Waist Bag Tutorial
Waist Bag Tutorial
1. Difficulty Level p. 1
2. YouTube Links p. 1
3. Finished Size p. 2
4. Fabric Suggestions p. 3
5. Fabric Piece Sizes p. 3
6. Fabric Quantities p. 4
7. Other Materials p. 4
8. Tools p. 4
9. Bag Overview p. 5
10. Pattern Layout Overview p. 6
11. Printing Guidance p. 7
12. Seam Allowance & Stitches p. 7
13. Tutorial p. 8
Step 1. Pattern Assembly p. 8
Step 2. Trace & Cut p. 8
Step 3. How to Trace Notches Onto Fabric p. 9
Step 4. List of Fabric Pieces p. 10
Step 5. Interfacing p. 10
Step 6. Front Pocket p. 10
Step 7. Darts p. 15
Step 8. Front Pocket & Front Sides p. 16
Step 9. Zipper & Front Panel p. 17
Step 10. Front Panel & Flap p. 19
Step 11. Strap Tabs p. 21
Step 12. Strap p. 22
Step 13. Back Panel With Zipper Pocket p. 25
Step 14. Front Panel Lining With Inner Slip Pocket p. 28
Step 15. Finish p. 29
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Craft your own stylish, functional, and versatile BAGYBAGS WAIST BAG with this easy-to-follow PDF tutorial and
pattern. Designed for sewing lovers, this pattern offers clear, step-by-step instructions along with a comprehensive
YouTube video guide. Perfect for daily errands, outdoor adventures, or hands-free travel, this waist bag is the ultimate
blend of style and practicality. Customise it with your choice of fabrics, colours, and finishes to create a bag that
reflects your unique taste. Start your creative journey today and craft a waist bag that’s truly yours!
Key Features:
- 1 Front Zipper Pocket – Quick access to your small items like keys, phones, or cards.
- 1 Back Zipper Pocket – Secure and discreet space for valuable items.
- 2 Inside Slip Pockets – Stay organised with dedicated slots for smaller essentials.
• Length-Adjustable Strap: Wear it your way – around the waist, across the chest, or over the shoulder. The
adjustable strap provides a secure, comfortable fit.
• Step-by-Step Support: Gain access to a detailed PDF tutorial and a comprehensive YouTube video guide to
help you create a professional-quality BagyBags Waist Bag with ease.
• Fully Customisable Design: Add your personal touch with fabrics, colours, and finishes that suit your style.
2. YOUTUBE LINKS
- https://youtu.be/F0Wf064A8aU
Check out the full step-by-step process for making this waist bag on BagyBags YouTube channel!
Follow the YouTube tutorial to easily create your own bag.
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3. FINISHED SIZE
** Due to the nature of handmade items, your final size may vary slightly from the table.
(Approximately)
Tab-to-Tab Width 16 in (40.6 cm)
Bag Body Width 12 in (30.5 cm)
Bag Body Height 7.25 in (18.4 cm)
Depth 2.5 in (6.3 cm)
Length-adjustable Strap (Strap to Strap, Varies with buckle size.) 20.5 – 32.5 in (55 - 85 cm)
Full Width (Including Strap) 37.6 – 49.5 in (95.6 – 125.6 cm)
The BagyBags Waist Bag tutorial and pattern use a 3.5 cm x 5.5 cm buckle and a total strap
length of 37.6 to 49.5 inches (95.6 – 125.6 cm), reflecting the loose-fit waist bag trend. As
buckle sizes may vary and individuals have different waist sizes and preferred fits, it is
recommended to measure and adjust the strap length during the making process to ensure
a comfortable and personalised fit for your style.
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4. FABRIC SUGGESTIONS
● EXTERIOR & LINING FABRICS
- Medium to heavy-weight woven fabric, such as cotton, linen, canvas, denim, or upholstery fabric is
recommended. Depending on the preferred fit or the fabric thickness your sewing machine can afford, you
can reinforce them with interfacing to give more structure or stability.
● INTERFACING
- While interfacing may not be necessary for heavy-weight fabrics like canvas or upholstery fabric, it's often
beneficial for medium-weight materials. It is recommended to use iron-on, fusible interfacings for a good
balance of fit and durability. Specifically, Foamfuse 1400F is recommended for medium to heavy-weight
fabrics, while Legacy L-80 is suitable for medium-weight options. Given the wide range of interfacings
available, it is advisable to visit your local fabric store to compare types and thicknesses. This ensures you
select the most suitable option for your desired bag structure.
