Zwwave2 is the second design in the Zero Waste Wave Bag series. Like its predecessor, the pattern is zero waste, meaning the bag is constructed from a single rectangular piece of fabric. Unlike its predecessor, the design is minimal in size and streamlined to fit only everyday essential items.
The envelope-style bag is simple yet distinctive with its signature wave shape on the front flap. The slender strap forms a loop for over-the-shoulder wearing. The bag’s interior is fully lined, secured by a magnetic closure, and features an additional interior pocket accessed via a welted zipper. Zwwave2 is light enough to be worn all day and slim enough that it’s possible to forget it’s even there.
PDF Details
Instructions full of diagrams and text, thoroughly outlining the process of making your own ZWWave2 bag
Minimal waste pattern: a paper-free cutting layout within instructions plus a 3-page pattern piece (Letter/A4, print-at-home friendly!)
Design Alternatives
This pattern is intended to be approachable and customizable. That said, there are two alternate designs or “hacks” included at the end of the pattern, both of which are more beginner-friendly while remaining zero waste.
Alt. 1 omits two components: the interior pocket and the sides, resulting in an ultra-slim design. Alt. 2 omits the interior pocket and includes ring hardware. The design results in a longer strap, so cross-body wear is possible.
Material Requirements
Fabric: a 12.5” x 34” (32x86 cm) piece becomes the bag’s exterior, interior, and strap. It is best suited in a medium-weight woven fabric, such as canvas, waxed canvas, or oilskin at 7-9 oz/yard (240-300 gsm).
Interfacing: medium-weight fusible interfacing is recommended to reinforce the bag fabric if it is not waxed canvas or oilskin, and/or if the fabric is lighter than 7 oz (240 gsm).
Foam Stabilizer: a 8.75” x 18” (22x45.5 cm) piece gives the bag structure. ByAnnie’s “Soft but Stable”, Vlieseline’s Style-Vil, or Pellon’s Flex-Foam is recommended.
Magnet: a sew-in magnet pair i.e. two disc magnets encapsulated in plastic, is the preferred magnet for the pattern as it ends up sewn-in and invisible. Alternatively, a magnet closure set, i.e. an outie and innie magnet, plus two reinforcement washers, can be used. Either should have a diameter of 3/4” (18 mm) or less.
Lining Fabric: (Default Design Only) a 7” x 10.25” (18x26 cm) piece becomes the interior pocket’s lining. It is best suited in a light-weight woven fabric.
Zipper: (Default Design Only) 6” (15 cm)-long, for the interior pocket.
Rings: (Alternate 2 Design Only) two rings (round, square or half-round/d-rings) with an inside diameter of 5/8” (16mm) connect the body to the strap.
Difficulty Level
This pattern is Intermediate Level. The bag’s construction requires sewing straight seams, sewing curved seams, edgestitching, inserting a magnet, inserting a welted zipper and lining, and working with a foam stabilizer. Optionally, there are also steps which include interfacing and hand sewing. The pattern offers tips and/or alternatives for the more challenging steps.
