Tried and Tested Beach Bags

If you're anywhere in the UK at the moment it probably means you're also in the midst of a heatwave right now. It is HOT and also my favourite type of weather.

I went to visit my family last weekend down in the countryside, which was such a beautiful escape from the heat of the city. My little sister took a trip to the beach with her friend on the Sunday and in typical teenager fashion tried to get as tanned as possible in one day.

She came back so sunburnt and was complaining for days. It made me laugh so much. Not because she was burnt of course, but because it reminded me of my younger self so much. I'm a heat and sun lover but also very much a shade seeker too these days.

The sun is strong at the moment. Look after yourself - drink lots of water and rest if you need.

I have a little trip away to Barcelona this weekend (feeling very lucky), and then also planning to visit my best friend next week down in Brighton on the coast of England, so I'm going to learn from my sisters mistakes and try my best not to get burnt.

All this sun and beach talk has got me thinking about my summer wardrobe - which sewing patterns I plan to make and most importantly which beach bag...

A good beach bag can make or break a beach trip and if it's a good one you love, will get used nearly everyday over summer.

By now, I've used nearly every one of the bags on the website to take to the beach, and so after a good amount of trial and error I think have worked out which ones work and which ones don't.

For example: the small Disco bag, as much as I love it, does not manage to hold everything I could possibly need at the beach. The Large Knot Bag on the other hand - surprisingly versatile! 'Knotting' it up before a dip in the ocean somehow makes me feel safer about leaving it on the beach if I'm there solo too.

Below I've rounded up a list of my absolute favourite makes for the beach if you're also planning some time down by the coast now the sun is back (and summer is just around the corner). I hope you enjoy!

And, if you're about to hunker down into winter if you're in the southern hemisphere - I hope these bags bring some sunshine to the colder days and maybe some bag inspiration if you have a winter getaway planned.

TRIED & TESTED BEACH BAGS

1. Large Utility Tote
Number 1 for a reason - it is everyone's favourite for beaches, markets, travels and more. It's large (in the name) and has long sturdy straps that are sewn down the length of the bag.
If you make it with all the inside pockets too then that's 6 pockets in total to fill with suncream, sunglasses, keys, phone, book, you name it - there's a pocket for it.

2. Large Origami Bag
All the bags on the list are 'large' as it feels like when you go to the beach you always needs lots of stuff. This one ticks that box with being able to carry everything you could possibly need. Just chuck it in and you're ready to go. It's the quickest bag to make on the list so great if you want one in a hurry.
Tip: This pattern always works to make the 'viral knot bag' that has been doing the rounds on insta recently! Just got up to step 8 in the tutorial and then follow any of the videos online.

3. Large Knot Bag
As mentioned above - I love this one for solo beach trips to 'knot' everything up when taking dips in the sea. It makes me feel like my valuables are secure and away from prying eyes.

4. Everyway Tote
Both sizes of this bag make great beach bags - the square base is the perfect shape for folded towels and books. And the long and short handles make it easy to grab it anyway (on the shoulder / on the elbow) if public transport is needed to get to the beach.

5. Large Staple Sling
This one is such a summer favourite and the large size will comfortably fit a towel, some swimmers, a book and sunscreen. If you want to lengthen the straps and wear it crossbody - there are steps on how to do this at the end of the sewing manual.

6. Large Chunky Handle Tote
Another one to chuck everything and the kitchen sink in. The Large size is large and makes a great bag when you're spending the whole day out as a family and need beach essentials plus picnic bits and more.

7. Duffel Bag
This is my favourite when the beach destination is in an intrepid place and you might need both hands to get down there. Pull the cords closed and wear it like it rucksack with all the beach bits safely inside.

8. Large Shopper Bag
This one surprised me as a beach bag - I had always used it as a grocery bag but it's also the perfect shape and size for the beach too! Who knew....
I hacked the pattern recently and made a lace version of it - you can find the tutorial for it here.

Let me know if you make any of them them! Or if you have already have a favourite beach bag and why - I always love hearing from you and seeing all your tags on instagram.

With love,

Fleur xx

P.S. In true sewist fashion I'm planning on making myself something to take on holiday with me this weekend that I'll probably be up to midnight the night before I leave making it.

I was hoping I could make a new Utility Tote but as I'm stretched for time it might have to be another Large Origami or maybe the 'Viral Knot' using the Large Origami pattern. I've seen that it can be whipped up in 20 mins. Wish me luck.