I’ve often been asked if the Wayfarer sling bag pattern can hold pickleball paddles. Since I’m not a pickleball player and wasn’t familiar with the sport, I couldn’t give a confident answer without doing some research.
Fortunately, a couple of talented members of my Facebook sewing group (Kylee Howells and Christina Holley) took it upon themselves to modify Style 1 of the Wayfarer 2.0 into a pickleball bag.
Christina was kind enough to share all the details of her modifications, along with pictures, which I’m featuring in today’s post. The modified bag is designed to fit standard pickleball paddles (without covers), which typically measure 15 to 16.5 inches in length, 7 to 8.25 inches in width, with a 16 mm core.
Here’s a breakdown of the modifications:-
1. Modifying the Front Pocket for Paddle Storage:
The Front Top (A1) and the Front Bottom (A2) pattern pieces have to be altered to ensure that the bag can fit two paddles comfortably.
Add ½” to the left and right sides of the Exterior and Lining Front Top pattern pieces.
The front top pieces (A1a & A1b) will now measure 12 ¼” at the widest point on the bottom.
Add ½” around the curved edge of the Front Bottom (A2) pattern piece.
Extend the darts on the Front Bottom piece as seen in the picture.
Note: If you are using fabric which is wider than 12”, then you can also consider increasing the width by about 0.75” to a full inch instead of ½”. This will accommodate thicker paddles or ones with paddle covers on them.
2. Adding an Adjustable Side Release Buckle:
Making the side release buckle on the Front Panel adjustable, would be useful to secure the handles further, especially if you want to carry only one handle.
- Cut the strip of webbing, for the male part of the buckle, about 8” long. Fold one of the ends of the webbing in twice by about ½” and stitch in place.
- Insert the free end of the webbing through the buckle and sew that end to the Front Panel.
3. Adding Elastic to Hold the Paddles in Place:
To keep one of the paddles securely in place, add a small strip of 0.25” to 1” wide, 7.5” long piece of elastic across the front pocket/flap.
The elastic runs horizontally, and is attached to the Large Main Panel (pattern piece D) approximately 8” up from the bottom.
4. Enlarging the Mesh Pocket for Pickleballs:
You can also adjust the size of the mesh pocket on the side of the bag to comfortably hold pickleballs. Cut the mesh fabric at about 8” x 9½”. The extra space makes it easier to fit pickleballs without them being too snug.
Note: A standard pickleball measures between 2.874” and 2.972” in diameter, so keep this in mind if you’re adjusting pocket sizes in your project.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re thinking of making your own pickleball bag, these small but effective modifications will help create a pickleball bag that fits two paddles while also having room for other essentials like pickleballs.
Disclaimer: I haven’t personally tested these modifications, as I don’t have a pickleball paddle to try them on. Therefore, I can’t fully verify the fit.
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