How to Make a Hip Bag

Glue hook and loop tape to the hip bag and flap for a secure closure.

You can make hip bags, also called belt bags, fanny packs, waist packs and other names, with moderate sewing machine skills. Sewing a bag with a belt loop allows you to carry your personal belongings simply by slipping the hip back conveniently over your favorite belt. Generally, you can sew a hip bag in about an hour from various fabrics. Cotton fabric is sturdy, machine washable and available in a variety of prints to meet your preference.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• 2 fabric rectangles, 17-in-by-8-in
• 1 polyester batting rectangle, 17-in-by-8-in
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• 1 fabric square, 12-in-by-12-in
• Needle
• Glue gun
• Glue sticks

Instructions

1. Place one fabric rectangle onto the table with the right sides of the fabric touching. Put the batting on top and pin together.

2. Sew the three layers together using a straight seam and a ½-inch seam allowance. Leave a 3-inch opening on one edge. Remove pins. Turn layers right side out through the opening. Hand sew the opening closed.

3. Place the rectangle with the length measurement horizontal. Measure 4-inches toward the center from the right 8-inch wide end. Insert a pin to mark. This is the bag's flap.

4. Fold the fabric square with the right sides touching. Sew the three edges while leaving a 3-inch opening. Use a ¼ -inch seam allowance and a straight stitch. Turn the square right side out through the opening. Fold the square in half horizontally. Pin top edges. This is the belt loop that will be sewn to the back of the hip bag. Sew the pinned edge using a ¼-inch seam allowance and straight stitch. Remove pins.

5. Turn the rectangle vertically so the 8-inch wide ends are at the top and bottom. Measure 1-inch down from the pin marking the flap of the bag (Step 3). Center the belt loop on the bag's back. Pin. Sew the top and bottom edge of the loop onto the bag using ¼-inch seam allowance and straight stitch. The belt loop will have a double thickness for support.

6. Turn the rectangle so the length measurement is horizontal. Fold the left end over 6-inches covering 6-inches of fabric beneath to form a bag or a type of "envelope". The hip bag belt loop will be inside the bag. Pin edges.

7. Sew the 6-inch edges using a ½-inch seam allowance and straight stitch. Remove pins. Turn right side out. Belt loop is the back of the bag.

8. Measure 1-inch from the bottom edge of the inside flap. Glue the loop tape horizontally across the bag. According to Instant Screen, George de Mestral invented hook and loop tape in 1948 and it is a common accessory. Measure 3-inches down from the top opening edge of the bag. Glue the hook tape horizontally across the bag.

9. Close the flap and join the hook and loop tape. Slip the belt loop over your belt. Finished bag will be about 7-inches wide by 6-inches high, depending on the sewing skills employed.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute waterproof fabric for a bag to be used outdoors. According to The Guardian, you can buy waterproof fabric at most fabric stores.

Resources

• Ecosalon: The Hip Bag May Be Helpful But is it Hot?