Um, with scissors? I have a great pair of kitchen shears that works very well with heavy fabrics. Although all the cutting of cordura I've done has dulled them a bit -- it's time for a proper pair of shears. I draw the pattern on the backside with pencil and a yardstick. messenger bag patterns are simple enough that it only takes me a couple of minutes to mark one out now, without any fancy-pants aids.

I'm using what's basically a beefed up home machine (Singer CG-500). It has an "industrial strength" (1/2 HP) motor and better build quality, but lacks a walking foot. I'm currently looking around at proper high-power industrial machines. My current machine is up to the task for the most part, but is a bit *twitchy* with the more extreme aspects. I've been lusting after Sailrite and Pfaff and Juki.

I keep getting the "I Dream of Jeannie" theme song stuck in my head, only my version is "I Dream of Juki"....