Anti Pickpocket Bag: FREE pattern, tutorial, and video sew-along

anti pickpocket bag

This is my take on an anti-pickpocket bag made of fabric with twisted handles.  I'm calling it Helsinki and here's the backstory to this design:

As many of our regular readers know, I was recently away on vacation with my family.  During the break, we managed to visit the Bernina factory in Switzerland, call in on what I'll argue is the finest fabric shop in the world in Italy, and as a final stop, we went in search of the famous design house, Marimekko, in Finland –all of which I'll be writing about in the near future.

anti pickpocket bag

In any case, while we were in Finland, in supposedly one of the safest cities in the world, my teenage daughter was pickpocketed and lost her very, very expensive new iPhone.  Needless-to-say, her father was none too happy about this.  The small handbag she was carrying was relatively open and the thieves just brushed up against her and it was gone.  Poof!  We were in a department store and the security cameras got it all on video, but it happened so fast and the perpetrators were gone by the time the tapes were reviewed.

anti pickpocket bag

It got me thinking that this can't be a rare occurrence and that I should design an anti-pickpocket bag with internal pockets, secure zippers, and strong straps to keep this thing from happening again.  I started designing and as soon as I got home, put this new bag together.  I think you'll find it an easy project to follow and the bag will not only be an attractive addition to your wardrobe but also super functional if you're traveling or spending time in crowded places.  The twisted fabric handles are relatively unique and very strong.  So Helsinki, this one is for you..

Skill Level: Advanced

If you have made a nag with lining and pockets, this project is easy for you to accomplish.  If you, however, have never done a bag before, you will find this difficult.

Key Features:

  • Secure main zipper with no gaps around the gusset making it is hard for a thief to access.
  • Zippered inner pockets for money and valuables.
  • Strong twisted fabric handles that will let you hold the bag securely.
  • Complete video tutorial and sew-along (links at the end of the article)
  • Dimensions 17″ by 11″

anti pickpocket bag

Materials for the Anti Pickpocket Bag

Recommended Fabric Options

Here are some suggestions for potential fabric options.



See the entire sewing tutorial series here:

  • Sewing the Anti Pickpocket Bag: Part 3, Assembling the Bag
  • Sewing the Anti Pickpocket Bag: Part 2, Sewing the Lining
  • Sewing the Anti Pickpocket Bag: Part 1, Making the Handles

Subscribe to the YouTube channel:

 

See next page for free pattern download.

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TJ Bivins
TJ Bivins

Unable to find the pattern

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Julie Vanderhoek
Julie Vanderhoek

I love this bag! I may add some RFID fabric as well, but you’ve got the nicest pattern I’ve seen! Thank you for the post.

Maria
Maria

Thank you. for sharing all you do. It’s always a joy to receive your patterns. I very much enjoy working with them, They are easy to read

Nancy
Nancy

I’m sorry your family had an unhappy experience in Helsinki. I was there many times to set up new ships and always loved my time there. It’s been a while so maybe things have changed over the years.

Nancy
Nancy

After traveling all over Europe, I know how important it is to make longer straps so the bag can be worn cross-body. Also on your main zipper it is good to add a clip that can keep the zipper from being opened. Really cute design and both of these could be added easily.

Audrey
Audrey

I cannot get the file for this bag to download. Is there any way it could be emailed to me or some other way for me to get this pattern please

Jen
Jen

Can only download the first section of instructions in PDF. When I go to the next “page” it generates the previous “page” again. Cant make without the printed instructions. Could you please look into this and see what the issue is. Others have also commented about this. Thanks

Linda
Linda

Wow, I’m going to Italy very soon, where is the fantastic fabric place?

grandma
grandma

When I make my bags I always put at least 2 zipper pockets on the inside with another smaller pocket which holds my credit card, while it holds my drivers licence , plus. The second zipper pocket made the same way but it holds my bills and change. This then leaves the bag for unimportant stuff like make up, keys and groceries etc.

Lynn
Lynn

Honestly, the size of this bag is an invite to thieves.

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

I made it and love it! I made a second one and added some metal chain (fairly thin but strong) in the handles so the purse couldn’t be cut off. I saw that in a video.

So Sew Easy
Admin
Active Member
Reply to  Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth, thanks for the feedback! Please enjoy.

Michele Dubois
Michele Dubois

You say there is a video tutorial but I can’t find the link for that.

