Free PDF belt bag pattern + sewing tutorial

Hi sewing friends! The pattern drafting journey in my life continues and I would like to share with you my newest free PDF pattern!!! This time I had created little belt bag that can be worn on your hip by inserting your own belt into the bag loop. It is big enough to hold a phone and a small wallet and includes a magnetic closure!

I made this sample in a faux leather fabric that was soft and slightly stretchy, but you can use any fabric you want as long as it is medium weight or has some stability. This is super fun project, that would be great for anyone who is new to bag making and would like to slowly dip their toes without  being overwhelmed.

 

Supplies needed to make this bag include:

main fabric

lining fabric

interfacing (optional)

magnetic snap x1

Belt Bag pattern PDF

 

Sewing tutorial

 

First step is to cut out all pattern pieces:

  • Belt bag front x 1 main fabric, lining and interfacing (optional)
  • Belt bag back x 1 main fabric, lining and interfacing (optional)
  • Belt bag flap x2 main fabric, interfacing (optional)
  • loop x2
  • 1″ square of felt (or similar) x2

TIP: if you are using faux leather, vinyl or leather fabric do not use pins, but trace the pattern onto the fabric before cutting.

Transfer all marking including darts and magnetic closure placement.

(Optional) Interface your main and/or lining fabric. TIP: cut out all darts from interfacing before attaching, to reduce bulk. I decided to interface front and back main and lining pieces  as well as one flap piece. I used lighter weight interfacing on main fabric and medium weight fusible interfacing on lining fabric and flap.

Attaching magnetic snap ( include: female & male snap plus 2 x washers)to front and a flap pieces.

Using washer mark both slits lines on the wrong side of front bag piece (main fabric) and felt square.

 

Cut the slits on both front and square.

Take female snap piece and insert it from the right side of the fabric into cut slits through both main fabric and felt square. The felt is used here to stabilize and reinforce the magnetic closure from ripping the main fabric during use.

Place washer on top, bend prongs outward and trim the felt around.

Follow the same steps to insert male snap to the interfaced flap piece.

 

Sew darts on both main and lining fabric.

With right sides together sew flap pieces around the curve using 1 cm seam allowance. Trim the seam in half, turn the flap inside out and press the seam (if you can).

Top-stitch the flap 7mm from the edge.

With right sides together sew one longer edge of loop and open the seam. Fold both shorter ends 1cm and top-stitch in place 7mm from the edge. Fold it in half and baste stitch the raw edge within 1 cm of seam allowance.

With right sides together place front and back bag pieces and sew it around the curve using 1 cm seam allowance. Repeat for lining pieces.

Turn the main fabric inside out and press the seam.

Next take loop piece and place it on the right side of belt bag back and baste it within 1 cm of seam allowance.

Take bag flap and with magnetic snap facing upwards place it on top of bag loop. Stitch in place withing 1 cm of seam allowance.

Insert main bag into a lining bag so the right sides are together. Sew around the bag opening leaving a 5-7 cm hole to allow for bag to be turned over.

Turn the bag through the hole and close the opening with a slip stitch. Give your new bag a press ( if needed) and enjoy it!!!

This is it. You can make this little belt bag in a matter of few hours! Explore the options of choosing different fabrics and colors and let me know what you think.

Monika xxx

How to sew a faux French seam on a bust dart

Hi sewing friends, you know that I like to share with you anything that I find useful, and today I will show you the process of sewing a bust dart with what I call a fake French seam. Why would you sew a fake French seam Monika if you can sew the real deal??? You may wonder! I tell you….because it never crossed my mind and after I was too scared! If you still confused you can check out my other blog post where I share my thoughts on making a Sew Over It Bonnie blouse.

In general I think French seams look beautiful and contrary to popular belief they do not take longer to do than your regular seam. Some may say that it is time consuming because you need to sew the same seam twice, but if you think about it…you do it anyway! Unless you are keeping your seam allowance raw, which is not the best idea ( not including knit fabrics here). Normally you would stitch your fabric pieces together following with other stitch to overcast the seam, by sewing a zig zag stitch or using an overlocker to stop fabric edges from fraying….so you see, you ARE sewing the seam twice! Why not make it more beautiful by finishing it with a French seam???? Anyway….I’m drifting away from what I want to show you.

 

Faux French seam

Once you stitch your dart in a regular way, like me, you may find that your fabric is a little sheer and your bust dart looks unappealing or you simply want to reduce the size of the bust dart because you don’t want to much bulk. To create a faux French seam on any dart draw a parallel line about 2-3 cm away from the stitching.

Don’t be afraid and cut the excess fabric on the marked line.

Now fold the raw edges inside the dart and pin or baste in place.

Using a slip stitch close the dart seam and press.

That is it! You created your faux French seam!

 

~Hope this little trick will help you make these bust darts less visible on the outside and more beautiful on the inside!~

Monika xxx