Loop-through bag

The Lucy Felted Bag really grabbed me (from a Lion Brand catalog) but I figured it would be a lot easier to make one from one of big M's old J.Crew sweaters. But first, a mock-up:

It has a long strap on one side and a much shorter strap on the other, through which the long strap is inserted to close the bag.

Cute idea, but...

the design flaw becomes obvious when you put stuff in the bag and wear it: it doesn't hang straight. The side to which the shorter strap is attached will always hang lower, which makes the bottom of the bag jut out.

Possible solutions:

1. A velcro closure at the top of the bag, to keep the top edges even. But for this style I like the idea of having no closures (other than the inter-looped straps). Also, it would make this particular bag non-reversible (not an issue for the sweater version).

2. Wear it the other way around. That just doesn't look good to me.

3. Cut the back side shorter than the front?

Details:

- The pieces measure as follows (includes 1/2" seam allowances):

14.5 x 14.5" - cut 2 from denim, 2 from floral fabric

14.5 x 28" - cut 1 from interfacing

long strap 3.25 x 23.5" - cut 2 each from denim/floral/interfacing

short strap 3 x 8.5" - cut 1 each from denim/floral/interfacing

- 1.5" deep box bottom, rounded off the corners.

- The 2 halves of the long strap are seamed at a slight angle, to fit the shoulder.

Next time (if there is one):

- Add an inner pocket

- Make the small loop narrower (~1.5")

- Velcro or button closure?

Sure glad I didn't spend 5 years knitting one.