Walking your dog is always more enjoyable when you’re prepared with a leash, treats, and poop bags. This FREE Dog Poop Bag Holder Sewing Pattern gives you a convenient place to store bags and keep them close at hand.
Clip it to your leash, bag, or belt loop, and you’re ready for every walk. It is quick to sew and easy to customize, this practical little pouch makes a great accessory for any dog owner.
Meet Wilson Johnson, our sweet, adorable, and handsome Australian Shepherd model for today’s project!
Why You Will Love This Sewing Project
This project is perfect if you want to sew something fast, functional, and cute. With just a few steps, you can make a personalized dog poop bag holder that clips to your dog’s leash and keeps you walk-ready. It also adds a little charm to your dog’s gear!
It makes a thoughtful gift for the dog lover in your life. Pair it with a few dog accessories or treats, and you have an easy, handmade gift. They will love it!
Best of all, it’s a great way to use fabric scraps and practice basic sewing skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Complete your dog’s cute accessory set with this easy dog bandana pattern and tutorial.
🐶 Get the Free Pattern
Print this free pattern and start sewing today
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Remember one thing: that you should not leave this earth until you have made it a little more beautiful, a little more lovelier, a little more loving.
— Osho
Materials
Here’s what you’ll need to sew up your dog waste bag holder.
Fabric
Cotton or canvas works best for durability and easy washing.
5-inch Nylon or Metal Zipper
A longer zipper can also be used by cutting it down to size.
Lobster Claw Clasp
Here are lots of lobster clasp options for attaching to leashes or belts.
Scissors, Pins, Iron, & Sewing Machine
Grab your usual supplies, including fabric scissors, straight pins, a sewing machine, an iron, and a pair of sharp snips.
Thread
All-purpose polyester thread to match your fabrics.
Grommet Kit
I used 1/2 inch grommet but 3/8 inch may work, also.
PDF Pattern
Download by clicking the button below.
Dog Waste Bags
You’ll need these to fill your waste bag holder after your project is complete.
Optional
Fusible interfacing, if you want a more structured holder.
Looking for more practical sewing projects? Try my elastic cushion cover, DIY bench cushion tutorial, and how to make a chair pad tutorial.
Variations
Size Options
Make a mini version for smaller dog poop bags or a larger one for extra storage.
Fabric Fun
Use themed fabrics, like dogs, paw prints, or your favorite colors. So many adorable fabrics available.
Additional Pockets
Add a small pocket for treats or hand sanitizer.
Closure Options
Swap a Velcro for a zipper or button closure for a different look for your dog poo bags.
For fun projects kids will love, check out how to sew a teddy bear outfit, DIY clothes for stuffed bear, and my free hobo bag pattern.
Instructions
Let’s get started! Follow the steps below to create your own doggie waste bag dispenser. The photos will guide you through each stage of construction so you can have your finished holder ready for your next walk.
1 Place the lining and outer fabric right sides together and position the zipper between the layers. The zipper pull should be facing the outer fabric.
2 Stitch the zipper to one side and press both the fabric pieces away from the zipper.
3 Repeat for the opposite side of the zipper, sandwiching the zipper between the fabric layers.
4 Open the zipper halfway before sewing the pouch. This will allow you to turn it right side out later.
5 Fold the fabric strip inward twice, lengthwise with right sides together, tucking the raw edge inside.
6 Stitch along the long edges. You can leave both ends unfinished; they will be hidden.
7 Slide the swivel clasp onto the loop and position it between the outer fabric layers.
8 Align all raw edges, matching the zipper seams. Position the fabric loop between the outer fabric layers as shown and clip or pin everything securely.
9 Stitch both ends of the pouch, then trim away the corners as shown. This reduces bulk and prepares the pouch for boxing the corners.
10 To create the boxed corners, match the side seam to the bottom seam and flatten the corner. Pin or clip in place, then sew across the corner. Repeat for all remaining corners.
11 Trim the boxed corners if needed.
12 Use a fabric marker to mark the location where you want to install your grommet. Use the manufacturer’s instructions to install the grommet through both the outer and lining layers. The grommet opening will allow bags to feed smoothly and easily from inside the pouch.
FAQs
Yes! Scrap cotton or canvas work well and add a personal touch.
You can sew in a keyring clip, webbing loop, or carabiner. It’s quick, secure, and easy to use.
Yes, use a waterproof fabric like oilcloth or coat your cotton fabric with a fabric sealant.
Most people finish it in under an hour, making it a perfect quick sewing project.
Tips and Tricks
- Press your seams before topstitching for a neat, professional look.
- Combine contrasting threads or fabric pieces for a more fun, eclectic style.
- Reinforce the clip attachment with extra stitching for strength and durability. You’ll use this a lot!
- Test your bag dispenser opening with a standard poop bag roll before finishing.
For more beginner-friendly projects, check out my DIY cloth bag, drawstring bag with French seams, easy basket liner, and heart eye pillow pattern.
If you make a DIY dog poop bag holder, let me know in the comments below! I love seeing your creations.
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xo,
Cindy
Did you make this project?
I would love to hear all about it! Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest!
Thank you!
About Bloom
Cindy Munson is a lifelong sewer, pattern designer, and former graphic design studio owner. She shares approachable, stylish sewing projects through her blog, Be Brave and Bloom. Her mission is to help others discover the joy of making and live a more creative life. Cindy works from her sunny sewing studio in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband of over 30 years.
Hi Cindy,
This is such a cute bag, but I can’t seem to find the download. When I click on it, the same page that I was on pops up. Can you tell me what size the main body and lining are? I can probably figure it out from there.
Thanks so much,
Linda
Hi Linda, I got the pattern. The measurements are 6 inches by 7 inches. I didn’t see a measurement for the box corners. What do you think would work? I don’t know if you have to pay extra to get the measurements. Kinda weird that it isn’t included.
On second thought, I think this is AI content. What sewing would leave out measurements!
Hi Christine! The project is not AI-generated. I’m very much a hard-working human. 😊 I designed, sewed, photographed, and wrote the tutorial myself.
The free PDF includes the full-size printable pattern pieces, so you don’t need separate measurements. Just print the pattern at 100% and use the pieces as your cutting templates, much like you would with a commercial sewing pattern. There is no extra charge for measurements or any part of the pattern.
Thanks for letting me know the download was confusing, though. I’ll take another look at the instructions to see if I can make them more clear.
Happy sewing!
Hi Linda, Thanks for letting me know you’re having trouble downloading it. I’m emailing you the free PDF pattern here so you have it.
The PDF includes the full-size pattern pieces, so just print it at 100% and use those as your cutting templates. Hope this helps, and enjoy making the bag!
This little pouch is such a fun way to use your favorite fabric scraps, and it makes a great gift for any dog lover! I’d love to know what fabric you would choose for yours. Please leave any sewing questions below, too. I’m always happy to help!