Zip Fanny Pack – Free Sewing Pattern

The Zip Hip Bag—also known as a fanny pack, sling bag, or waist wallet—is a practical and stylish accessory perfect for travel, theme parks, errands, or everyday use. It keeps your essentials secure while leaving your hands free.

When I first started making these, my kids thought they were anything but fashionable. But after a few days at a water park resort—where I ended up carrying everyone’s phones, hotel keys, and sunscreen—the bag quickly became a family favorite.

By the end of the trip, even my teenage daughter admitted my handmade version looked better than store-bought ones.

This design uses a foam stabilizer sandwiched between fabric layers and quilted, giving the bag structure and a professional finish. If you prefer a sleeker look, you can use vinyl or cork fabric, which eliminates the need for lining and quilting.

Why You’ll Love This Bag

• Features two zippered compartments:
  • A main front pocket for everyday items
  • A hidden back pocket for valuables like cash or cards
• Comfortable 1 ½” wide elastic waistband
• Adjustable fit for waist sizes 25”–40”
• Lightweight yet durable
• Customizable with different fabrics and finishes

Materials and Supplies

Gather the following before starting:

Fabrics

• Exterior fabric: 1 fat quarter (cotton, vinyl, or cork)
• Lining fabric: 1 fat quarter (not needed for vinyl/cork)

Stabilizer

• Foam interfacing: 13 ½” x 11”

Notions

• Zippers:
  • One 10” zipper
  • One 10 ½” zipper
  • (#4.5 handbag zippers recommended)
• Bias binding: 1 yard (2¼”–2½” wide)
• Elastic: 1 yard (1½” wide)
• Hardware:
  • 1 buckle (1½” opening)
  • 1 triglide slide (1½” opening)

Cutting Instructions

All measurements are height x width

From Exterior Fabric

• 1 rectangle: 13 ½” x 11”
• 2 side flaps (mirror images using template)

From Lining Fabric

• 1 rectangle: 13 ½” x 11”
• 2 side flaps (mirror images)
• 2 divider pieces (template)

If Using Vinyl or Cork (Skip Quilting Step)

Cut:

• 1 piece: 2¾” x 10”
• 1 piece: 5¼” x 10”
• 1 piece: 4½” x 10½”
• 2 side flaps

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create the Quilted Panel (Cotton Only)

1. Lay your lining fabric wrong side up.
2. Place the foam stabilizer on top.
3. Add the exterior fabric right side up.
4. Baste around edges (⅛” seam allowance).
5. Quilt the entire panel:
   • Use straight or wavy lines
   • A walking foot helps feed layers evenly
6. After quilting:
   • Cut into:
     • 2¾” x 10”
     • 5¼” x 10”
     • 4½” x 10½”
   • Baste edges to secure layers

Step 2: Assemble the Back Zipper Panel

1. Take the 5¼” x 10” panel.
2. Place zipper face down along the top edge.
3. Sew with ¼” seam allowance.
4. Reduce bulk:
   • Trim about ⅛” of foam and lining behind zipper tape
   • Do NOT cut zipper tape
5. Fold zipper upward and topstitch.
6. Attach the 2¾” x 10” panel to the other side of zipper:
   • Repeat same steps

Step 3: Add the Divider

1. Place divider pieces wrong sides together.
2. Baste them as one unit.
3. Center divider on lining side of back panel.
4. Trim panel to match divider shape.
5. Baste entire unit around edges.
6. Topstitch along zipper edge again to secure divider.

Step 4: Prepare Side Flaps

1. Place exterior and lining flap pieces right sides together.
2. Sew:
   • Top straight edge
   • Curved bottom edge
3. Clip curves or use pinking shears.
4. Turn right side out.
5. Press and topstitch edges.

Step 5: Create the Front Zipper Panel

1. Take 4½” x 10½” panel.
2. Attach zipper using same method as Step 2:
   • Sew
   • Trim bulk
   • Topstitch

Step 6: Assemble the Bag Body

1. Mark center points on:
   • Front panel
   • Back panel (top and bottom)
2. Place panels right sides together, align centers.
3. Clip zipper tape every ½ inch (¼” deep cuts):
   • Helps curve smoothly
4. Sew:
   • Top seam first
   • Then curved bottom seam
   • Use zipper foot

Step 7: Insert Side Flaps

1. Keep bag inside out.
2. Insert side flaps into openings:
   • Small end goes inside
3. Ensure front zipper is half open.
4. Pin side seams.
5. Sew with ¼” seam allowance.

Step 8: Finish Interior

1. Use bias binding to cover raw seams:
   • Fold binding in half
   • Sew along edges
2. Join ends neatly for a clean finish.
3. Turn bag right side out through zipper.
4. Lightly press.

Step 9: Make the Adjustable Belt

Cut Elastic

• One piece: 8”
• One piece: 28”

Attach Buckle (Short Side)

1. Thread 8” elastic through female buckle end.
2. Fold back.
3. Sew securely (box stitch recommended).

Attach Adjustable Side

1. Thread long elastic through:
   • Triglide
   • Male buckle
2. Loop back through triglide.
3. Stitch end to secure.

Attach to Bag

1. Insert elastic ends into side flaps.
2. Sew securely with back-and-forth stitches.

Final Tips

• Keep zipper slightly open before final assembly
• Use clips instead of pins for thick layers
• Go slowly over bulky seams
• Try different fabrics for unique styles

Finished Result

You now have a professional-looking, durable, and stylish Zip Hip Bag—perfect for travel, gifts, or everyday use.