Simple book bag

You can make this very simple and versatile bag in about 25-30 minutes! I've made each of the boys one - heck, they could have even made their own! They are great for going to the library, park, beach or just running errands! Best part is that they are totally one of a kind! You're the designer!
Start with a template. Here is mine, it makes the perfect size bag for me and the kids:

Use your template to cut out two pieces each from two contrasting fabrics. With my template, I only need a yard for the outside and a yard for the lining. I get my fabric from the Walmart dollar bin so each bag only costs me two bucks to make!
Take your two pieces from the outer part of the bag and put the right sides of the fabric together. Sew the outer edges of the bag together:

Open up your bag and line up the two seams you just sewed together so that they are in the middle of the bag. Sew a straight line along the bottom of the bag:

Open up your bag again and lay the corners flat. Sew a line about 1 inch from the point and then clip away the extra fabric to about 1/4 inch away from your seam:

Do the same steps above to your lining fabric EXCEPT leave a 2-3 inch hole along the bottom of the bag so that you can turn the whole thing right side out a little later!
Now take your lining fabric and sew a pocket on! Cut out a square piece of fabric and press under your two sides and bottom sections about 1/4 inch. Turn under the top section about 1/4 inch and then fold under again about 3/4 inch and press. Sew a line across the top of your pocket to give the top a clean edge and then place the whole thing onto your lining. Sew down the two sides and bottom of your pocket. This pocket is optional for kids, but a MUST for moms! It's the perfect place to hold your cell phone and car keys!

Next, place your lining inside your bag with the right sides of the fabrics together. Pin carefully in place and sew around all the edges, leaving the handles of the bags open at the ends. Then, make little clips with your scissors around all the curved edges:

Turn your bag right side out using the little hole in your liner. Sew up that hole either by hand or on machine and then press the bag. Take one of your straps and fold the ends under about 1/2 an inch and press. Insert the other handle and sew to connect the two for a finished edge:

Go around the edges of the bag with a top stitch to give a finished look!
My bag is the perfect size for my DayRunner, a diaper and wipes, cell phone, keys and a pack of gum!