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

Wedding dolly bags are small, drawstring pouches that can be used by brides and bridesmaids to carry their essentials, such as makeup, tissues, and even sweets for the little ones. These bags are a creative solution to the lack of pockets or handbags typically available to brides on their wedding day. You can find a variety of dolly bags in different colours and fabrics, such as satin, lace, velvet, and organza, with embellishments like rhinestones, pearls, and embroidery. Some sources also provide instructions on how to make your own custom dolly bags, allowing you to choose the fabric, colour, and any desired decorations.

Choosing the fabric and colour

The fabric and colour you choose for your wedding dolly bag are important considerations that will impact the overall look and feel of the bag. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your selection:

Fabric Type

When choosing the fabric for your dolly bag, opt for a light to medium weight fabric. This will ensure that the bag is durable yet not too bulky. Common fabric choices include satin, duchess satin, polyester, lace, velvet, and organza. Consider the weight of the items you plan to carry in the bag and choose a fabric that can comfortably accommodate them.

Colour Options

Wedding dolly bags come in a variety of colours to match any wedding theme or colour scheme. Traditional wedding colours such as ivory, white, and silver are always popular choices. However, you can also opt for coloured bags in shades like Cadbury purple, burgundy, navy blue, black, or even gold. If you want to add a pop of colour, consider choosing a bag with embroidered flowers or pearl details.

Personalisation

To make your dolly bag even more special, consider personalising it with the bride or bridesmaid's name and wedding date. You can choose from a wide range of thread colours to match the fabric or add a unique touch. Embroidered details not only add a sentimental value to the bag but also make it a memorable keepsake.

Texture and Embellishments

Dolly bags can also vary in terms of texture and embellishments. You can choose from simple, plain bags to those with rhinestones, diamantes, pearls, or lace details. Consider the overall style of the wedding and the bride's dress when making your selection. If you prefer a more subtle look, opt for a plain bag with a soft, smooth fabric like satin. For a more glamorous look, choose a bag with intricate details and embellishments.

Remember, the fabric and colour you choose for your wedding dolly bag should complement the overall aesthetic of the wedding and the bride's or bridesmaid's outfit. Whether you decide on a simple or ornate design, the bag should be both functional and stylish, adding a special touch to the wedding day.

Adding diamantes and pearls

Planning and Preparation:

Before you start, it's important to plan the design and layout of the diamantes and pearls on your dolly bag. Consider the size and shape of the bag, and decide on the arrangement that complements it. You can sketch out your design or use a piece of paper to cut out the shape of your bag and arrange the diamantes and pearls to see how they will look. This step will help you determine the number of diamantes and pearls needed and ensure a balanced and harmonious composition.

Choosing the Right Embellishments:

When selecting your diamantes and pearls, opt for high-quality pieces that will enhance the overall aesthetic of your bag. Consider the colour, size, and shape of the embellishments to ensure they complement the fabric and style of the bag. You can choose from various options, such as crystal diamantes, pearl beads, or even coloured gemstones, to create your desired effect.

Attaching the Embellishments:

There are several ways to attach diamantes and pearls to your dolly bag:

• Sewing: You can carefully sew the diamantes and pearls onto the fabric of the bag. This method ensures a secure hold and is suitable for various fabrics. Use a needle and thread that match the colour of your bag to create a discreet finish.
• Gluing: If you prefer a quicker method, you can use a strong fabric glue to attach the embellishments. Apply a small amount of glue to the back of each diamante or pearl and press it gently onto the bag. This technique is ideal for larger stones or areas where sewing may be challenging.
• Hot-fix Applicator: If your diamantes have a flat back with a heat-activated adhesive, you can use a hot-fix applicator to attach them to the bag. This tool applies heat to the stones, melting the adhesive and securing them to the fabric.

Placement and Arrangement:

When placing the diamantes and pearls on the bag, follow your design plan and use pins to mark the positions temporarily. This will allow you to adjust and ensure a symmetrical layout. Start with the centrepiece or focal point of your design and work your way outwards. If you're using multiple types of embellishments, consider varying the sizes and shapes to create depth and visual interest.