Kathy Richardson
Kathy Richardson

RFID Cloth. I really like the purse and the fabric. Something to also think about now-a-days, add RFID material to keep the credit card thieves from taking your info while it is still in your bag. Thank you for sharing all you do. I love your videos and patterns and ideas. Kathy R. Church Hill, Tennessee, USA.

Ruby
Ruby
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

Can we order this pattern for bag? I had my billfold stole from purse Nov. 2021. Not a good feeling!

Tim
Tim

When you see the sides of the pockets did you then sew the top of the pocket?

VB
VB

Do you have the instructions written out or just in video format? I don’t always have access to the internet and would like to have written instructions if possible.

Sherry
Sherry

I am not able to get to the page to download the PDF for the anti-pickpocket bag. Can you email it to me? I would really appreciate this.

Thanks.

Victoria Ann Sallese
Victoria Ann Sallese

That was very interesring. I had no idea there is RFID fabric out there. Thank yoju

Marianne
Marianne

I also got bag-slashed in a foreign country. I would line this bag with Kevlar fabric, and thread a 1/16”-1/8” stainless steel metal cable from the local hardware store through the handle with the end-loop hardware included internally, and connected to a thread of cable through the spine of the bag itself. This is often a feature of concealed-carry handbags. Also, making it a cross-body bag would make it harder for a thief to surprise-grab or to bump-distraction-grab. Those are the two main ways thieves operate. On important internal pockets, I’d make a zig-zag flap entry where only I know the way into the pocket, and I’d leave a booby-prize wallet with a note in it in the main pocket should they find their way into the main pocket somehow: “Sorry, you caught me on the last day of funds. If I catch you in my bag again, I will re-arrange your elbow joints. If I catch you in someone else’s bag, I will also re-arrange your elbow joints. Get a real career, because this one is hard on ALL of your joints, if you get my meaning.” Keep your bags in front if you and your backs to the walls, people. I was stolen from three times overseas in the same country, and all in aggressive, clever ways, and I considered myself pretty preventative. Most thieves use calculated techniques, it pays to study up on prevention and safe, airtight personal boundary-keeping.

Bonnie
Bonnie

Where do you get the metal rings??

Mary Sue Lee
Mary Sue Lee

When on tours in foreign lands, i carry a small cross-body bag UNDER my button-front shirt. My phone, currency, passport, etc are completely out of sight to any thief, but easy to access if i need something

Sandra
Sandra
Reply to  Mary Sue Lee

How can I get written instructions if posible for this bag. Can you please let me know!

BonnieH
BonnieH

I prefer a small shoulder bag worn over my shirt but UNDER a vest, sweater or jacket. Failing that, a vest or lightweight jacket with inside pocket. I know this is very limiting, but it works for me if I just carry a small wallet and cell phone.

While a friend of mine was traveling in a foreign country, 2 jerks on motor bike buzzed past her and grabbed her purse right off her shoulder. It was hideously traumatic. Amazingly, she was not physically injured, but grossly inconvenienced.

lacybe
lacybe
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

It happened to a friend of mine in Italy – years ago.

Cynthia A Burns
Cynthia A Burns

I was wanting to know, how difficult would it be to lengthen the handles to make this a cross-body bag? I DO NOT trust over-the-shoulder bags.

Sarah
Sarah

I just finished sewing this bag and it came out great BUT I can’t find the grommets like you used and the plastic ones from Joann’s don’t seem to work with the thickness. When I click the link for the grommets I get a message that says “unable to connect as there are too many redirects. I don’t know what that means but I can’t get to site to purchase….Please Help!

Sarah
Sarah
Reply to  Mayra Cecilia

The link finally worked and took me to Amazon but the grommets there are not the same as the ones you had, require a tool to install and I assume are not removable and reusable. Are these the grommets you are suggesting we use?

Cynthia A Burns
Cynthia A Burns
Reply to  Sarah

Have you tried Hobby Lobby?

Danielle S
Danielle S

That bag is lovely and so clever. Makes me realize I really do need something to keep my information safe. Unfortunately there is no way I would ever be able to make one. Definitely not anywhere near that level. Thank you for the wonderful idea though.

Marla
Marla

This bag is very pretty. I think you have incorporated features to make it anti-pickpocket. My cousin had a bag similar in style and the thieves used a blade to slit open the bottom and empty her bag while she rode the bus. Needless to say, this is not a good experience. Maybe your bag will be better at keeping them away.