PPC36: the Sketch & the Prototype
So... while we were overseas this summer, I noticed quite a few gals wearing their phone tethered to what looked like a crossbody strap...
which made me think....
if they're already wearing a crossbody strap, why not add a couple of pockets to it, so you might could avoid carrying a bag at all? Instead of "Cargo Pants", it would be kinda like a "Cargo Strap"!
So when I got home, I started messing around with this idea, and here's what I came up with! I mean if you're going to wear a strap, why not incorporate a couple of other storage options and be totally handsfree?
In these photos you can see two separate zippered pockets and in the photo on the right, there's a pair of sunglasses hooked thru a d-ring tab!
Above left- the larger zippered pouch can easily hold 3 cards... maybe a credit card, a debit card and a driver's license.
Above right- and there would be plenty of room in here to also house your phone if you desired.
Here's how this setup would look with a phone tethered at the bottom clips.
And here's the deal... I'm thinking, why not just unclip your regular strap & clip in your cargo strap and STILL be handsfree?
This Fabric- which I call "Flowering Stripes", is available on our Fabrics page. Just click HERE to check it out or to pick up a package for YOUR next project. It's by Carla Reed for Sykel Enterprises (a division of Fabrique Innovations).
Overall, I'm pretty happy with this prototype for a 1st effort, but there are a few changes I'll be making before make the next sample...
- I'll be placing the two Pouches closer together, (not as much blank space).
- I'm not exactly thrilled with the top or bottom connector areas.
- I'd like to change up the look of the Pouches so they aren't quite so boxy looking.
- And I think I'd prefer to have the Card Caddy to be placed on the dropdown flap of the larger Pouch mainly because it would be easier to access the cards that way, but the customer could make this choice.
But do stay tuned for the next post in this series,
to see these changes come to life!
And now.... it's YOUR turn!
I'd love to get some feedback on how you feel about this design thus far! If you have comments you'd like to share, suggestions you'd like to make, or questions you'd like to ask about this design in general or this sample in specific, (and I hope you do), please feel free to leave any or all in the space provided below.
How about a zipper compartment (s) along the side seam for storing cards, dollars, and other flat-ish things?
well, there’s already a card caddy INSIDE the larger pouch. You might want to click the link and check out the interior. https://bit.ly/SKDppc36sketch
You’re on to something! I think it would be helpful for people who need to keep phones and or medical items on them for safety reasons. And its great for traveling.
I agree MAry and thanks for commenting. I can’t wait to show you MORE! 🙂
This is such a fun idea. Is Cargo Strap going to be its name? Good idea to remove the regular strap from one of the bags I’ve made in the past and hook it onto the cargo strap to change it up. I probably have scraps left over that would work to coordinate the strap and one of my bags. Or, I do love buying more fabric, so I could make a new bag AND the cargo strap!
I can’t wait to see what you create! 🙂
I would love to see the cell phone zipper compartment large enough to hold larger cell phones like the Samsung s24 Ultra 25 or 26 ultra? Everything seems to be made for iPhones but a lot of us have larger Samsung phones that we’d like to be able to fit in pouches!
Thanks for commenting Dawn- I think you’ll be pleased to know that the larger of the two pouches will definitely accommodate either of these Samsung phones! 🙂
Love this idea! I have a 31 bag that is a skinny 1/2 inch strap with one pocket for my phone and 3 cards (DL, Health card, CC). I use it when I go to exercise class.
If it has a d-ring at each corner, then you could actually hook it to this strap in place of the “skinny 1/2″strap” one it came with. 🙂
I’m a 2x a day daily walker. Lack of pockets and having to transfer from one bag to another is a pain. I see using this strap on my walks…being able to hook doggie waste bags and collapsible bowl onto ends…and being able to go to grocery store hands free without having to change from one bag to another!!! Can’t wait for final product!!! This would be a game changer for me!!!! Looking forward to the final product ♥️♥️♥️
These are all good ideas and I’m thrilled to hear your interest. Thanks so much for commenting! 🙂
So clever! I think I would like to just have a phone holder that is like a pocket, so I can just slide it in and out. But, that might just be a doable pattern option for personal preference. Love it.
