Hip Bag

A Hip Bag is a more complex product that can hold more things than a Sling. It is also bigger which might make it less useful as a personal accessory for daily use.

Designers have to do a lot of thinking about the size of their hip bag and the construction of its parts before starting their project.

Check out this short video which will walk you through most of the process:

Step 1: Selecting a Pattern and Cutting the Fabric. Cut and Separate the Zipper.

Patterns can be used to create 3 Dimensional Products from 2 Dimensional Materials

Selecting the correct size pattern will influence the final dimensions and form of your product. Make sure that you have accounted for the final size and seam allowance when selecting from the patterns. Also, consider the fabric waste you are creating when placing and cutting your fabric.

Note, that alignment of the zipper. Cut and separate the correct length of the zipper. It is OK to have around 5 mm of extra zipper on each end. But too much extra is wasteful.

Step 2: Clip and Stitch the Zipper to the Fabric - Good Side to Good Side

Big Idea: Good Side to Good Side

When creating textile products you need to be VERY AWARE of what will be on the inside and the outside of the product.

When attaching your zipper make sure that the zipper teeth are facing towards the center of your fabric and that they are touching the fabric (they should be almost hidden from you).

You can also use the needle alignment wheel on the top of your machine to change the location of the zipper. This is a good thing to do when you want to be able to get your stitching closer to one side of the presser foot (see picture 2).

Step 3: Sew the zipper flat on the Good Side of your Fabric

Big Idea: Be aware of visible stitches

When creating products you will have some stitches which are not visible and some stitches that are visible. The stitch you did to attach the zipper will not be visible but this stitch will finish the zipper and IT WILL BE VISIBLE.

You might want to take extra time and care when doing this seam.

Flip the fabric over at the seam so it looks like picture 1 and then do another stitch that locks the zipper in place (red stitching in picture 1 is this stitch).

Step 4: Cut and Attach the Belt Pieces

Big Idea: More Good Side to Good Side Thinking

Cut the appropriate length of extra webbing to attach your belt and buckle. You can use your best judgment to measure your waist. Make sure you include the bag fabric in your measurement. As always, a little bit extra is good. But a lot of extra belt material is wasteful.

Step 5: Get Help Closing the Zipper

Zippers can be challenging. Get help from your teacher to get it closed

Step 6: Stitch the Zipper Ends Closed

Use the sewing machine to close off both ends of your zipper.

You should go forward and backward over each side a few times (use the Reverse button).

If you are not confident closing the open end get help.

Step 7: Close off the Zipper Ends - Good Side to Good Side

Turn your product inside out. You will now begin the final closure of your bag. All of these stitches are hidden, don't worry. Remember to follow your seam allowance.

First line up the zippers with the flaps of fabric hanging down from the bottom of your your piece. Clip these together so the zipper is in the middle. It probably won't line up perfectly.

Sew a few seams across the zipper areas will make your bag strong.

Step 8: Sew the Bag Closed

Use clips to hold your 4 remaining seams. If you find that it is too hard to work with all 4 of the seams clipped you might find it easier to do one at a time (clip...stitch...clip...stitch...).

Note: Look at picture 1 and make sure that your bag is clipped the same way. Pay attention to how the zipper is resting...it should be rolling down, not folded up.

Follow your seam allowance to close off the bag. You should go forward and back across all important parts that you want to lock into place (the belts, the top of extra pockets, etc).

Step 10: Turn the Bag Right Side Out and Finish

This is the most exciting step of any textile project. Turn your project right-side out and push out the corners. Add any finishing features and enjoy the results of your work.

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