Finalizing the Details:

Once you've attached all the diamantes and pearls, carefully review your work and make any necessary adjustments. Ensure that each piece is securely attached and double-check for any gaps or missing elements. If needed, you can add additional embellishments or fill in any empty spaces with smaller stones or beads.

Creating wedding dolly bags with diamantes and pearls is a wonderful way to add a touch of sparkle and elegance to your special day. By following these steps and customizing your bag, you can ensure that it perfectly matches your wedding dress and style.

Using lace overlays

Dolly bags are a great way to hold essentials for brides and bridesmaids, such as perfume, makeup, and tissues. They can also be used for children to carry sweets. When creating these bags, you can use lace overlays to add a vintage-style or elegant touch to your design.

Fabric and Design Choices:

Choose a light to medium-weight fabric for your dolly bag, such as polyester matte satin, Duchess satin, or lace. Consider the colour and style you want to achieve. You can opt for a simple, elegant design or go for something more intricate and fancy.

Creating the Bag:

First, create a paper pattern by cutting scrap paper to your desired bag size. Fold it in half lengthwise and round the bottom corner. Cut four pieces from your chosen fabric. Pin and stitch the pieces together, leaving gaps as needed for the lining and drawstring channel. Turn the bag right side out and slip the lining into the outer bag, ensuring the right sides are together. Stitch along the top edge, then turn the bag through the gap in the lining. Sew up the gap, and then push the lining into the main bag.

Adding the Lace Overlay:

Choose a lace overlay design that complements your fabric and desired style. You can opt for a simple lace trim, a lace motif, or a more detailed lace overlay. Pin and stitch the lace overlay onto the bag, ensuring it is secure.

Final Touches:

Create a drawstring channel by marking the gaps on the side seams with pins. Stitch along these lines, and then thread thin ribbons through the channels. Secure with knots.

Your lace overlay dolly bag is now complete! You can add further embellishments or keep it simple, depending on your preference.

Remember, you can always customise your dolly bag with different fabrics, colours, and embellishments to make it unique.

Embroidering names and dates

To embroider names and dates, you will need to choose an appropriate embroidery thread colour that matches or complements the colour of the bag. You can choose from a wide range of thread colours, with around 200 shades available to match the bag fabric. If you are unable to find an exact match, you can send a small fabric sample, and a close match will be found for you.

Once you have chosen your thread colour, you will need to decide on the font style and size for the embroidery. You can choose a font that matches the style of the wedding or the personality of the recipient. The size of the font will depend on the size of the bag and how prominent you want the embroidery to be.

After finalising the design details, carefully stitch the names and dates onto the bags. You can use a variety of embroidery stitches to create the lettering, such as a simple backstitch or a more decorative satin stitch. Ensure that the stitching is secure and neat, with no loose ends or knots showing.

By following these steps, you can create beautifully embroidered wedding dolly bags with names and dates that will be cherished as a memorable keepsake of the special day.

Stitching by hand or machine

For stitching, you can use either a sewing machine or stitch by hand. If you are using a sewing machine, you will need to remove the 'table' part of the machine to access the free arm. This will allow you to stitch all the way around the bag. If you are hand-stitching, you can use a simple running stitch or a backstitch for extra strength.

When stitching the bag together, it is important to leave a gap at the bottom of the lining. This will be used to turn the bag right side out. Once the bag has been turned, the gap can be sewn up by hand.

To create the drawstring channel, you will need to stitch two straight lines on both sides of the bag. Again, if using a sewing machine, ensure that you have accessed the free arm for ease of stitching. If hand-stitching, use small, neat stitches to ensure that the channel is secure.

Once the channel has been created, take two lengths of thin ribbon and, using a safety pin, thread them through the channels. Thread one ribbon in one direction and the other ribbon in the opposite direction. Secure with knots on each side of the bag.

Finally, you can add any additional decorations, such as a lace motif, by hand-stitching it in place.

Frequently asked questions