Pattern Download
You can download the pattern for this Anti-pickpocket bag from our account at Payhip.
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Pattern Layout
Step One: Preparing The Fabric
Apply the fusible interfacing to the lining (3 pieces) and the facing (2 pieces). Sew the soft sewable interfacing or fleece to the main fabric (2 pieces). Sew the thick sewable interfacing to the bottom (1 piece).
If you are using canvas as per the recommended fabric options, there is no need to use any interfacing or fleece. For your reference only, the following picture will show you the right side and the wrong side of the fabric I am using. Because it is batik, both sides are the same, so I have applied the thinnest fusible interfacing I have so you can differentiate the right and wrong sides more clearly. All other directions are on the pattern. Please follow closely.
Step Two: Making the Inner Pockets
Place the lining(main pattern piece) right side up. Place the pocket piece to which you have ironed a rectangle of fusible interfacing that is the same width of the pocket 10″ x 3 1/2″ in length centered on top of the lining and draw a rectangle 2″ from the top that is 7″ x 1/2″. 
Draw a line in the middle of the pocket that stops 1/'4″ from the end. This line will be your cutting line.
Sew with a small stitch (I am using #2) all around the pocket. Please follow your drawing exactly. This will ensure you have perfect corners.
Cut the line in the middle stopping 1/4″ from the end. Cut to the corner without cutting the stitching line.
Pass the pocket piece through the cut you just made and iron. Place the zipper under this opening and pin the zipper. Make sure the zipper is centered. 
The zipper is larger than the opening and so will have to make sure the little handle is not underneath the lining. Stitch very close to the edge you need to adjust while sewing 
Change to a zipper foot and stitch very close to the edge. 
You can make two pockets or just one. Personally, I like pockets, so I am making one on each side.
When you see the sides of the pockets did you then sew the top of the pocket?
Hi Tim, the top gets caught with the lining and zipper, here is the video tutorial
https //www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfqGSFGanJ0 and the third part here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_X7LZ2_aVU
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.
Sadly not at the moment. I can only add one file to the app at the time and of certain size. The institutions will remain free on these site for you to go back to whenever you can. Kind Regards,
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.
That was very interesring. I had no idea there is RFID fabric out there. Thank yoju
Yes you can buy it it is expensive though around 60 dollars a meter but it is very wide.
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.
Where do you get the metal rings??
You can find them on Amazon.com
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
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.
yes, this is a very common practice in Latin America sad to say. Sorry about your friend.
It happened to a friend of mine in Italy – years ago.
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.
Not difficult at all, but I would not make them twisted they would be too stiff to be comfortable. The handles in this bag would work much better https://so-sew-easy.com/reversible-crossbody-handbag/
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!
Hi Sarah, you must have a window blocker because I tested the link and it is working fine.
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?
HI Sarah i do have a Kam tool, and all the fittings for many sizes of grommets. If you are going to make bags I suggest to use this type of grommets, the removable ones are much more expensive and hard to find.
Have you tried Hobby Lobby?
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.
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.