Bum bags, also known as fanny packs or cross body bags, remain in style in 2025! A practical accessory from the late eighties is still a staple in today’s fashion. The bum bag boasts hands free convenience, with adjustable straps, it can be worn however you see fit. The most popular being across your body or around your waist. Fitting endless accessories, bum bags are perfect for running errands, going to festivals, holidays or exercising.
With an endless selection on the market, it has never been easier to access one. Although, you may want to look unique and stand out from the crowd, have the perfect fabric lying around or aim to start your own sewing hobby journey. As such, I have put together the 5 best bum bag sewing patterns available for beginners to intermediate sewists. These PDF printable patterns avoid any intricate details or seams and have in depth instructions and videos to follow along.
Suitable fabric : 8w soft corduroy, cotton twill checker board, Heavy weight linen, Heavy Tencel twill, Heavy Cotton twill
Number 1- Banana Bag by Tropical Research
The Banana Bag by Tropical Research is an easy fanny pack/ cross body bag for beginners and more experienced sewists. A stylish, multi- functional bag with a zip on the front for easy access. This pattern includes step by step tutorial guides with illustrations and sewing tips.
Number 2- Simple Sling Bag by TYTKA Studio
The Simple Sling Bag by TYTKA Studio is a pattern made for beginners, with an interesting twist on the cross body/ bum bag. A compact, convenient bag with an adjustable strap, ready to ‘sling’ across the body or around the waist. Including in depth instructions and a YouTube video tutorial.
Number 3- Half Moon Round Sling Bag by Sew Stitchery Shop
The Half Moon Round Sling Bag by Sew Stitchery Shop is a pattern made for beginners, with add ons for more experienced sewists, such as an internal zip pocket. This pattern comes with easy, illustrated instructions to follow along and the option to make your own adjustable fabric strap.
Number 4 – Baileigh Bag by Hello Hannah Walker
The Baileigh Bag by Hello Hannah Walker is a pattern made for intermediate sewists, looking most similar to a traditional bum bag, with two sizes of bag pattern available. Offering clear, detailed instructions with illustrations and a YouTube link, this pattern would be achievable for a beginner too.
Number 5 – Crescent Bag by Bag Pattern Studio
The Crescent Bag from Bag Pattern Studio is a pattern is made for the intermediate sewist, with its distinctive feature being its crescent shape. This bag can comfortably fit a wide range of accessories, due to its larger size. With in depth instructions and a YouTube video to follow along, this pattern is more than achievable for a beginner – intermediate sewer.
So, have we inspired you to make your own cross body/ bum bag? Sewing comes with such a sense of achievement, being able to say, ‘I made that!” Enjoy creating something completely unique, tailored to your body, style and desired functionality.
Thanks for reading and happy sewing!
Eliza x
