Portside Dopp Kit: Fanny Pack Tutorial
Today we're showing you how to easily modify your Portside Dopp Kit from toiletry bag to one of our favorite practical accessories, the Fanny Pack! Don't let the name deter you. We've seen these hands free pouches called belt bags, cross-body slings, waist bags, and a number of other names that distance them from their 'tacky' past. These bags are less bulky and cumbersome than backpacks, and they keep your hands free in the way purses sometimes don't allow. The lightweight nature make them the perfect accessory for numerous occasions. Ready to get started?
Please note, this tutorial requires the Portside Travel Set pattern. If you're looking for additional resources you can check out our Portside Travel Set Sew-Along + Related Tutorials by clicking here.
In addition to the pattern requirements, you'll also need 1" (2.54 cm) webbing that is the length of your waist circumference and a 1" (2.54 cm) buckle.
Begin by sewing your Dopp Kit as instructed through the attachment of the front panel to the side panels in step 34. You'll have half of an assembled bag as shown above.
Hold your half assembled bag so that is centered on your waist. Measure from the left side of the bag to the center of your back. Cut a piece of webbing that is the same length as that measurement plus 2.5" (6.35 cm). Thread one end of the cut webbing through the receiving end of your buckle. Pull through about 1.5" (3.81 cm) of webbing and fold under the raw edge 1/4" (0.635 cm). Stitch in place using an X pattern. Refer to Step 21 in the Portside Travel Set instructions for a visual reference.
Thread the remaining piece of webbing through the opposite buckle piece.
Fold the raw end over onto itself at 1.5" (3.81 cm) and fold the raw edge under 1/4" (0.635 cm). Stitch in place using a straight stitch or the X pattern.
You're now ready to attach the waist strap to the back panel of the bag. It can help to keep the webbing pieces buckled together to ensure your straps get attached without being twisted.
With the right side of your back panel facing up pin your webbing in place on either side of the bag ensuring that the pieces are aligned with one another. My bag has the straps positioned as shown; however, I feel that the top of the bag would sit closer to the body if the webbing had been positioned higher. I recommend positioning the webbing so that the top edge of the webbing is in line with the upper back seam.
Baste using a 1/4" (0.635 cm) seam allowance. Then complete the remainder of Step 34 by sewing the back panel to the bag. Be sure to keep the webbing and buckle out of the way. Follow the instructions to complete your Portside Fanny Pack!
