jdavis

I have made several of them also (but I make mine larger than the pattern). You do end up with a central section and two outer "pockets."
I was comparing notes with another X-bagger, and she gave me some very good advice. As the bag starts taking shape, you really have an inner and an outer bag. The instructions tell you to put one inside the other, then proceed to sew through all the bag layers to make the box bottom. It is much easier to sew the box bottom in the inner and outer bags separately, then put one inside the other. The two bags will stay put together if you just tack it together along the side seam, sort of at the base of the handle. This will all make sense once you get going on the pattern.
I have attached pics of my fall X-bag. It's been holding up very well. I believe this is the 5th season for it.