You might remember that we recently launched our super cute Core Bowling Bag pattern, a roomy, versatile design you can download for free on our website! It’s perfect for everyday use, and we’ve got you covered with a full video sew-along plus a step-by-step photo tutorial to guide you from start to finish.
Today, we’re taking that design one step further and putting those charm loops to work! Meet the Mini Core Bowling Bag Charm, a teeny-tiny version that clips right onto your regular Bowling Bag. It’s the perfect scrap-busting project, a thoughtful handmade gift, or even a stylish matching accessory for your pup’s leash (because why shouldn’t your dog have their own bowling bag?).
This little cutie fits headphones, lip gloss, a metro card, all the small essentials you need close at hand.
To create this adorable version, we adapted the original Core Bowling Bag Free Pattern by:
Shrinking most of the pattern pieces to about 60%
Drafting a new, shorter strap
Keeping the zipper tab at full size for easier sewing
We’ve gathered all the updated pieces into a printable pattern file, which you can download for free on this page. Just fill up the form below to get your free mini bowling bag:
(If you don't see the box above, please authorize this page on your popup blocker.)
You can follow most of the same steps from the full-size Bowling Bag tutorial. The main difference is that the mini version isn’t lined—instead, we finish the inside seams neatly with bias tape.
And because sewing small pieces can be a little fiddly, we also reduced the seam allowance to ¼ inch (6 mm) to make everything easier to handle.
Fabric scraps
1-sided fusible stabilizer like Pellon Flex Foam or similar (optional)
12" zipper
1.2 metre of bias tape
Ready to sew something small and mighty? Watch our step-by-step video to create your Mini Core Bowling Bag, and find a handy written recap of all the instructions below.
Step 1: Fold the zipper tabs (I) in half along the notches. Place one tab at each end of the zipper with the folded edge pointing toward the zipper teeth. Edgestitch in place.
Step 2: With right sides together, align the closed zipper with the unnotched long edge of one centre inset (C). Using a zipper foot, stitch close to the zipper teeth, backstitching at the beginning and end.
Step 3: Repeat with the remaining centre inset (C) on the other side of the zipper. You now have your centre zipper inset.
Step 4: With wrong sides together, fold each gusset (D) in half along the fold line to form a triangle, and edgestitch along the fold.
Step 5: With right sides together, place one gusset along the wrong side of the zipper and stitch within the seam allowance. Repeat for the other gusset and the remaining side of the centre insets (C).
Apply the foam interfacing to the wrong side of the front + back (A) pieces and the bottom (B). Follow your interfacing instructions.
If using Pellon Flex Foam, place a damp pressing cloth between the iron and stabilizer, and press for about 10 seconds.
Step 1: Finish one long edge of the strap with a serger or zigzag stitch.
Fold that edge under by ¼" (6 mm), then fold the other long edge under by ¼" (6 mm) as well. The serged long edge should cover the un-serged long edge. Edgestitch ⅛" (3 mm) from both folds to secure and catch the serged edge underneath. Cut into two equal lengths.
Step 2: Place the straps on the right side of the outer fabric at the marked points and baste in place ⅛" (3 mm) from the edge.
Step 1: With right sides together, align the long edges of the bottom (B) with the front and back (A) pieces. Stitch with a consistent seam allowance. Finish the seam with bias tape.
Step 2: With right sides together and notches matching, align the centre zipper inset with the outer shell. Pin or clip layers together, then stitch in place. Finish the seam with bias tape.
Turn your mini bowling bag right side out and press gently to shape.
Attach a small hook or clasp to one of the straps, then clip it to your full-size Core Bowling Bag—or anywhere you want a little extra cuteness!
Congrats! Your Mini Core Bowling Bag Charm is complete! Don't forget to tag us on Instagram @CoreFabrics and use #MiniCoreBowlingBag to share it with us and other sewists!
