10-1/2". The end result is approximately 9x11”.

  3. I omitted the bottom darts, so that it lays flat because I wanted it less bulky.

  4. I added an inside zipper pocket to the lining, exactly like the front zipper pocket. The outside pocket is perfect for my cosmetics. The inside pocket is perfect for my wallet/credit card holder.

  5. I added a back pocket and a front pocket. The front pocket has dividers so it is easy to fit my phone, pens, and keys. The large pocket in back is perfect for flyers and coupons.  They also both have piping at the top, for added contrast.

  6. Instead of using vinyl or pleather, I used cotton, each piece lined with interfacing.

Would you sew it again?
Definitely!  It is an easy enough pattern to make it any size you need, and to make alterations like I have.

Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, as mentioned above.

Hardware used:
I used 3 zippers: 1 for the top, one for the outside pocket, and one for the inside pocket.  I also used D rings, a buckle, and Swivel Clips for the strap, which I looked up on youtube how to install. I added an “I Love Chocolate” keychain for decorative purposes.  I thought it went perfect with it and adds a little more character.  I also added embroidery thread to the zipper pulls.

Conclusion:
I am not an expert, by any means, and this bag has given me confidence that I can make bags, and alter them, too.  Being able to make my own bag to fit my needs is the greatest pleasure I have in making this. The only change I would make if I did it again is to not use so much interfacing. I used interfacing for every piece of fabric. It was overkill and made it a little bulky. Next time I will just interface the exterior pieces, not any of the lining.

I absolutely love this bag and how it turned out.  I love chocolate, and I love this fabric, so it sort of jumped out at me when I was looking for fabric to make this bag.

More photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/qhQ7hHFhN8kxVP3b6

Special thanks to my 12-year-old daughter for modeling it for me.


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