7. OTHER MATERIALS
- 1 x Webbing strap for the bag strap: width - 1 1/8 in (3 cm), length – 8 in (20 cm)
- 1 x Webbing strap for the bag strap: width - 1 1/8 in (3 cm), length – 30.5 in (78 cm)
- 1 x Buckle: width - 1 1/8 in (3 cm), length – 6 in (15 cm) for each
The BagyBags Waist Bag tutorial and pattern use a 3.5 cm x 5.5 cm buckle and a total strap
length of 37.6 to 49.5 inches (95.6 – 125.6 cm), reflecting the loose-fit waist bag trend. As
buckle sizes may vary and individuals have different waist sizes and preferred fits, it is
recommended to measure and adjust the strap length during the making process to ensure
a comfortable and personalised fit for your style.
8. TOOLS
• Sewing machine
• Sewing machine feet: universal presser Foot, zipper foot
• Sewing machine needle: 90 - 100 (14 - 16)
• Threads
• Chalks or pencils
• Pins and clips
• Scissors, rotary cutter, knife, stitch ripper
• Cutting mat
• Ruler
• Iron and ironing board
• Printer & A4 or US letter size paper
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9. BAG OVERVIEW
1. Strap Tab
2. Flap
3. Zipper End
4. Front Side
5. Front Pocket Top
6. Front Pocket Bottom
7. Front Pocket Lining
8. Pack Panel
9. Zipper Pocket
10. Front Panel Lining
11. Back Panel Lining
12. Inner Slip Pocket
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10. PATTERN LAYOUT OVERVIEW
1. Strap Tab
2. Flap
3. Zipper End
4. Front Side
5. Front Pocket Top
6. Front Pocket Bottom
7. Front Pocket Lining
8. Pack Panel
9. Zipper Pocket
10. Front Panel Lining
11. Back Panel Lining
12. Inner Slip Pocket
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11. PRINTING GUIDE
- To view the PDF, download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free at https://get.adobe.com/reader/ if it's not already
installed on your device.
- BAGYBAGS WAIST BAG pattern and tutorial are designed for A4 and US letter-sized paper.
- Set print settings to "actual size" or "100%" and select “portrait” or ‘’auto” orientation.
- To verify your printer settings, print the first page of the pattern first and measure the test square to ensure
it measures exactly 4 cm or 1 inch.
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13. TUTORIAL
● STEP 1. PATTERN ASSEMBLY
- Once all pattern pieces are printed, cut off one edge of the overlap on each pattern. Then, align and tape
the patterns together, ensuring the circles with matching alphabet letters are precisely aligned.
a. b.
- When tracing darts on the front sides and the front panel lining:
a. Trace the patterns onto the fabric.
b. Cut the dart sections out from the paper patterns.
c. Reposition the paper patterns back onto the fabric and trace the darts accurately.
a. b. c.
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● STEP 3. HOW TO TRACE NOTCHES ONTO FABRIC
c.
- Ensure to transfer all notches and placement guides from the pattern onto the fabric.
- Transferring notches or placement guides from the middle of the patterns onto the fabric can be a delicate
task. You have two methods to choose from:
➤ Fold the pattern paper precisely along the line where the notches are located, then mark the notches on the fabric.
➤ Alternatively, use a needle or awl to puncture small holes at the notch positions on the pattern, and then mark
notches on the fabric through these holes.
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● STEP 4. LIST OF FABRIC PIECES
- Flap x 1
- Side Tab x 2
- Zipper End x 4
Exterior Fabric - Front Pocket Top x 1
( For a solid-coloured waist bag ) - Front Pocket Bottom x 1
- Front Side x 2
- Back Panel x 1
- Back Zipper Pocket x 1
- Flap Lining x 1
- Side Tab Lining x 2
- Front Pocket Top Lining x 1
- Front Pocket Bottom Lining x 1
Lining Fabric
- Front Pocket Lining x 1
- Front Panel Lining x 2
- Back Panel Lining x 1
- Inner Slip Pocket x 1
- Flap Interfacing x 1
- Side Tab Interfacing x 2
- Front Pocket Top Interfacing x 1
Interfacing (Optional)
- Front Pocket Bottom Interfacing x 1
- Front Side Interfacing x 2
- Back Panel Interfacing x 1
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● STEP 5. INTERFACING (Optional)
- The adhesive side of iron-on fusible interfacing can be identified by its slight shine. Make
TIPS! sure not to iron directly on this shiny side, as it could melt the glue onto your iron.
- Consider placing a thin cotton cloth or a press cloth between the interfacing and your
iron to safeguard both your iron and ironing board from any potential glue residue.
① ②
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TIPS! HOW TO SEW A 0.5-INCH WIDE ZIPPER
a. Measure 0.25 inches from the centre of the zipper teeth on each side to ensure a 0.5-inch
wide zipper after sewing.
b. Mark the line with a water-soluble pen or estimate the position visually on the zipper tape.
c. Align the marked line with the stitch line on the fabric and sew along the stitch line.
a. b. c.
