When Margaux from Petit Patron launched the challenge to sew her version of the Bahia fanny pack, I was super motivated to make my own version. And since it’s a "hack" and customization challenge, I had to find a nice idea to make the project interesting and fun... and while cleaning my workshop, suddenly, the idea came!

So let’s get started with the explanation of my version of Bahia

Model presentation

Bahia is a printed fanny pack to wear at the waist or diagonally over the shoulder thanks to its adjustable strap. The original model is offered by Margaux from Petit Patron and has a zipper on the back, and a detachable printed on the front. It’s the right size to slip in a wallet, a phone, keys for going on vacation or adventure 😊.

Bahia is a free model and you can find it by clicking here. 

Bahia is an accessible model as it is rated level 2/4 by the pattern brand; it is therefore suitable for beginners with a bit of patience and determination. 

In the seamstress’s or tailor’s basket

• woven fabric (twill, linen, poplin...) or faux leather
• some matching thread
• some fusible interfacing
• 2 rings of 30mm1 adjustment buckle of 30mmpress studs 
• an 18cm zipper pull (or zipper by the meter)
• Gütermann golden thread
• my golden zipper pull (zip by the meter available in the shop)

For my version, I used the golden loops and rings from my shop. to create shiny topstitching matching Kokka fabrics. I also used Gütermann golden thread

My version  

While tidying my workshop, I came across scraps of Kokka fabric measuring 10cm by 7cm... and honestly, I couldn’t bear to throw them away... when suddenly, the idea of a Bahia crazy patch fanny pack appeared to me... customization was underway!

Crazy patch is actually a form of patchwork where you sew the pieces together randomly, hence the name crazy. The only rule is to always sew on straight lines. At each “branch,” you cut again, reshape a straight line, and sew the next piece. 

I’m sharing a video; well... it’s in Spanish but you’ll understand everything 😊

Once I had sewn a surface large enough to hold the pieces for the front of my Bahia version, I was able to cut following the pattern pieces. I decided that the back pattern pieces would actually become the front of my fanny pack because I liked the idea of having the zipper pull on the front and it’s more practical. I didn’t want the zipper to “rub” against my clothes. 

I fused interfacing to the entire surface made with crazy patch. 

For placing the zipper, I followed Margaux’s instructions with the zipper finishing details. I topstitched the seams with metallic thread to add some sparkle.

For the zipper, I used zipper by the meter that I cut to the desired length. 

... And then when I finished this step... I realized that Bahia wasn’t lined... and it bothered me since I had fused interfacing... so I decided to line Bahia... But oh no, I had already assembled the zipper... no matter...

I traced the whole piece and marked the zipper placement; made a cut and sewed the edges by hand 😊 and tada, the first lining draft was done. 

Then, I followed Margaux’s instructions, repeating once for the outer part and once for the lining. (Be sure to leave a hole at the bottom of the lining to turn everything right side out).

I removed 5 cm from the sides of the lining where the snaps (to attach the rings) are positioned to avoid bulk. I realized this during the process, so I recommend doing it beforehand. 

Finally, I placed the snaps as indicated in the instructions. I chose black snaps, but I thought the next versions could have heart or star snaps to be even more original. I punched the snap spots with a hole punch (I recommend doing this) and used my Kam clip to attach them (be careful with the direction!)

Last step, making the belt and attaching the adjustment buckle. Margaux’s instructions are very clear and make these steps easy to do!

I just shortened the webbing because I’m petite and chose to cut it at 115cm instead of 136cm. 

I’m so happy with my version and I think it shows 😊

Thanks to Margaux for sharing her pattern and for giving me the challenge of trying a new sewing technique by making a crazy patch. And I’m super proud of my upcycling of scraps... It would have been such a shame to throw that away, right? You’ll find some Kokka floral fabrics used in my version in the shop 😊

What about you, are you tempted to sew your own version of Bahia?

To take part in the pattern challenge, go to Petit Patron's Instagram account to get all the instructions.