Well actually, the larger of the two pockets is sized so that it will accommodate even the largest smart phones currently on the market! Thats where I would probably carry my phone when I use this strap. 🙂
You are a very clever Kat! I can see this being very useful. I would use the bottom hooks for my small water bottle holder on my weekend walks. Seems roomy enough for phone, car keys, money, and ID. I love it!
Oh I never though about a water bottle! That’s a great idea Cynthia!
🙂
Nice. Looks like one could wear it around one’s waist as well. Like a modified Fanny Pack, which I use for my phone and cards when I go horseback riding. . Personally, I would never dangle my phone, I’d rather put in it a zippered pocket.
Thats the way I would use it too, but there are many who prefer it on the outside. The larger of the two zipper pouches will easily accommodate the largest cell phone on the market today.
🙂
I like easier access to the phone, love the card slots.
Thanks for commenting Audrey! I like to have my phone handy as well! 🙂
Love this design! Someone mentioned slipping their phone in and am wondering how hard would it be to have double ended/two zippers for the big pocket. That way the zipper could be left open on the top with just enough room to slip in the phone and take it back out quickly and easily:)
Thats exactly what we recommend for the larger pocket! I guess great minds think alike! 🙂
I’d love this. I’ve downsized from my purses and this would fit my style perfectly.
This would be great for airport traveling. Having what you need close & safe. Wonderful idea!
Thank you Deb! This is great to hear! 🙂
I think this is great. Purse downsizing is definitely a thing. I like your thought about putting the credit card holder down lower for easier access. I also liked someone’s suggestion of putting a zipper kind of along the length for more secure credit card storage. Can’t wait for the pattern to be released.
I’m glad this design appeals to you Pat! We are featuring a credit card caddy in the larger of the two Pouches and its secured by a zippered closure.
🙂
This looks perfect for a minimal hands-free set up. I work in schools and often need a pen and my phone and not much else. This option could work well. I look forward to seeing how it shapes up. A while ago I tried a camera bag strap like this, but like how you’ve made the cargo strap different widths in the front and back. That fits my needs a bit better.
That sounds like a good idea for school. I think it would be great in the airport too. I’m wondering if they would count this as the “personal item”?
Love the idea. I will definitely be making several of these straps. I will use them for traveling, walking, shopping trips & just about every where I go in a hurry. It sure saves on the body when you don’t carry a heavy purse everywhere you go. Also it would come in handy to use to carry or attach your camera if you still use a separate one when vacationing or just for pictures. Believe it or not even some of my grandkids love separate expensive cameras these days. Looking forward to the pattern becoming available. Thanks
That’s interesting about the camera. I’ve heard elsewhere that folks are going back to regular cameras, but I’m not sure why! 😀
I like all of the other suggestions, but I have another thought. Please consider adding a security fabric to ward off any potential thief’s scanning devices. Lose credit cards, drivers’ license ID cards could be a fun day for a thief.
Adding a strap of the knife resistant fabric was another thought that went through my mind.
Looking forward to the final product. Thank you for showing and sharing your amazing talent.
Lynn
Thats a good idea about the security fabric, but you know… when I’m just protecting credit card slots, my go is generally good old fashioned aluminum foil. I use it in place of the interfacing that I would normally apply to the slots.
🙂 (it’s a lot cheaper).
I love the idea of a strap purse,so handy.Perhaps an outer clear slot on the upper pocket for an ID badge when attending quilt shows etc is yet another idea.It would avoid having another item hanging around your neck.
Well that would work Marje. I never thought of that! 🙂
What a great idea!!! My granddaughters love their cargo pants and would really enjoy a cargo strap in their favorite colors! I liked the idea of larger pockets and zippers too.
I love hearing this! If you decide to make this project, I would love to see your granddaughters wearing them! 🙂
Love this! I’m also a walker and haven’t ever found the perfect bag/pouch etc., my only addition would be a key fob swivel inside which would be easy to add.
Well actually, the key fob could easy be stored in either of the two pouch areas. 🙂 And I’m glad this design is of interest to you! Please stay tuned for more.
🙂