Hello, bag makers! Have you ever tackled a project where a little mistake turned into a happy accident? That was definitely the case during our recent sew-along for the Dolly Bag by Swoon on The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety YouTube channel. This stylish crossbody bag is beginner-friendly but full of opportunities to add your own creative flair. Whether you joined us live or plan to catch the replay, here’s a little recap of the fun, the challenges, and the bag-making tips we shared.
A Chatty Start.
As always, we started the session with a bit of real-life chaos—technical glitches with cameras and mics. But with some quick help from the live viewers (thank you!), we got everything sorted and dove right in. These live sew-alongs always feel like sewing with friends, and the chat was full of first-timers and familiar faces.
Why the Dolly Bag?
The Dolly Bag by Swoon is such a versatile and stylish pattern. With its compact size and crossbody style, it’s perfect for everyday use. I shared a little story about a past mishap with this bag (spoiler: I learned a lot!) and how it’s become one of my go-to patterns for experimenting with fabrics and techniques.
Materials & Prep.
For this version, I used:
Vinyl for accents,
Water-resistant canvas for the lining,
Quilting cotton for the main panels,
Fusible fleece and woven interfacing for structure.
I also pre-made the crossbody strap (because straps can be a bit time-consuming), and for anyone who needs a refresher, I linked a tutorial to make your own.
Pattern Modifications.
Bag making is all about adapting patterns to suit your preferences, and I shared a few tweaks I made to the Dolly Bag:
Skipping fusible fleece in the seam allowances on vinyl pieces to make turning and sewing easier.
Reinforcing magnetic snaps with extra stabilizer to ensure they stay secure over time.
Sewing Tips & Techniques.
Throughout the session, we explored some helpful techniques, including:
Using double-sided tape for keeping vinyl accents in place before stitching.
Trimming curved seams with pinking shears for a smooth, professional finish when turning.
Stitching on a Jack H2 industrial machine with Tex 45 thread for strength and durability.
And when I accidentally topstitched out of order? No problem! I added a second row of topstitching, turning my mistake into a lovely design feature. Sometimes the best ideas come from a little improvisation!
Community Love.
One of the highlights of these live sew-alongs is hearing from all of you in the chat. During the session, viewers shared their own bag-making tips, favourite tools, and even some supplier recommendations. It’s always inspiring to see how everyone puts their unique spin on the same project.
A Friendly Reminder.
Mistakes happen to everyone—even experienced bag makers! I made sure to remind everyone that sewing isn’t about perfection; it’s about enjoying the process, learning as you go, and creating something that makes you happy.
Final Thoughts.
The Dolly Bag sew-along was such a wonderful session—full of tips, creative ideas, and a reminder that mistakes can turn into your best design moments. If you haven’t tried the Dolly Bag yet, it’s a fantastic project for all skill levels, and the free pattern from Swoon makes it even better. Want to join the fun? Catch the replay on The Bag Makers Sew-Ciety YouTube channel, grab your materials, and sew along with us. I’d love to see how you make it your own—happy stitching! 😊
Until next time happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full
Deb x
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