DIY Sewing Tutorial: How to Make a Bowling Bag

Beginner Level:

• 50 x 75 cm of coated fabric

• 2 m of webbing/strap

• 1 zipper (45 cm)

Intermediate Level – Additional Materials:

• 2.1 m of bias tape

• 2.1 m of piping cord

For all levels:

• A sewing machine

• Sewing needles

• Matching thread

• Scissors

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

• Cut one rectangle: 58 x 47 cm

• Cut two circles: 17.8 cm diameter

• Cut four pieces: 3 x 4 cm (to finish the zip ends)

Step 2: Prepare the Strap

Sew each end of the strap with a 1 cm seam allowance.

Step 4: Sew the Strap to the Fabric

• Pin the strap to the large rectangle as shown in the diagram.

• Keep the strap seam centered, and space both sides equally.

• Topstitch 2 mm from the edge on both sides.

Step 5: Sew the Zipper

• Place the zipper right sides together with the fabric along the 47 cm sides and sew.

• Repeat for the other side.

Pro Tip: When you reach the zipper pull, leave the needle down, lift the presser foot, move the pull past the needle, and continue sewing.

Step 7: Repeat Bias Tape on the Other Side

Follow the same process as in Step 6 for the other side of the zipper.

Step 8: Adjust the Zipper Alignment

• Turn the bag right side out.

• Use a pin to adjust the zipper/fabric alignment for a clean finish.

• Topstitch along the zipper seam.

Step 9: Add Piping (Intermediate)

• Optional: Add piping along the edges of the circular side panels.

Step 10: Attach the Side Panels

• Pin the circles to each end of the bag.

• Mark the half and quarter points to distribute the fabric evenly.

Step 11: Baste the Side Panels

• Baste (temporary hand-stitch) the circles to the bag before machine sewing.

• This helps hold everything securely while stitching.

Step 12: Sew the Circular Ends

• Machine stitch the circles with a 1 cm seam allowance.

• If using piping, sew closely along the edge of the piping.

• Remove the basting thread afterward.

Step 13: Finish the Seams

• Intermediate version: Apply bias tape around the inner circle seams like before. Fold over and topstitch at 5 mm.

• Beginner version: Use a zigzag stitch around the edge instead.