This is a really cute bag that is super easy to make. You need two 18 inch squares of fabric, 1 1/2 yards of cording, and your normal sewing supplies.

Try to pick contrasting fabrics. You want the pocket to be a noticeable surprise! FQs work well and waste less fabric since you are making an 18 inch square.

You want a nice 18 inch square for this tutorial but you can increase or decrease the size of your bag. You just need to do the math on where to measure on the sides. That will make more sense later.

The next step is simple. You are going to clip the corners, turn it right sides out making sure you get your points nice and "pointy". Then you are going to slip stitch the opening closed and give it a good pressing.

Don't try to rush the process and skip the ironing. It is key to the folding process later.

Now you are going to measure down 6 inches on both sides of one corner. Do the same for the opposite side corner. See photo below.

Stitch the piece that you just pinned.

Now you are ready for the center stitch line. I know this looks strange but it is necessary. It forms the bottom of the two pockets and keeps the fabrics together.

Now you are ready for the casing for the cording.

Fold down 1 inch on each side. You are going to draw a line from edge to edge. Then mark another line 5/8 inch from that one (closer to the fold).

Stitch the two marked lines on both sides of your bag.

I feel like you need to continue this. I don't see how it turns into a bag. Maybe just me.

Now you are ready to sew the sides together. It is easier than it sounds or looks so don't get discouraged!

Fold the right sides together. The right side is the side with the pocket. So you are folding the pockets together. You want to be sure and pull the pocket flaps out of the way so that you don't accidentally catch them in the stitching.

Pin from the one inch line all the way to the bottom on both sides. Stitch very close to the edge. You don't want any seam allowance or any extra bulk. Just make sure that you catch both sides or you will have a hole in the side of your bag.

Here is a close up picture of how close you get to the casing line.

Nice tute. Thanks for taking the time to do this for us!!
Nice fabric choises for the bag!

Now you are going to make the bottom of the bag by folding the edge and stitching 1 inch from the corner.

You can play around with different measurements but be careful that your pocket flaps don't extend too far down.

Stitch/tack the corner into the side seam, then turn right side out.

Here is your hidden pocket. There will be one on each side!

Almost finished!

Take your cording and cut it in half. Make sure you tape the ends so that it doesn't unravel. Using a safety pin, run the cording through the casing.

And your bag is finished!

NP3 this is a wonderful tutorial. I have seen others 'out there' with the same bag but I will say that yours is much better tutorial and your pictures are explicit.
Thank you so much for your time and effort with this project.

Thanks! I am a visual learner and I hate it when there aren't enough pictures.

Thank you for sharing np3 !!!

It is such a cute bag !!! :-D

Thank you for this tutorial :D:D:D

Thanks! It is fun to do.

Thank you so much! I'm going to give it a try!!!!

I love doing them, I just never remember to post them!

Good! I think you will be surprised at how easy it is!

Very cute bag and a great tutorial, very clear for us beginners. How big is the finished bag? Thanks for the tute!

This one is about 6 inches high and 6 inches wide. But the size is determined by the size of the beginning square. You can play around with the sizes.

I think I will have to put these on my new list of to do's. I think I can follow this. These would be so cute for Gift bags with gift cards inside too. Cute..cute...Thank you.

I'm looking for buttons right now. I was thinking that I need to make more of the inside pocket fabric show ALL OF THE TIME!!

If you have any questions, you know where to find me! Very simple and fast.

These are so going on my Christmas list! You did a wonderful job on this tut. I shouldn't have any problems following it! Thank you for taking the time to do this for us!

My pleasure! I love sharing these fun quick ideas. These would work for craft shows too! Different sizes, different fabrics!

Is that hint that maybe I should wipe a bunch these up for my booth? :-)

I think you could!

You could also bring the cost down by making a fabric tube instead of cording. Use the contrasting fabric. Just an idea!

Thanks for the wonderful tut, yoyu did a great job......michele

Thanks! I hope you try making it. I'm working on one that changes the fabrics around. I think it might work!

Thanks for sharing. I've bookmarked it. A great project to do with daughter or granddaughter.

I want to make it and add a strap or cord for carrying.

Thank you so much. Your tute is so clear, I can't wait to try one. It is bookmarked.

Thanks so much. I caught it when you first started posting and realized you weren't finished. So glad you were able to get it all posted today.

You did a great job with the photos and instructions. I may try using this with some upholstery fabric samples I've picked up.

Thanks everyone! These are all good ideas!

I am working on a 2nd tutorial on how to change the squares so that you see more of each fabric. I'll have it done today too.