③ Sew along the marked stitch line with a 0.5-inch seam allowance.
④ Position the bottom lining of the front pocket on top of the sewn piece, making sure their right sides are
facing each other.
④
③
⑤ Sew slightly below the previous stitch line to neatly conceal it.
⑥ Flip the lining over so that the zipper becomes visible.
⑤ ⑥
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⑦ Topstitch along the edge for a neat finish.
⑧ Place the top of the front pocket on the sewn piece, with their right sides facing each other. Line up the
zipper along the stitch line on the fabric, so the zipper will measure 0.5 inches wide after sewing. For more
details, refer to the tip on page 12: "How to Sew a 0.5-inch Wide Zipper".
⑦
⑦ ⑧
⑨ Sew along the marked stitch line with a 0.5-inch seam allowance.
⑩ Get the top lining of the front pocket and the sewn piece ready.
⑨ ⑩
⑪ Place the top lining of the front pocket on top of the sewn piece, with their right sides facing each other.
⑫ Sew slightly below the previous stitch line to neatly hide it.
⑪ ⑫
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⑬ Turn both layers over so that the zipper is visible.
⑭ Topstitch along the edge for a neat finish.
⑬ ⑭
⑮ ⑯
⑰ ⑱
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⑲ Position the prepared front pocket on top of the lining.
⑳ Sew around all edges using a 0.25-inch seam allowance to attach the layers securely.
⑲ ⑳
● STEP 7. DARTS
① ②
③ Fold each dart in half, aligning the slits so that the dart lines match perfectly.
④ Sew each dart, starting from the wide end and tapering off at the point. Repeat these steps for the
remaining darts on the other front side and the front panel lining.
③ ④
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● STEP 8. FRONT POCKET & FRONT SIDES
① ②
③ ④
⑤ ⑥
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● STEP 9. ZIPPER & FRONT PANEL
① Gather the zipper for the main opening and the four zipper end pieces.
② Centre the zipper and one zipper end piece with their right sides facing each other.
① ②
③ Position the second zipper end piece at the back, ensuring the right sides of the zipper ends face each other.
④ Sew them together with a 0.5-inch seam allowance to secure them.
③ ④
⑤ ⑥
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⑦ Mark the centres of the front panel.
⑧ Mark the centres of the zipper.
⑦ ⑧
⑨ Align the zipper with the front panel, starting from the centre, with their right sides facing each other.
Position the zipper along the stitch line on the fabric, ensuring the zipper will measure 0.5 inches wide after
sewing. For additional guidance, refer to the tip on page 12: "How to Sew a 0.5-inch Wide Zipper".
⑩ Sew them together using a 0.5-inch seam allowance.
⑨ ⑩
⑪ ⑫
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⑬ Position the front panel lining on top of the prepared front panel, with their right facing each other.
⑭ Sew slightly below the previous stitch line to conceal it neatly.
⑬ ⑭
⑮ ⑯
① ②
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③ Align the zipper with the flap, starting from the centre. Position the zipper along the stitch line of the flap,
ensuring the zipper will measure 0.5 inches wide after sewing. For additional guidance, refer to the tip on
page 12: "How to Sew a 0.5-inch Wide Zipper".
④ Sew along the stitch line, using a 0.5-inch seam allowance.
③ ④
⑤ ⑥
⑦ ⑧
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⑨ Flip the flap and its lining over so the zipper is visible. Smooth out the edge and check that the stitching does
not interfere with the zipper's movement.
⑩ Topstitch along the line for a neat finish.
⑨ ⑩
① Gather the prepared front body and the pieces of strap tabs.
② Position a strap tab on one side of the front body, aligning their top and side edges and ensuring their right
sides are facing each other.
③ Place the strap tab lining in the corresponding position on the lining side of the front body, with their right
sides facing each other. Ensure all edges are neatly aligned.
④ Sew them together with a 0.5-inch seam allowance.
③ ④
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⑤ Flip the strap tab outward so the right side faces up.
⑥ Align the strap tab lining with the strap tab by flipping it outward, ensuring the edges are neatly aligned.
⑤ ⑥
⑦ Topstitch for a neat finish. Repeat these steps for the other side of the strap tab.
⑧ Sew along the edge with a 0.25-inch seam allowance to secure all layers firmly. Ensure that the darts on the
outer layer face downward and the darts on the lining face upward to minimise bulk and achieve a smooth
finish.
⑦
⑧
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② Lay the buckle with its wrong side facing up. Take the short strap and pass one end through the loop of the
receiver side of the buckle. See the detailed picture for reference.
② ②
③ Fold the end of the strap inward by approximately 1 cm to create a clean edge. See the detailed picture for
reference.
③ ③
④ Fold the strap end again about 1 inch to fully conceal the raw edge. Secure the fold with a clip or pin. See the
detailed picture for reference.
