First I cut out 4″ tall strips of each fabric. Then lined my tumbler template at the 4″ mark up on one side to cut out each piece, flipping the template for each cut to maximize the use of the fabric.

Pros: Comes in several colors; Sustainably made from real leather; Fits a 16" laptop; comes in two depths; Has two strap lengths. For far, fartoo long, I relied on an old canvas tote to carry all my belongings. Blame it on my obsession with emulating a farmer's market-frequenting It girl, but that ragged bag was my go-to—to the point where it became threadbare and no longer could keep my essentials safe. With no choice but to upgrade, I searched for a replacement, and that's when I found Calpak's Haven Laptop Bag. Made of durable faux leather, it's infinitely more sturdy than a measly canvas tote. It boasts multiple interior compartments and, best of all, features a removable laptop sleeve that can fit up to a 16-inch device. In short, this bag has changed my life, and I can't recommend it any more." — Emma Childs, Style Editor Once all the piecing was done, I squared off the sides and cut out a piece of quilt batting and lining in the same size. What do you think? 🙂 If you like this laptop bag tutorial, you may also be interested in my Toothbrush Travel Wrap DIY!

DIY laptop bag pattern

I opted to quilt my fabric by hand. I did a split stitch about 1/8″ of the way in on all the pink heart pieces and the tumblers that matched up.

I measured my computer and calculated how many tumbler pieces I would need. My computer is 13″ x 9.25″, so I needed the topper to measure 28″ x 11″ including seam allowances. This required 40 tumbler pieces, 10 out of each of the 4 patterns. I stitched the straps into place on the topper, right sides together, and using lots of stitches to give it strength. Also, I made sure to let the straps overhang a little to make extra sure they won’t shred and pull apart. Another top priority is a laptop bag’s ability to take its wearer from day to night seamlessly. “I live in NYC, so when I leave in the morning I’m often not returning home until 9 or 10 p.m.! My bag needs to work overtime too,” echoes Lei. “That means being professional enough for work, roomy enough for my gym attire, and appropriate to bring to a nice dinner. I don’t want to feel the need to hide it or stuff it under my chair!” OverviewCoach: Coach, the brand behind the viral range of Tabby shoulder bags, also knows how to make a great laptop bag. The top-rated Willow bag (which is included on this list) is created to keep and store all of your essentials in place as you move throughout your day.

Why even invest in a dedicated laptop bag instead of using your favorite leather tote? Laptop bags are specifically designed to keep you organized, and will ultimately extend your other bags' lifespan. Lugging around your computer and the rest of your work essentials can get heavy, and you’ll need to invest in a bag that can withstand the daily wear and tear. There are plenty of laptop bags available to choose from, and it’s my job as Marie Claire’s E-Commerce Editor to discern which ones are worth the splurge. A few key factors that all of the options on this list share:I don’t have much experience making quilted items, as it’s a new skill I’ve been developing. It’s rather fun to learn new things! So I’m sure there are things I could have done differently during this project. Slightly different to the other Madewell tote bag on this list, the Zip Top Transport Leather Carryall deserves its own spot thanks to the fact that it has its very own zipper across the top. "Madewell is my favorite brand for a leather tote and their Transport Carryall is the perfect size to carry my laptop, charger, and miscellaneous beauty products that are usually littered at the bottom of my bag. The straps are very durable and hold up when I wear it as a crossbody, best part is the adjustable strap belt!" — Alexis Gaskin, Freelance Beauty Writer In this age of hybrid office life and working on the go, bags, and travel cases have become as important, if not more so, than the tools they house,” says Hundleby. “I never know where my day may take me, and if I’ll even make it into the office, so I always have my laptop. A great bag provides constant protection from physical damage and a classy, sophisticated look to any outfit. You instantly look and feel prepared and ready to take on the workday.” sorry for the fuzzy picture, sometimes I don’t realize they’re fuzzy til I’ve got them uploaded on my computer, and now it’s too late to take another progress shot!) I love my bag, the length of the straps is perfect for slinging over my shoulder and running out the door. And there’s room to fit both my laptop and a notebook!

Cuyana: It’s safe to say that team Marie Claire is obsessed with laptop bags from Cuyana. Not only are they featured twice on this list, but the entirety of their collection is great for women who love sleek, pared-down, and sustainable options.Louis Vuitton: If you’re looking to invest in a new designer laptop bag, consider one from Louis Vuitton. From the iconic Neverfull to more subdued styles, Louis Vuitton is a classic favorite. The one on this list is adored by our Beauty Editor Samantha Holender, who calls it "the best investment I've ever made."