Creating A Wedding Dolly Bag: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding dolly bags are small, drawstring pouches that brides and bridesmaids can use to carry essentials such as perfume, makeup, and tissues. They can also be used to hold sweets for younger bridesmaids. This type of bag is especially useful as most wedding dresses do not have pockets. Dolly bags can be made from a variety of materials, including satin, lace, and organza, and can be customised with embroidery or crystals. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a wedding dolly bag.

Choosing the fabric and design

When making a wedding dolly bag, the fabric and design you choose are important considerations. You can use any light to medium-weight fabric, such as polyester matte satin, Duchess satin, lace, or canvas. The amount of fabric needed will depend on the size and style of the bag, but typically, 1/4 metre or a fat quarter should be sufficient.

If you're making a drawstring bag, you'll need to cut four pieces of fabric. Two pieces will be for the lining, and you'll pin them together, right sides facing, marking a gap at the bottom. The other two pieces will be for the outside of the bag, and you'll also pin them together, right sides facing, but this time, you'll mark the drawstring channel instead.

When it comes to the design of your wedding dolly bag, you can keep it plain or make it as fancy as you like. Embellishments such as lace, crystals, pearls, and embroidery can add a touch of elegance to the bag. You can also personalise the bag with the name and wedding date of the bride and groom, or choose a specific colour to match the wedding theme.

If you're creating a welcome bag for wedding guests, consider using a paper bag, a box, a canvas bag, a tote bag, or a beach bucket, depending on your budget and the number of items you plan to include. Decorating the bag with ribbons, stickers, or a cute craft project can add a special touch. Staying on theme with the colour scheme and design can create a cohesive impression of your wedding weekend.

Cutting the fabric

To make a wedding dolly bag, you will need about a quarter of a metre of fabric. This can be any light to medium weight fabric, such as ivory polyester matte satin.

First, make a paper pattern. Cut a piece of scrap paper to 9” x 7” (23cm x 18cm), then fold it in half lengthways and round the bottom corner. Open it out and your pattern piece is ready.

Now you can start cutting the fabric. Cut four pieces from your fabric. Lay two pieces right sides together and pin them together, marking a gap at the bottom. These will form the lining.

Lay the other two pieces, right sides together again, and mark the drawstring channel. Place a pin 2” from the top edge and 1/2” below on both sides. This will be the outside of the bag.

Stitching the fabric

To stitch the fabric for your wedding dolly bag, you will need about a quarter of a metre of fabric. This can be any light to medium-weight fabric, such as ivory polyester matte satin. You will also need a metre of ribbon, scissors, a pencil, and pins.

First, make a paper pattern by cutting a piece of scrap paper to 9” x 7” (23cm x 18cm), then fold it in half lengthwise and round the bottom corner. Cut four pieces from your fabric.

Now, lay two pieces right sides together and pin them together, marking a gap at the bottom. These will form the lining. Repeat this step with the other two pieces of fabric, but this time, mark the drawstring channel by placing a pin 2” from the top edge and 1/2” below on both sides. This will be the outside of the bag.

Stitch around each piece, leaving the gaps as marked. Clip the seams on the curves.

Turn the bag lining right side out and slip it into the outside bag, ensuring the right sides are together. Line up the seams, pin, and then stitch all the way around the top edge.

Turn the entire bag right side out through the gap in the bottom of the lining, then sew the gap in the lining closed. Push the lining into the main bag and press with an iron.

To create the drawstring channel, locate the gaps you left on the side seams and mark them with pins on both sides. Pin across in two straight lines on both sides of the bag. Stitch all the way around both lines. Remove the 'table' part of your sewing machine to access the free arm and make this step easier.

Take two 20” (50cm) lengths of thin ribbon and, using a safety pin, thread them through the channels in opposite directions. Secure with knots, one on each side of the bag.

Adding the drawstring

Now that you have the fabric cut out and pinned together, it's time to add the drawstring!

First, you will need to cut your ribbon or cord. For a 7" wide bag, cut two pieces of ribbon or cord that are twice the width of the bag, plus a few extra inches. For example, if your bag is 7" wide, cut two 20" pieces of ribbon. Attach a safety pin to one end of one piece of ribbon.

Now, guide the safety pin and ribbon through the entire drawstring casing on one side of the bag, and then back through the casing on the other side of the bag. Tie the ends of the ribbon together into a simple overhand knot.

Repeat this process with the second piece of ribbon, starting on the side of the bag with no knot. Guide the ribbon through both casings so that the ends meet on the opposite side of the bag, and knot them together.

Your drawstrings are now installed! You can add pretty drawstring stoppers if you like, or simply tie the ends of the ribbons together to close your bag.

Embellishing the bag

If you're feeling adventurous, you can combine different embellishments. For instance, combine crystals and pearls, or add a lace overlay to a satin bag. You can also play with different textures, such as combining satin and organza or chiffon. The possibilities are endless, and you can make the bag as plain or as fancy as you like.

If you're making the bag for a bride, you might want to add a little "something blue" detail, like a blue crystal or embroidery. You could also incorporate a family heirloom or a meaningful item, such as a piece of lace passed down from a family member, to make the bag even more special.

Don't be afraid to experiment and add your personal touch to the bag. It's a fun project that will result in a unique and practical accessory for the bride or bridesmaids on the wedding day.

Frequently asked questions