④ ④
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⑤ Take the long strap and thread one end through the slider.
⑥ Fold the end of this strap inward by 1 cm to neaten the edge.
⑤ ⑥
⑦ Fold the end again about 1 inch to conceal the raw edge fully.
⑧ Stitch along the folds as shown in the picture to secure them.
⑦ ⑧
⑨ Take the other end of the long strap and pass it through the loop of the insert side of the buckle.
⑩ Thread this end through the slider.
⑨ ⑩
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⑪ Your strap is complete.
① ②
③ ④
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⑤ Fold the pattern of the back panel in half.
⑥ Mark the positions of the stitch line and the cutting line for the zipper pocket opening.
⑤ ⑥
⑦ Draw the stitch and cutting lines for the zipper pocket opening onto the fabric.
⑧ Sew along the drawn stitch line, pivoting carefully at each corner to maintain sharp, clean edges.
⑦ ⑧
⑨ Make a small slit along the cutting line, then carefully cut along the cutting line from the slit to create an
opening for the zipper pocket. At each corner, cut diagonally toward the corners without cutting into the
stitches to ensure clean and precise edges.
⑩ Insert the zipper pocket piece through the opening and pull it to the back.
⑨ ⑩
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⑪ Smooth out the edges for a clean finish. Press the seams around the opening to neaten the edges and secure
them with pins.
⑫ Gather the prepared back panel and the zipper.
⑪ ⑫
⑬ Position the zipper below the opening, ensuring it is centred and aligned, then secure it with pins.
⑭ Stitch around the edge of the opening, pivoting at each corner, to secure the zipper in place.
⑬ ⑭
⑮ Turn the prepared back panel over so the wrong side is facing up.
⑯ Fold the zipper pocket piece in half, aligning the edges neatly.
⑮ ⑯
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⑰ Sew along the edges of the zipper pocket as shown in the picture to close it.
⑱ Gateher the prepared back panel and the strap.
⑰ ⑱
⑲ Position the strap along the designated positions, with the wrong side of the strap facing the right side of the
back panel.
⑳ Sew the strap to the back panel using a 0.25-inch seam allowance to secure it firmly in place.
⑲ ⑳
① ②
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③ Sew along the top edge to secure the hem.
④ Align the prepared inner slip pocket on the front panel lining and pin it in place.
③ ④
⑤ ⑥
① ②
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③ Align the front and back panels with their right sides facing each other, and secure them with pins or clips.
④ Sew along the entire edge with a 0.5-inch seam allowance to secure the panels together.
③ ④
⑤ Gather the prepared back panel lining and the assembled body.
⑥ Place the back panel lining on top of the front panel lining with their right sides facing each other.
⑤ ⑥
⑦ Sew around the edges to join them, leaving the top opening unsewn.
⑧ Prepare to trim the corners to minimise bulk and achieve sharp, well-defined edges.
⑦ ⑧
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⑨ Carefully cut off the corners about 5 mm away from the stitches. Take care not to cut into the stitches.
⑩ Make 4-5 mm slits along the curved edges to help create smooth, even curves. Take care not to cut into the
stitches.
⑨ ⑩
⑪ ⑫
⑬ Use an awl or needle to sharpen the corners, ensuring not to cut any stitches or damage the fabric.
⑭ Fold the seam of the opening inward and position it slightly above the stitch line of the back panel's top edge
to hide it neatly.
⑬ ⑭
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TIPS! HOW TO SEW A HIDDEN STITCH (LADDER STITCH)
a. Begin stitching from the inside of the fold to keep the knot hidden. Pull the needle through the
edge of the fold.
b. Insert the needle directly into the opposite fabric, then pull it out approximately 5–10 mm
ahead.
c. Repeat step b, alternating between the two fabrics. Make sure the stitches are evenly spaced,
and aligned.
d. Continue stitching until the opening is fully closed. (Tip: The illustration for this step shows loose
stitches to help demonstrate the technique).
e. In practice, gently pull the thread after each stitch and make the stitches invisible.
f. When you reach the end of the opening, tie a small knot to secure the thread.
g. Insert the needle into the fabric next to the knot and push it through to the inside. Slide the
needle along the inner layers of the fabric about 1-2 cm, then bring it out.
h. Pull the thread gently and trim it close to the fabric surface. This will allow the thread end to
slip back into the fabric, leaving no visible trace.
( ** Red thread is used in the pictures for clarity. For a seamless look, use a thread that matches your fabric.)
a.
b. c.
d. e. f.
g. h.
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⑮ Secure the folded seam with pins and close the opening using a hidden stitch (ladder stitch). For detailed
instructions on how to perform a hidden stitch, refer to the tip above.
⑯ Congratulation! Your waist bag is complete!
⑮ ⑯
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